"And leave the ship here? I shall follow orders, Captain, but I should prefer to stay with the ship, and to proceed with the remainder of the scientific assignments."
He handed his field glasses over to one of the relief guards, and led me to a bench in his primitive quarters. A slice of sunlight knifed through from the out-of-doors, the first I had seen for a long time.
"A little sunlight's not a bad thing," I said casually. "I've been needing a little light."
He looked up at me as if he knew what was coming. "If you've been hearing a rumor, don't believe it."
"You've heard it too?"
"They say I'm supposed to become the husband of Omosla."
"All I want is your word, Lieutenant Campbell," I said.
"My word. Captain." Split said dryly. "You know I wouldn't break the Code."
"I believe you.... Okay, we're in a spot. The fact is, the girl's going to have a baby. When she does, she'll declare you her mate. And the tribe will be proud. Have you thought this through?"
"I've tried to."