They were on a downslope; below them lay a broad and almost treeless valley, not in their direct path, but pleasant and green, stretching for two or three miles to the south. MacAran looked down at it, calculating the mile or two lost as against the problems of camping under the trees. Evidently these foothills were interspersed with such little valleys, and through this one ran something like a narrow stream of water-‑a river? A brook? Could it be used to replenish their water supplies? He raised the question, and MacLeod said, “Test the water, sure. But we’ll be safer camping here in the middle of the forest.”
“Why?”
For answer MacLeod pointed and MacAran made out something that looked like some herd animal. Details were hard to make out, but they were about the size of small ponies. “That’s why,” MacLeod said. “For all we know they may be peaceful‑‑or even domesticated. And if they’re grazing they’re not carnivores. But I’d hate to be in their way if they took a notion to stampede in the night. In the trees we can hear things coming.”
Judy came and stood beside them. “They might be good to eat. They might even be domesticable, if anyone ever colonizes this planet some day‑‑save the trouble of importing food animals and beasts of burden from Earth.”
Watching the slow, flowing movement of the herd over the grey‑green turf, MacAran thought it was a tragedy that man could only see animals in terms of his own needs. But hell, I like a good steak as well as anyone, who am I to preach? And maybe within a few weeks they would be gone, and the herd animals, whatever they were, could remain unmolested forever.
They set up a camp on the slope in the midst of the drizzle, and Zabal set about making a fire. Camilla said, “I’ve got to get to the hilltop at sunset and try to find a line of sight to the ship. They’re showing lights to establish sightings.”
“You couldn’t see anything in this rain,” MacAran said sharply. “Visibility’s about half a mile now. Even a strong light wouldn’t show, Get inside the dome, you’re drenched!”
She whirled on him. “Mister MacAran, need I remind you that I do not take my orders from you? You are in charge of the exploration party‑‑but I’m here on ship’s business and I have duties to perform!” She turned away from the small plastic dome‑shaped tent and started up the slope. MacAran, cursing all stubborn female officers, started after her.
“Go back,” she said sharply, “I’ve got my instruments, I can manage.”
“You just said I’m in charge of this party. All right, damn it, one of my orders is that no one goes off alone! No one-‑and that includes the ship’s first officer!”
She turned away without speaking again, forging up the slope, hugging her parka hood around her face against the cold, driving rain. It grew heavier as they climbed, and he heard her slip and stumble in the underbrush, even with the strong headlight she carried. Catching up with her, he put a strong hand under her elbow. She moved to shake it off, but he said harshly, “Don’t be a fool, Lieutenant! If you break an ankle we’ll all have to carry you‑‑or turn back! Two can find a footing, maybe, where one can’t. Come on‑‑take my arm.” She remained rigid and he snarled, “Damn it, if you were a man I wouldn’t ask you politely to let me help‑-I’d order it!”
She laughed shortly. “All right,” she said, and gripped his elbow, their two headlights playing on the ground for a path. He heard her teeth chattering, but she did not speak a word of complaint. The slope grew steeper, and on the last few yards MacAran had to scramble up ahead of the girl and reach downward to pull her up. She looked round, searching for the direction; pointed where a very faint glimmer of light showed through the blinding rain.
“Could that be it?”, she said uncertainly, “The compass direction seems about right.”
“If they’re using a laser, yes, I suppose it might show this far, even through the rain.” The light blotted out, gleamed briefly, was wiped out again, and MacAran swore. “This rain’s turning to sleet‑‑come on, let’s get down before we have to slide down‑on ice underfoot!”