The craggy man's face lit up as a tall youth emerged from an adjoining tunnel and came forward to meet them. His greeting to West had respect in it, he merely glanced at Zen, but it was the nurse who commanded and held his interest.
"Nedra! You're back!"
"Of course I'm back, John." As if this were the most natural thing to do, Nedra allowed herself to be taken in John's arms. West smiled benevolently at the two. Zen carefully looked in the other direction.
"This is Colonel Kurt Zen, John," West said, when the two had finished kissing.
The tall youth extended his hand and said he was glad to meet Kurt. His face was brown, his cheeks were lean and slightly hollow, but his eyes were clear and his grip was firm without being bone-crushing.
"I imagine Kurt is rather tired," West said. "If you would find quarters for him, John—"
"Glad to do it," the tall youth said. "Come with me, Kurt."
Zen nodded goodnight to Nedra and to West and followed John away. He was tired down to the bottom of his thick-soled boots. Fatigue lay in layers through his muscles and along his nerve trunks. He knew he was keeping himself from collapsing only by an effort of will.
"I'll give you my room," John said.
"I couldn't think of depriving you of your quarters, old fellow," Zen protested.