`You understand all you need to hear – – -, Dis put in.
`More important, all you need to say,’ Pal finished.
Her science officer smothered a cough and the captain raised her eyebrows, her light eyes sparkling bluely.
`I like . . – personages who accept challenges,’ she replied.
`And,’ she pointed a finger at Dis and Pal who wiggled with pleasure, `I warn you, I’ll be a challenge.
But I’m determined to try. There’s’ Flavia caught her about to say something else and veto it.
There’s plenty of time, despite the almighty push we got out this far, for me to learn a few phrases and understand more.’ Then the tall lean man who had been rocking Iimpatiently from side to side shoved a hand at Flavia, which she gracefully ignored by dropping her carisak which he graciously retrieved from the deck and handed to a yeoman, obviously on hand to manage impedimenta.
`I’m Dr Tru Blairik, team biologist. This is my assistant who’s the team archivist as well, Mialla Evshenk.’ I keep telling Tru that Talents don’t make casual physical contacts, Mialla said as she smiled and bowed slightly from the waist to acknowledge the introduction.
`There are more of us, but you’ll have plenty of time to get to know which is who. We’re delighted to have Talents to help. `Not that I’m likely to be much but I thought I’d see :f you can hear me. I’m not strong.
Strong enough, and greetings, Mialla, Flavia responded.
`Nice to meet you, Evshenk.
`There’ll be drinks in my quarters this evening at 1930, Primes, gentlemen,’ the captain was announcing.
`Wayla’ll take you to your quarters.’ `We could . – .` Blairik offered.
`Anyone but you, Tru,’ Mialla said in a gentle tease.
`Be advised,’ the captain said ruefully. `My electronics officer’s designing a special locator for Dr Blairik.’ `You won’t need that,’ Zara said, `with us aboard. I could find Dr Blairik anywhere.’ He gave Zara such a blank stare that it bordered on the hostile.
`Absolutely discreet, I assure you.