Beyond the fence the native, a wisp of a man was still fuming. "The hell away from here get! You I'm warning—no closer come!"
Mason displayed a half frown. "He's sure a sour cuss."
"You stay with the ship," said Cassidy. "I'll see what's fouling his tubes."
Before Cassidy reached the fence, his pet Fuzzy Tail came scampering from behind a bush. It clambered up his trousers and wrapped itself around his neck. This encouraged the speculation that perhaps the shipment of Tails could be bartered for repairs to the stabilizer—if there was a local space technology, and if they could corral the animals.
The native grew even more frenzied now as Cassidy drew up before him.
"Trespasser! Back get! My property this be! Scram! You I'll kill!"
The Fuzzy Tail uncoiled itself from around Cassidy's neck. Perching on his shoulder, it fussed back at the native in chirping, excited tones. It not only acted at times as though it owned Cassidy, but it also exercised a personal responsibility for his welfare.
"Quiet!" Cassidy snapped out.
It caught both the Fuzzy Tail and the old man by surprise. The animal bounded for cover while the native rocked back on his heels.