The man looked confused. A vague, questioning thought came from him. It wasn’t really a coherent thought, but just an impression of doubt—uncertainty. Barra frowned impatiently.
It had been much the same when he had ordered this man to load up back at Tibara. Perhaps it was no wonder Dar Makun had been forced to learn vocalization if this was the
best slave he could find to develop into his headman.
Carefully, he formed a projection. It showed the carriers gathering in their unloading circles. He made one of the projections turn and drop its head over another’s back. The wide mouth opened and stubby, peg teeth gripped the handling loop of a cargo sling. Then the long-neck swiveled back, to repeat the performance.
Barra watched as the man before him nodded in obedient understanding. He shot out a sharp, peremptory order.
“Do it, then! Do it as shown.”
The man made noises, then turned, shouting at the other drivers.
Barra watched as the stack of cargo grew. At last, the final sling was positioned and a heavy cloth cover was dropped over the great piles. Barra looked at the headman.
“Bring your drivers close,” he ordered. “I have something for them to see.”
Again, there was the moment of confusion, but this time the man had gathered the main sense of the command. He turned again, shouting.