Why Helome? Part 2

This is Part 2 of the conversation between Rei and Rome that took place a little over eight months after the events that occurred in Rome's Evolution.

     "You mean like The Great Dying?" Rei offered.
     "Yes, even though we know that was man-made," Rome answered. "There was always a chance of a natural, new disease. Or an asteroid. Or a freak solar flare. It was possible that the Vuduri could be exterminated."
     "I get it," Rei said. "So the Overmind was just trying to protect itself. And he told you it was for all Vuduri."
     "Yes," Rome said, nodding. "There really isn't much of a difference. When the survey crew came back and announced that not only was there a habitable world orbiting Rogal Canduro but one that was actually superior to Earth, the Overmind didn't hesitate to establish a colony there."
     "What about Deucado?" Rei asked. "Surely the odds of two worlds being wiped out at the same time was infinitesimal."
     "I like it here, Mommy," Aason added.
     "Of course you do, baby," Rome said, "this is your home. But to your point," she addressed to Rei, "remember that the Onsiras were in the background, planting seeds. The Overmind specifically kept Helome ethnically pure, Vuduri only. So Deucado was established just in case there were any mandasurte who wanted to leave Earth, they would have a place to go."
     "Hmmm," Rei said. "Very clever. I'll have to think about it some more."
     With that, he finished clearing the dishes and carried them into the kitchen.

Of course, we know Rome was right. The Overmind by its very nature was not naturally curious. That was established early on in Rome's Revolution. In fact, the Overmind had never ventured out to Nu2 Lupi or Beta Hydri to even see if there were habitable worlds. At least the question regarding Nu2 Lupi will be answered in the upcoming novel The Milk Run which should be available early next year.