“Me?” Sittas laughed. “An unlikely hero, I must say. I have done practically nothing. It is the doctors, and the good people of this town. And the Terran commander, too; he sent us a van-load of medical supplies.”
“Yes, I know. My driver parked next to the Terran van. Fortunately, they don’t know who I am.”
Altai hurried up the stairs to her uncle. “Excuse me.
The Terrans have finished unloading. Their lieutenant wants to speak with you.”
“Ah yes; and there are several things I want to talk over with him.” Sittas turned back to Clanthas. “Will you pardon me for a moment?”
“Certainly.”
The priest gestured toward the girl. “My niece, Altai, will be glad to show you around the building and to answer any questions you may have. Altai, this is Clanthas of Katan, Merdon’s father.”
“Merdon’s father?” Altai gasped as Sittas started down the stairs. Her hands flew to her hair. “I. … I must look terrible. These slacks and this old blouse . .. you must excuse my appearance. I had no idea .. .”
Clanthas chuckled at her. “I wasn’t expecting to find you in a ball gown. Merdon has told me quite a bit about you. You are as lovely as he said you were.”
“Oh ,. thank you.”
They began to talk, mostly about Merdon, and were deep in conversation when Sittas returned.
“I have decided to accompany the Terrans back to the Mobile Force,” the old man said. “The lieutenant has told me that the Star Watchman has assumed command of all Terran units on Shinar. He has asked to see me, and I believe it might be helpful to go to him, now that he has such power in his hands.”