“Well, that’s about it. Once in a great while, some guy manages to get into a cave and hide out till the null swings away and another caravan comes along. But usually, no one sees anything but a little of the cargo and some remains of long-necks. No one’s ever come up with any part of man or pseudoman. As I said, one snap and there’s nothing left.”
Naran smiled wryly. “Tough to be popular, I guess.” He leaned forward.
“But you’ve been over the trail several times since he disappeared. And you said you’ve seen nothing. No trace of the train. That right?”
The other shook his head. “Not even a cargo sling.”
“You’re making up a train now, aren’t you? I’d like to go along on this [p 13] next trip. Fact is, I’ve been thinking some nasty thoughts. And I’m going to be uneasy till I find out whether I’m right or not.”
Dar Girdek rubbed his chin. “Want to buy in, maybe?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’ll work my way—as your lead driver.”
“Oh, no!” Dar Girdek laughed. “You don’t put a psionic on some long-neck. Lead driver’s pseudoman, just like the rest.” He sobered.
“Oh, sure. You could handle the drivers, but it just isn’t done.”
Naran smiled. “Oh, as far as the other drivers’ll know, I’m just another pseudoman. I’ve been a ship’s non-psi agent, remember? We earn our keep by dealing with the people in non-psi areas.”