"He certainly doesn't like the delay," commented Yado.
"Delay!" snorted Ullo. Then he asked, "Is that what it means to you, too?"
Viri and Yado fidgeted under his stare.
"I keep wondering if Zoya reached the ship," said Ullo.
They stared at him.
"Say it this way, then: 'If Zoya reached the ship?'"
Viri sighed.
"I suppose we may never find out what really happened," he said.
"I believe I would really rather not," Ullo told them, preparing to leave. "Listen in to a complete copy of the preliminary report Zoya sent, and you will see what I mean."
His scales were too dry and needed an oiling, he told himself; but he knew it was more than that which sent the shudder through him. And there were billions of them!