"Well," said Gwann, "one carnivore cannot have accounted for a population that runs into the millions. Besides, the Earthmen would be able to deal with mere animal life."
Klendro remembered the "slug in the guts" and blanched.
"What should we do, sir?" asked Volval. "Our orders were to make peaceful contact with the Earthmen. If there are no Earthmen—?"
"Calm yourself, Volval." Gwann smiled, patting the younger man upon the shoulder. "If there are Earthmen to contact, we'll make that contact. I have an idea."
"What, sir?" asked Drog.
"We shall each take one of the skimmers and investigate the surface of the planet. Now, while our maps are incomplete, I feel that Drog can draw us up competent enough maps to guide us over the surface of Earth."
"I can try, sir," said Drog.
"We'll meet back here at the ship in five days," said Gwann. "All of you take along enough supplies for five days, plus an extra day's rations in case of emergency. The homing beam on our ship will bring you safely back if you get lost."
"One thing, sir," said Jorik, his brow creased in a frown. "We'd best all take along extra ammunition for the guns."