"Those take more power. This is a light or two; a show-screen, maybe." Ross snapped shut the cover of the flamer. "No, Veta. Somebody's in there. So now we'll smoke 'em out!"
Pivoting as he spoke, he stepped to the bak and picked it up, then paused briefly while he manipulated the ugly, six-legged creature's ventral plates.
The bak gave a sigh of vast pleasure and settled deeper into the haven of Ross' arms.
Veta stared. "Stewart Ross, have you lost your mind completely?"
"Probably." Ross chuckled. "Hand me that rock, will you?"
The girl's expression showed her reaction plainly. But, following Ross' gesture, she obeyed.
"Thanks." Ross hefted the boulder thoughtfully. "For the rest of it, all you have to do is stay here."
"Stay here—?"
"Till I get back."
Veta's head came up. Her lips firmed. "And why should I do that?"