realization that we have no other choice.â The burly Supervisor carefully adjusted a leg scarf.
Looks-at-Charts waited a properly deferential moment. âDo we anticipate violence?â As a sign of respect he adjusted a scarf of his own.
âWe do not. We can not. If contact proves unavoidable, violence must be abjured, regardless of the consequences. The damage to the Quozl psyche would be worse than anything the natives could do. You and your colleagues must keep that always in mind when you go down.â
Looks-at-Charts forgot all his other questions. âGo down? It has been decided, then?â
The Supervisor looked back at the closed door. âNot yet, but it will come soon. They must decide that way. There is no other choice.â
Looks-at-Charts breathed deeply but hid it from his Senior lest he be considered impolite. âWhen?â
âPerhaps as soon as tomorrow. One ship. You, Burden-carries-Far, others to be determined. A full complement.â
It made perfect sense, Looks-at-Charts knew. One ship first, in case of hostilities or unforeseen complications. Survey would take longer, but this way there would be insurance. For those on the Sequencer . Not for those who went down first. He reminded himself to lay out his finest attire.
The Landing Supervisor was checking his chronometer. âWho would you take?â he asked unexpectedly.
Looks-at-Charts thought quickly.
âFlies-by-Tail scores highest in simulations. Sheâs quick and sure.â
âWhat about the scientific complement?â
Looks-at-Charts dropped eyes and ears deferentially. âI am not so certain I am qualified to choose among experts not in my field.â
âDonât be so modest. You all know each other. Come, Iâm asking your advice.â
âSince you ask, I would take Breathes-hard-Out as meteorologist and Walks-with-Whispers for geology. I beg indulgence for my poor selections.â
âYou need a xenologist.â
Looks-at-Charts considered. The xenologist would have to be female, since the idea of taking an unbalanced crew was unthinkable. He didnât have to think long.
âStands-while-Sitting.â
Lifts-with-Shout was clearly surprised. âShe is fifth generation. I applaud your respect but beg additional explanation.â
âI know, but sheâs still active sexually and anyway, mating considerations and compatability should not be foremost in these determinations. The science group will need internal direction and sheâll be senior to the others.â
âSome say she is actually fourth generation.â
âI donât care. Iâve met her several times and wouldnât mind mating with her myself. Sheâll be a steadying influence on the entire sextet, especially if the unforeseen happens and we stumble into any of the natives. Iâd like to have her knowledge and experience with us.â
âAs you wish. I commend your choice, but make certain everyone takes the proper coupling suppressants prior to departure.â
Looks-at-Charts acknowledged strongly. âTime enough for that later if everything goes well. We donât want to be dealing with hormonal distractions on the surface of Shiraz.â
âNo, we donât,â the Landing Supervisor agreed. âI disagree with none of your choices, and Iâm certain the Captain will concur.â
It was all going smoothly enough, Looks thought to himself. They would land, engage in a flurry of studies, select a burrow-site, and bring down the Sequencer , all while avoiding contact with the combative natives. Glory without conflict. Their names would fill entire history texts. He was wholly optimistic. He had to be. They all had to be because there was nowhere else for them to go.
Lifts-with-Shout turned to leave but the scout begged a last question. âAre we positive the natives have no means of detecting the Sequencer while we remain in
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