"It sure _is_ fast," Eakins said, his voice conversational again.
"Fastest damned bug I've ever seen. Jumped on my neck, stung me and
jumped off again."
"How do you feel?" Sorensen asked.
"Fine," Eakins said. "Hardly felt the sting."
"Where is the bug now?"
"Back in the bush."
"The animals?"
"They went away. You know," Eakins said, "maybe this thing doesn't
work on humans. Maybe--"
"What?" Sorensen asked. "What's happening now?"
There was a long silence. Then Eakins' voice, low-pitched and calm,
came over the walkie-talkie.
"We'll speak with you again later," Eakins said. "We must take
consultation now and decide what to do with you."
"_Eakins!_"
There was no answer from the other end of the walkie-talkie.