Rasmussen said, "Must not change your Maggiese accent. Even if you go, must remember our ways."
"People out there don't speak Maggiese, and I'm going to stop it. I've been practicing for a year."
Rasmussen said, "At least, Betty, do not make this hunt. Shot pigs, but this is the Hog. Must stay."
"I'm going with you."
"Ordinance 36 forbids male aliens and Maggiese females to ride in the same tractor."
"I no longer obey Ordinances."
Rasmussen puffed out his cheeks and expelled air in an irritated hiss. He glowered at Toal and me and said, "Cannot insure the safety of either. Climb aboard, then, Alien Kinlock."
Toal moved over in the back seat. I heaved my weapons and pack to the platform. Rasmussen took the front seat. I followed him up the short ladder and sat beside Toal. Her elbows were nude, but leather stockings concealed her knees and ankles.
"This is a tractor?" I said. "What is it?"
"Steam engine," Toal answered. "Burns crude oil. Water is carried in this tank around the boiler. The steam pushes the pistons, and the rods turn the wheels."