From outside.
Homo Superior, treating his ape-brother with an hospitable contempt. Playing their inscrutable game.
The lifeboat came down almost in front of him.
It came down with a whining snarl and settled into the plowed field. The airlock opened. Primus Gant stepped out. His blue eyes were very cold and he was smiling.
"Report, Commander."
Years of conditioned reflex brought him erect, made him whisper, "Mission unsuccessful." He swayed, almost fell. Gant held him.
"Easy, lad. We got the blowup a few minutes ago. It took us awhile to home in on the distress transmitter in your utility kit." He chuckled at Saxon's blank stare. "Whenever an agent's ship is destroyed his utility belt automatically functions as a distress signal."
Saxon shook his head painfully. "You've been waiting?"
"We started ten days ago when your monitor gave out with the annihilation alarm." He eyed Saxon keenly. "Just how bad is it?"
Saxon told him. Gant's face turned a dirty white.