"Welcome, Mediator," her translation unit sang. The fungi communicated via ambient particles that suffused the air. In close quarters it was efficient enough. There seemed to be no central figure; the fungus was spread out all around the dome. It was nevertheless a Glamor; she felt the aura. Glamors knew each other, when they were trying, even when the underlying species were completely alien to each other. Apparently the translator interpreted the signals as melodic.
Well, she could handle that. She unlimbered her dulcimer and donned her finger hammers.
"Greeting, Fungus," she sang in response, inventing an impromptu tune.
"I am Gale, of the human culture, Glamor of Lichen. This is my offspring, Vila, mortal."
"We will safeguard your offspring," the fungus sang. All this was interspecies protocol, verifying friendly relations. It was serious; a patch of glowing fungus across the dome beckoned to Vila, who went to inspect it.
"I need specifics on your quarrel. I can't promise to resolve it, but I will make an effort."
The sound expanded, becoming encompassing with deep vibrations. An illusion picture appeared before them. It was a barren planet, with a few mountain ridges, valleys, and a great deal of water. It was surrounded by an atmosphere made up mainly of water vapor. "This is Prospect," the translator sang. "A world suitable for seeding. The temperature, atmosphere, and raw material are compatible. It will add significantly to our assembly."
"So it seems," Gale sang.
"But the Alga covet it. We do not believe they have a case."
Now the crux. "Can you share it?"
"Negation. We shall need to terraform it slightly for our purpose. The Alga could not use it then."
"And if the Alga terraform it to adapt it to their purpose, it will not be suitable for you," Gale said.
"They are plants," the Fungus said witheringly.
"Discussion: I am the Glamor of Lichen, which is a symbiosis between fungus and Alga. Together these forms of life can accomplish things neither can separately. Would this not be a suitable joint venture?"
"Negation," the Fungus sang firmly.
So much for that. She could talk with this culture, but she couldn't make it be reasonable.
"I will need to meet with Alga," she sang. "To ascertain whether there is an avenue."
"They have only to yield to our reasonable case."
And of course they would not. "Appreciation," she sang. "Vila."
Vila reluctantly left the patch of glowing fungus, which it seemed had presented quite a diversion. They conjured to the Alga contact station.
This, too, was compatibly set up, with Charm-normal gravity, pleasant temperature, and sweet-smelling air. There the resemblance ended. They were on a mat of variegated fibers, floating on an extensive sea. The mat was their contact Glamor. Vila was intrigued, gazing out across the water at the other floating mats.
"Salutation, mediator," the translator said as the mat hissed.
"Greeting, Alga," Gale responded politely.
"You have been acquainted with the issue."
"Agreement."
"Prospect is obviously suitable for our colonization. It is largely a water world."
"Agreement. But fungus can exist on land or in water."
"So can Alga. We will need to terraform it slightly; then it will be entirely suitable, and a respectable addition to our complement."
"But Fungus also wishes to colonize this planet."
"Damned mushrooms! They have no claim."
She had to try. "Could you compromise, and colonize it together?"
"Never!"
As expected. "I am supposed to decide this issue," Gale said. "But if neither culture will share, it will have to be one or the other."
"Naturally. We are eager to claim it."
"I will have to withdraw to consider."
"We are sure you will appreciate the merit of our case."
Gale collected Vila and conjured them back home. "You've got a problem," Vila remarked brightly.
"You have an answer?"
"Sure. Find another planet."
Gale paused. Could it be that simple? "Where?"
"They're next to the twins, aren't they? Maybe the twins have one they aren't using."
"I will check. I know Vra and Arv."
"They're off with Warp somewhere. They don't want to be found."
That was true. Ward and the female twins had returned to the Twins culture, not yet having had enough of each other. It certainly seemed as though her son had found himself a pair of Glamor mistresses. That was just as well, because if there was any man who liked women as well as Havoc did, it was Warp.
"Then I'll find Marionette." She reached out telepathically.
Marionette
I am here, albeit worn out.
She was with the male Glamors, Pso and Osp. It had been several days, and though the mistress was phenomenally talented, she wasn't a Glamor.
Gale pondered briefly then decided.
I will exchange places with you. You take care of Vila.
Gladly!
Gale made a magic effort, and changed places. Now she was with the male twins, who were visiting the human culture. She had not seen them before. They were excruciatingly handsome. She knew it was crafted rather than natural, but it remained impressive. "I am Queen Gale," she said. "I need a favor."
They studied her, impressed themselves. "We will oblige if we are able," Pso said.
"I need to find a vacant habitable planet. Preferably watery."
"Habitable for what species?" Osp asked.
"Fungus or Alga."
They shook their heads together. "We know of none."
She was getting desperate. "Will you help me look? This is for the benefit of the Living Cultures Coalition."
They looked at her. "Travel with you?" Pso asked.
"You know our nature," Osp said.
"You are Glamors. So am I."
They nodded. They had an understanding.
They took her to the Twins culture, to clear it with their people. She didn't need an ikon, because theirs were here, so they could transport and protect her. That was part of the larger understanding they had as Glamors.
Warp's eyes widened when he saw her. "You're into this, Ma?"
"I'm on a mission," she said shortly. "No fault."
"Okay." He knew she had the same sexual rights as Havoc. He just wasn't used to seeing his mother exercise them.
"Marionette is watching Vila."
"Okay," he repeated.
The twins took her around their systems. They showed her how their real forms were not nearly as close to human as their crafted ones. But she was already picking up on their nuances of character. They were close enough. "Where is your bower?"
They took her to Pso's private suite. They normally lived apart from each other, in the absence of a suitable female. On occasion they got together with Vra and Arv, but this dalliance with a whole woman truly intrigued them. They had had to be somewhat gentle with Marionette. That was no longer necessary.
Gale stripped. So did they. They came together, overlapping. They clasped, standing. Her two arms reached around their two backs. Their four arms found her breasts and buttocks simultaneously This was different!
She lifted herself up against them, and lowered herself onto their united member. She wrapped her legs about their single loin while they continued to caress her breasts and buttocks. She kissed one mouth, then the other. This was fun!
She felt their orgasm gathering, and clenched her internal muscles to bring it off. They jetted, and she held them close while she worked up to her own. She felt the ejaculate coursing into her vagina, and squeezing back out of it to drip on the floor. They were Glamors; they could spurt for some time.