“Then how—” Varian began indignantly.
“The descendants would only get partial claims,” Lunzie explained hurriedly. “Don’t worry about that now. Consider this instead: once their relief ship arrives, it will at most certainly contain sleds and instrumentation. They’ll be able to mount a full-scale search for our shuttle.”
“That doesn’t mean they’ll find it.
“I suppose we won’t have to produce a shuttle,” Lunzie said.
“It’s away mapping the continent,” Varian announced airily.
“Regulations don’t specify how large a search party has to be, so five of us are all our ship could send. And Tor knows—” Varian let out a whoop of laughter that caused Lunzie to wince as the sound reverberated in the confines of the sled’s canopy. “Those heavyworlders have outsmarted themselves, Bakkun and Berru included. This planet’s been Thek-claimed for millions of years, if that core Tor was so nardling eager to disinter was Thek-manufactured. And it has to be.”
“Whether it is or isn’t, Varian, may not be germane, considering the span of time since its implantation. You can be certain that Bakkun included precise details of the rich transuranic potential of Ireta when that homing capsule was launched. An expedition will arrive equipped to strip this planet as thoroughly as the Others. And argue about who had the right to do so later.”
A shudder ran through Varian’s body. “Are there really any Others, Lunzie?”
“No one knows. I’ve stood on one of those barren worlds that must once have been as lush and lovely—and as rich—as this one.”
“The mutineers mustn’t rape this one.”
“You’ve my complete support.”
“The old ARCT-10 may even reappear …”
“We’d best consider what resources we can muster,” said Lunzie. She raised her hand when Varian began to protest. “I never count on luck. Tomorrow you, Triv, and Portegin will have lift belts and stunners when you meet Aygar. You and Triv will have the advantage of full Discipline.”
The medic paused before she added solemnly, “And I’d better give you all barriers.”
“Barriers?” Varian cast a startled look at the medic. That aspect of Discipline was entrusted to only a highly select few.
“Barriers are the only real protection you and our sleepers would have if heavyworlders have landed.” Lunzie spoke quietly. Almost, Varian thought, as if she regretted the necessity of revealing this unexpected strength, rather than the need which dictated its use.
They flew on in silence until the looming white cliffs emerged from the shroud of evening mists and the black, beribboned opening that was their refuge yawned before them.