The mers were also designed to reproduce only at long intervals, in order to maintain the natural balance of the environment in which they were placed.
Joan D. VingeBut what force in the galaxy is stronger than she is?" "Indifference." Jerusha surprised herself with the answer. "Indifference, Gundhalinu, is the strongest force in the universe. It makes everything it touches meaningless. Love and hate don't stand a chance against it. It lets neglect and decay and monstrous injustice go unchecked. It doesn't act, it allows. And that's what gives it so much power.
Joan D. VingeWhat does immortality mean to me? That we all want more time; and we want it to be quality time.
Joan D. Vinge