He dropped his hand, said: "I am Lewis Orne of Rediscovery and
Reeducation. I was sent here at the request of the First-Contact officer
on the _Delphinus Rediscovery_."
"Where is your ship?" demanded the Gienahn.
"It put me down and left."
"Why?"
"It was behind schedule for another appointment."
* * * * *
Out of the corners of his eyes, Orne saw more shadows dropping to the
mud around him. The sled shifted as someone climbed onto the load behind
the cab. The someone scuttled agilely for a moment.
The native climbed down to the cab's side step, opened the door. The
rifle was held at the ready. Again, the lipless mouth formed Galactese
words: "What do you carry in this ... vehicle?"
"The equipment every R&R field man uses to help the people of a
rediscovered planet improve themselves." Orne nodded at the rifle.
"Would you mind pointing that weapon some other direction? It makes me
nervous."
The gun muzzle remained unwaveringly on Orne's middle. The native's
mouth opened, revealing long canines. "Do we not look strange to you?"
"I take it there's been a heavy mutational variation in the humanoid
norm on this planet," said Orne. "What is it? Hard radiation?"
No answer.
"It doesn't really make any difference, of course," said Orne. "I'm here
to help you."
"I am Tanub, High Path Chief of the Grazzi," said the native. "I decide
who is to help."
Orne swallowed.
"Where do you go?" demanded Tanub.
"I was hoping to go to your city. Is it permitted?"
A long pause while the vertical-slit pupils of Tanub's eyes expanded and
contracted. "It is permitted."
Stetson's voice came through the hidden speaker: _"All bets off. We're
coming in after you. That Mark XX is the final straw. It means they have
the_ Delphinus _for sure!"_