Somewhere in the tall growths—which they later learned were called trees—a brook of liquid H2O made gurgling sounds. Overhead, orinthorphs circled lazily in the not unpleasant heat of morning. Phrnnx was meditating on how drastically the Shield might have affected the climate of this world when he became aware of Alo and Zinin strolling up behind him.
“A peaceful world, certainly,” said Zinin. “Rather light on the oxygen and argon, and all that nitrogen gives it a bit of odor, but on the whole a most pleasant ball of dirt.”
“Humph! From one who burns almost as much fuel as the ship I wouldn’t have expected compliments,” grumbled Alo. “Still, I’ll grant you, ’tis a quiet locale we’ve chosen to search out allies. I wonder if such a world did indeed spawn such a warlike race, or were they perhaps immigrants from elsewhere?”
“They weren’t, and it didn’t,” interposed the Professor. He had relinquished the high place to the commander and his military advisers, as then1 conversation had bored him.
“Mind explaining that a mite, Professor?” asked Alo.
The Professor bent suddenly and dug gently in the soft earth with a claw. He came up with a small wig-
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE . ..
gling thing. This he proceeded to pop into his mouth and chew with vigor.
“Hmmm. A bit bitter, but intriguing. I believe .there is at least one basis for trade here.”
“Be intriguing if it poisons you,” said Phrnnx with some relish.
The Professor moved his antennae in a gesture indicative of negativity, with one degree of mild reproach. “Nope. Sorry to disappoint you, youngster, but Bio has already pronounced most of the organics on this planet nontoxic. Watch out for the vegetation, though. Full of acids and things. As to your question, Alo. When the Terrans …”