"It seems obvious that in a wholly organic creature the effect would be worse. But tell us, Elilandemilaki, how stable and predictable are your humans?"

"Not very," she admits. "But if I keep them isolated from the rest of the Empire, there won't be any societal repercussions."

"I was actually not referring to the 'humans,' but to the hypothetical products of their manufacture."

"...I acknowledge Evandemilaki's point about Corals and Ambers, although I think further study might be needed to discover whether the correlation is meaningful; I think the idea that products of human manufacture could be somehow unavoidably tainted by their origin is... much less plausible than that."

"Your point is acknowledged."

"Regardless," says Evandemilaki. "It's possible that you could make use of the humans as you describe, Elilandemilaki. But I don't think we need you to, and I don't want to see you wasting centuries of your life trying to organize millions of inherently disorderly creatures into a functioning industrial society."

"We don't have billions of Spinels to need replacing."

"I disagree with your conclusions," says Elilandemilaki.

"Then explain your reasoning."

"I don't like to waste things. Eradicating the humans would be an enormous waste."

"One's personal likes and dislikes are not grounds to allocate significant resources."

"I'm hardly choosing the design of my Pearl here, Mirandemilaki. My dislike of waste is not a trivial aesthetic preference; it's a practical rule grounded in practical reasoning, and I think it has a place in this conversation."

"I do appreciate your perspective, Elilandemilaki, but in this case I don't think it's a sufficient reason to delay the development of your first planet any longer."

"I agree completely."

Lisandemilaki doesn't look entirely happy. But she conspicuously fails to disagree.

"I truly believe that proceeding on schedule with the eradication of Earth's biosphere is the wrong decision," says Elilandemilaki.

"Your opinion has been noted."

She takes a moment to collect herself.

"Evandemilaki," she says, addressing the most senior Diamond directly, "I want a chance. I can develop this opportunity without causing any disruption to the rest of the Empire. If the project doesn't go well, I can cancel it and resume Quartz production at any time. I don't think we lose anything by taking the time to investigate the usefulness of humans."

"It would only give you more time to get attached to an ultimately unworkable idea. No."

"Lisandemilaki? Your opinion?"

"I am sorry, but I must agree with Evandemilaki."

She sighs.

"Very well. I recognize the council's decision, and I will proceed appropriately with the original plan."

"Good."

Lisandemilaki shoots Mirandemilaki a disapproving look and gives Elilandemilaki a warm, relieved smile.

She smiles back, not without some disappointment, and ignores Mirandemilaki entirely.

"I'll keep you updated on my progress."