"Did you just return from Earth, Bilal?" First Mother asked.
Bilal resisted turning yellow. "Yes."
His First Mother followed as he headed for his living quarters. "You have been going there quite a lot."
"I like Earth," he said. "And there is much to discover."
"Bilal, your fathers and mother and I have become worried. You seem preoccupied. And also …" A tentacle appeared, and she held dandelion caps in them.
Bilal's body turned black. "You've been in my quarters?"
"I was worried. Bilal, you promised that you wouldn't use this again. Is that what you do on Earth?"
"No! I mean, yes, but I don't do it all the time. Mother-Mina, you had no right to invade my personal space."
"Yes, I did. I had every right."
Bilal relaxed his body. "Throw that away, Mother. I haven't consumed any of
