Koenig receives a report of an intruder in the Recreation Section: Zamara. Her last experiment a failure, she is reviewing the entire micro-disc library for a literary example of humans driven to commit murder. After a stun-gun blast has no effect on the android, she informs them all the Vegans are part of a complete and indestructible chain. Her search ends with Shakespeare's Othello, discovering the emotion of jealousy can compel humans to kill. Koenig informs her that the scheme will not work with Helena and Verdeschi as they are not lovers—he is Helena's lover, and (to get her down to the planet) identifies Maya to be Verdeschi's. Zamara travels to Vega with Koenig and Maya. She plans to manipulate the Othello scenario to its full potential. Zarl/Iago will seduce Helena/Desdemona, and the all-consuming jealousy of her lover Koenig/Othello will inflame him to commit murder. Watching the tender reunion between Koenig and Helena, Zarl is uncertain and questions if they could be missing something by rejecting the emotion of love. The four Alphans pool their information and come up with a plan of action. Maya transforms into a native bird to escape the garden unnoticed. She can hopefully circumvent the energy barrier and inspect the master computer for any exploitable weakness. With Verdeschi's help, Koenig will contain his anger until she shuts down the system. The seduction begins, with the masculine android sweeping Helena away into an erotic dance. Zarl's advances are blatant, but Helena's response is impassive; she is concerned that any resistance could be translated into an act of aggression. The music's tempo increases, and Zarl's moves become more wild and provocative. Helena is able to deflect his caressing hands with her own non-aggressive motions coordinated with the dance. Koenig fumes silently under the scrutiny of the Vegans as Zarl's gentle rape progresses. A passive Helena is lowered onto a pile of cushions by Zarl. Emotions stirring, the Vegan plants a passionate kiss on her mouth. In spite of herself, she is aroused. Maya returns with grave news: the computer has a fail-safe mechanism—interference with its power source initiates an explosion that could destroy the entire planet. Koenig leaps into action as he sees Helena surrendering herself to Zarl's foreplay. He pulls the android man off her and slugs him. The Vegans are elated; they have finally witnessed an act of violence and rage. Goaded on by Zamara,