“Distress-saying, there a problem. Jemunu-jah is gone away for a while just now.”
“Gone away?” blurted a minor Hata-niu. “Gone away where and how?”
“The human Hata female Matthias ask for Sakuntala help in find one of their own who gone lost in southern Viisiiviisii.” He turned a slow circle. “You all know that kind crazy-person human, go out by self or as couple to collect stinking stuff that Commonwealth tanasuas take apart to make medicine and other things.” He lowered his voice significantly. “Jemunu-jah not go alone, though. He make traveling with help . . . of Deyzara.”
The last was too much for Naneci-tok. The imputation inherent in Aniolo-jat’s tone could not be allowed to stand unchallenged. Rising from her chair, she did not still its swinging but let it continue to rock back and forth behind her as an indication of her distress.
“I know well Jemunu-jah. He among smartest of all not-Hata. Heesa, he work close and well with Deyzara. Also humans. Jemunu-jah work well with all and any who respect his smartness. He is Sakuntala ear to toe, proud and true.” Turning slightly, she focused her attention on the patiently waiting Aniolo-jat. “Who send Jemunu-jah away into Viisiiviisii at this so important time?”
“Why, human Hata Matthias specifically ask for best of local Sakuntala. Specifically ask for one who speak human lingua well. Specifically ask for one who can work with Deyzara. Who else so qualified but Jemunu-jah? Not worry about the skillful one. He return safe and soon.”