CHAPTER NINE
A world which stimulated last evening’s occupation couldn’t be all bad, Varian decided the next morning, rising totally refreshed. Perhaps Lunzie had been wrong to think that just because the heavy-worlders hadn’t taken along protein rations, they were going to … Well, there was no proof that their day hadn’t been spent in gratifying their sex drive, and not an atavistic pleasure in dietary habits.
Kai was correct, too. As they had no proof of any misdemeanour, it did no good to harbour base suspicions.
Easier said than done, thought Varian later as she conferred with the heavy-worlders on the week’s assignments. She could not put her finger on a specific change, but there was a marked difference in the attitude of her team. Varian had always felt relatively at ease with Paskutti and Tardma. Today, she was conscious of a restraint, stumbling for phrases and words, uncomfortable and feeling that Paskutti and Tardma were amused by her. They had an air of smug satisfaction that irritated her, though she’d be hard pressed to say what gave her that idea as the heavy-worlders betrayed no emotion. The xenob team was keeping just ahead of the areas the geologists must probe on the ground. Unknown life forms lurked in the heavy vegetation, small but equally dangerous, and force-screen belts were not absolute protection.
As the two heavy-worlders strode beside her towards the sled park, she could have sworn that Paskutti was limping slightly. Varian and Kai had agreed to hold off questioning the heavy-worlders and Varian had no trouble controlling her curiosity that day. That indefinable change in the heavy-worlders’ attitude towards her acted as a crucial check.
It was a distinct relief to her to call an end to the day’s scouting when pelting, wind-lashed rain limited visibility and made telltagging impossible. That it was Paskutti who called the actual halt to the exercise gave Varian some measure of satisfaction.
When they entered the compound, Lunzie was crossing from the shuttle to her quarters and gave Varian an imperceptible signal to join her.
“Something occurred yesterday,” the physician told Varian in the privacy. “Tanegli has a gash across one cheek-bone. He said he got it from a sharp twig when leaning over to collect a specimen.” Lunzies expression discounted that explanation.
“And I’m certain that Paskutti is masking a limp.”
“Oho, and Bakkun is not making full use of his left arm.”
“In some primitive societies, the males fight for the favour of the females,” Varian said.
“That doesn’t hold Berru is wearing heal-seal on her left arm. I haven’t seen Divisti or the others today but I’d love to call a medical on all of ’em. Only I did that too recently for the alcohol reaction.”
“Maybe Berru just didn’t like the male who won her?”
Lunzie snorted “I’d say the air was blue with response yesterday. Anyway, how come you’re in so early?”
“Violent storm, couldn’t see, and certainly couldn’t tell tag what was on the ground. I rather thought though,” she added in a drawl, “that Paskutti and Tardma were quite ready to quit early.”
“I’ve put a new power pack in the synthesizer and I’ll keep strict account of any usage Tanegli says he found two more edible fruits, and one plant heart with a high nutritional content. At least he says he found them yesterday …”
“We could still be computing from the wrong data,” suggested Varian wistfully.
“We could be.” Lunzie was not convinced.
“I could ask Bonnard if he remembers the co-ordinates of Bakkun’s so-called special place?”
“You could, though I don’t like involving the youngsters in any part of this.”
“Nor do I. But they are part of the expedition and this could affect them as well as us adults. However. I could just be in the general vicinity of Bakkun’s run that day, and …”
“Yes, that would not be a blatant abuse of the child’s trust.”
“I’ll see what Kai says.”
Kai had the same general objection to involving the youngster at all. On the other hand, it was important to find out exactly what had occurred, and if the heavy-worlders were reverting, he and Varian would have to know and take steps. He cautioned Varian to be discreet, both with Bonnard and the search.