“These times for sunrise and sunset are as exact as we can get them, and you have exact azimuth readings for the direction of sunrise. We may have to estimate noon. But every night, at sunset, shine the strongest light in the ship in this direction, and leave it on for exactly ten minutes. That way we can run a line of direction to where we’re going, and establish due east and west. You already know about the noon angle readings.”
She turned and saw MacAran standing behind her. She said, with composure, “Am I keeping you waiting? I’m sorry, but you must understand the necessity for accurate readings.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” MacAran said, “and why ask me? You outrank everybody in this party, don’t you, ma’am?”
She lifted her delicate eyebrows at him. “Oh, is that what’s worrying you? As a matter of fact, no. Only on the bridge. Captain Leicester put you in charge of this party, and believe me, I’m quite content with that. I probably know as much about mountaineering as you do about celestial navigation‑-if as much. I grew up in the Alpha colony, and you know what the deserts are like there.”
MacAran felt considerably relieved‑-and perversely annoyed. This woman was just too damned perceptive! Oh, yes, it would minimize tensions if he didn’t have to ask her as a superior officer to pass along any orders‑or suggestions–about the trip. But the fact remained that somehow she’d managed to make him feel officious, blundering and like a damn fool!
“Well,” he said, “any time you’re ready We’ve got a good long way to go, over some fairly rough ground. So let’s get this show on the road:”
He moved away toward where the rest of the group stood gathered, mentally taking stock. Ewen Ross was carrying a good part of Camilla Del Rey’s astronomical equipment, since, as he admitted, his medical kit was only a light weight. Heather Stuart, wrapped like the others in surface uniform, was talking to him in low tones, and MacAran thought wryly that it must be love, when your girl got up at this unholy hour to see you off. Dr. Judith Lovat, short and sturdy, had an assortment of small sample cases buckled together over her shoulder. He did not know the other two who were waiting in uniform, and before they moved off, he walked around to face them.
“We’ve seen each other in the recreation rooms, but I don’t think I know you. You are‑‑”
The first man, a tall, hawk‑nosed, swarthy man in his middle thirties, said, “Marco Zabal, Xenobotanist. I’m coming at Dr. Lovat’s request. I’m used to mountains. I grew up in the Basque country, and I’ve been on expeditions to the Himalayas.”
“Glad to have you.” MacAran shook his hand. It would help to have someone else along who knew mountains. “And your?”
“Lewis MacLeod. Zoologist, veterinary specialist.”
“Crew member or colonist?”
“Colonist.” MacLeod grinned briefly. He was small, fat, and fair‑skinned. “And before you ask, no, no formal mountaineering experience‑‑but I grew up in the Scottish Highlands, and even in this day and age, you still have to walk a good ways to get anywhere, and there’s more vertical country around than horizontal”
MacAran said, “Well, that’s a help. And now that we’re all together-‑Ewen, kiss your girl goodbye and let’s get moving.”
Heather laughed softly, turning and putting back the hood of the uniform‑-she was a small girl, slight and delicately made, and she looked even smaller in some larger woman’s uniform‑-“Come off it, Rafe. I’m going with you. I’m a graduate microbiologist, and I’m here to collect samples for the Medic Chief.”
“But‑‑” MacAran frowned in confusion. He could understand why Camilla had to come‑-she was better qualified for the job than any man. And Dr. Lovat, perhaps, understandably felt concerned. He said’ “I asked for men on this trip. It’s some mighty rough ground.” He looked at Ewen for support, but the younger man only laughed.
“Do I have to read you the Terran Bill of Rights? No law shall be made or formulated abridging the rights of any human being to equal work regardless of racial origin, religion or sex‑‑”