The Ormoo crouched to its breast like a hen setting on her eggs. A saddle was strapped to its back.
"Cosmo!" cried Mia in terror, struggling to wrench free.
The Ormoo cocked its head again, eyed the frantic girl gravely as a robin might watch a beetle.
"My God, Cosmo, that thing wants to eat me. I'll—I'll have hysterics."
He laughed, flung her astride the saddle. Holding onto her naked ankle, he vaulted up behind.
"Up!" he shouted.
The Ormoo lurched to its feet. It took a few ungainly steps, launched itself into the air with a powerful drive of its legs. The massive wings lashed the air like flails as it spiraled upward.
Mia clung to Cosmo with terror.
"Take me back, Cosmo. I won't tell the Commissioner you're the Renegade. I'll lie like a Martian diplomat. Only make this monstrosity go down! Please Cosmo!"
He put an arm about her waist, steadying her.