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you can't live by ours, but if we're to live in peace, with no fence between us, and if I'm to let the hive queen live with you and help you and teach you, then you have to make us some promises, and keep them. Do you understand?"
"I understand," said Human. "But you don't know what you're asking for, to deal with the wives. They're not smart the way that the brothers are smart."
"They make all the decisions, don't they?"
"Of course," said Human. "They're the keepers of the mothers, aren't they? But I warn you, it's dangerous to speak to the wives. Especially for you, because they honor you so much."
"If the fence comes down, I have to speak to the wives. If I can't speak to them, then the fence stays up, and Miro dies, and we'll have to obey the Congressional Order that all the humans of Lusitania must leave here." Ender did not tell them that the humans might well be killed. He always told the truth, but he didn't always tell it all.
"I'll take you to the wives," said Human.
Leaf-eater walked up to him and ran his hand derisively across Human's belly. "They named you right," he said. "You are a human, not one of us." Leaf-eater started to run away, but Arrow and Cups held him.
"I'll take you," said Human. "Now, stop the fence and save Miro's life."
Ender turned to the Bishop.
"It's not my decision," said the Bishop. "It's Bosquinha's."
"My oath is to the Starways Congress," said Bosquinha, "but I'll perjure myself this minute to save the lives of my people. I say the fence comes down and we try to make the most of our rebellion."
"If we can preach to the piggies," said the Bishop.
"I'll ask them when I meet with the wives," said Ender. "I can't promise more than that." "Bishop!" cried Novinha. "Pipo and Libo already died beyond that fence!"
"Bring it down," said the Bishop. "I don't want to see this colony end with God's work here still untouched." He smiled grimly. "But Os Venerados had better be made saints pretty soon. We'll need their help."
"Jane," murmured Ender.
"That's why I love you," said Jane. "You can do anything, as long as I set up the circumstances just right."