"It would be wise," said Paul. "We could take better care of you during the illness, at Adelphi. We have houses there. Here it's not very safe—biting flies and some dangerous animals."
Slade was doubtful. "Anything here that could interfere with the ship if we leave it unguarded?"
Miniaan laughed. "Certainly the people of Vestoia will not go near it."
"Nothing could harm it," said Wright. "Too big. How in hell do you get down out of it?"
Slade chuckled and made up his mind. "Electronic lock. Can work it from a transmitter in the lifeboat; only other way's from inside. Lets down a ladder. Automatic derricks in the side blisters to hoist the lifeboats if, as, and when. They thought of—nearly everything." He hugged the gray-haired woman. "Even briefing on how to get along with each other for ten-plus years."
"Learning love can be difficult," said Pakriaa. Dr. Stern stared at the tiny woman with new intentness. Pakriaa's seamed face had taken on its dreamy look. "You must see our island. Last year Mashana Dorothy was Governor of our island. This year it is this man." She touched Elis' knee.
"A sinecure," Elis chuckled. "A sinecure, ladies'n' gentlemen."
Captain Slade laughed, standing five feet five, peering up at the Governor's eight feet seven—half a head more than Mijok's height. Paul thought he saw there the raw materials of friendship. Dr. Stern said, "And you call this planet Lucifer?"
"Light-bringer," said Nisana; there was grief in her face not evident in any of the others. "Son of the morning," Paul moved toward her, wondering.
Slade had missed the overtone, and cocked a dark eyebrow. "Industries?"