"They're operating under full jets," he commented. "As if they were about due to be jumped—"
"They told us that this was territory now held by their enemies," Lablet reminded him.
"And who are these mysterious enemies?" the captain wanted to know. "Those animals back on that island?"
Raf wanted to say yes, but Lablet broke in with a question concerning what had happened to him, and the pilot outlined his adventures of the day, not forgetting to give emphasis to the incident in the celled room when the newly rescued alien had turned upon him.
"Naturally they are suspicious," Lablet countered, "but for a people who lack space flight, I find them unusually open-minded and ready to accept us, strange as we must seem to them."
"Ditto done, Captain." Soriki stepped out of the flitter, the wrist camera dangling from his fingers.
"Good." But Hobart did not buckle the strap about his arm once more, neither did he pay any attention to Lablet. Instead, apparently coming to some decision, he swung around to face Raf.
"You went out with that scouting party today. Think you could join them again, if you see them moving for another foray?"
"I could try."
"Sure," Soriki chuckled, "they couldn't do any more than pop him back at us. What do you think about them, sir? Are they fixing to blast us?"