Phrnnx had heard the Professor’s explanation and looked expectantly in his direction, but that worthy remained silent.
“Of course,” continued the Terran after a while, “as a gesture of your goodwill we would naturally expect you to lower the Shield. Despite a hell of a lot of scribbling and figuring, that’s one thing we could never quite do.”
“Of course,” said Rappan determinedly.
The biped stood. “It will take me a while to convey your message to my superiors. In the meantime, do feel free to enjoy the countryside and my poor home.” He turned and walked into another room.
The female eyed them speculatively,
“I don’t suppose any of you gentlemen play bridge?”
Phrnnx was wandering through the nearby forest, following the path made by a cheerful stream. He had quickly grown bored with studying the simple native household, and, unlike the Professor or Commander Rappan, the intricacies of Terran “bridge” were a touch more intellectual a pastime than he wished for. The two scientists had found plenty to keep them occupied profitably, but after reporting to the ship their accumulated data and the word that
16
With Friends Like These …
things seemed to be progressing satisfactorily, there had remained little for a communicator to do.
The dense undergrowth led away from the house at a right angle. With the sense of direction his kind possessed he was not afraid of getting lost, and the damp coolness of the place was the closest thing he’d found to the rain forests of home. It was full of interesting sounds and new smells. The native female had assured Hm that no dangerous creatures lurked within its inviting shadows. He was thoroughly enjoying himself. Orinthorphs and small invertebrates—”insects,” they were called—flitted rapidly from growth to growth. He could have snatched them easily in midair with his long suckers, but was mindful of strange foods despite the Professor’s assurance that the native organics were edible. Besides, he was not hungry. He strode on in high spirits.