“I guess it’s settled then,” Etienne said, and couldn’t resist adding, “Nice of you to ask for my opinion. Porlez, can you add anything?”
An inflexible thranx face cannot look thoughtful, but the station commander somehow managed to convey that feeling nonetheless.
“Just remember that when you pass above communicator range you’re entirely on your own. We have no aircar here and it would be hard for me to muster a rescue party to come out after you under the best of circumstances. We do not care for travel by boat, as you are aware.”
“We’re aware of the dangers, as we were before we accepted this opportunity,” Lyra reminded her. “We’re looking forward to our independence and we’re quite used to being on our own in difficult country.”
“I know, I know,” Porlezmozmith said. “I did not mean to sound as if I were chiding you. Once you pass out of communicator range I am no longer responsible for your safety, but I feel concern nonetheless.”
Etienne was touched. Such compassion was a widespread thranx attribute and one of those characteristics that had deeply endeared them to humankind, but it still had the power to surprise.
“All the more reason then,” he replied, “to have native help with us that we can count on. We’ll have ample time to establish the reliability of our guests before we’ve gone beyond communicator range.” He nodded toward the two slightly nervous guides.
“It would seem you are aware of what awaits you,” said the commander. “I can think of nothing else to add.” They all turned their attention back to the waiting ambassador.
For his part, Ror de-Kelwhoang had listened with interest to the harsh alien babble, which contrasted sharply with the rapid-fire sibilant singsong phrases of his own tongue.
“We thank the Zanur,” Lyra said carefully, “for its kind thoughts and accept this offer of assistance with open hearts.” Expressions of relief appeared simultaneously on the faces of de-Kelwhoang and the two guides. It would have gone hard on all if the offer had been refused.
Lyra couldn’t resist adding to her knowledge of Mai customs. “Etienne and I are mated in the sight of the Ocean and the Oceans of all worlds. What of you?”
“We are not mated,” Irquit replied, instantly establishing herself as senior of the pair. “Neither to each other nor others. The Zanur feels,” and she made a deferential gesture toward the ambassador, “that in light of the many dangers that may lie in wait for us Upriver, it would be best if those with no family ties were honored by the opportunity to assist you.”
“How encouraging,” Etienne said dryly.
“I’m curious,” Lyra persisted, “did you two volunteer for this, or were you ‘honored’ by choice of the Zanur?”
“Both apply.” De-Kelwhoang stepped in gracefully. “Not all are qualified to serve as guides on such a momentous journey. Both these two have traveled far past the Skatandah. They have knowledge of its currents and its winds as well as many of the peoples you will encounter. I assure you that we have gone to great lengths to provide the most competent helpers Po Rabi has to offer.”
Not wanting to risk impugning the Zanur’s motives, much less its methods, Lyra switched to more mundane matters. “Irquit, we have some storage space available on our boat. What will you need to bring with you?”
“Very little. Some simple kitchen utensils and a single change of clothing. We will eat your food or purchase our own along the way. The Zanur has provided us with money. We can also cook for you, if you wish.” Etienne looked pleased. “Both Homat and I are accomplished foragers.”
Foraging was a word with many meanings in the Mai language, Lyra knew, referring to the ability to bargain sharply, scavenge efficiently, or steal without getting caught.
“We also,” Homat said, speaking for the first time, “brought no weapons with us, having been told that should we meet hostile peoples you would manage our defense. We did not wish to bring killing instruments with us.”
“Very thoughtful of you.” Clearly Irquit is in charge of the little company, Lyra thought. But there was a natural shyness about Homat she found appealing. “That’s all settled, then. If you would like to come help us with our loading—”
“No thank you,” Irquit said hastily. “If you do not object we would much prefer to remain outside.” She was staring with wide Mai eyes at the imposing alien structure. “If we are not to depart until tomorrow we can sleep outside, here, on mats.”
“Are you afraid?” Etienne asked thoughtlessly.
Lyra shot him an angry glance, snapped in terranglo, “Don’t you have any empathy for alien psychology? Can’t you see they’re trying to cover their fear gracefully?”
“I only thought that since these two are going to spend the next several months exploring strange country on a strange craft, they ought to start getting used to strangeness as soon as possible.”
“They are not afraid,” the ambassador said. He was picking his words with unusual care, Lyra thought. “There is something else.”
“What something else?” Lyra asked, still upset over her husband’s lack of sensitivity.
Ror de-Kelwhoang looked uncomfortable. “I would rather not say.”
“Don’t worry. We’re scientists, here to study and learn about your ways and your world. We’re just as interested in what you dislike as in what you like.”
De-Kelwhoang did not look in Porlezmozmith’s direction. “It is a question of appearances, you see. We place much value on appearance. There is truth in appearances. It is only that we have certain evil spirits cast in the form of …”
“There is no need for apology.” Porlezmozmith knew where the ambassador’s desperate circumlocutions were heading. “We are used to shape prejudice.” She spoke to the two guides. “Remain by yourselves outside, if it is your wish.”
Strange, Etienne thought. How could the Mai fear the thranx simply because of their shape? Lyra would have told him to read his history.
“We do not mean to give offense,” de-Kelwhoang said quickly.
“None taken,” the commander assured him. “This is something we are used to dealing with. I and my assistants will withdraw. It was a delight to meet you, Ambassador. You and your fellows are welcome anytime at Steamer Station. As are those,” she couldn’t help adding undiplomatically but with ill-concealed enjoyment, “of great Losithi.”
The ambassador stiffened at the mention of Po Rabi’s rival but, good tactician that he was, retained his composure.
“Thank you.”
Porlezmozmith and the rest of the thranx contingent departed, leaving the Redowls alone on the deck with the Mai.
“We wish you much delight and good fortune in your studies,” de-Kelwhoang said earnestly. He did not look at the two guides. “We of Po Rabi hold scholarship in high regard, unlike the rulers of certain other city-states. We hope you may see your way clear to sharing your knowledge with us after you return.”
“That is our intention,” Lyra told him. “This is your world and we are guests upon it, and we are thankful for your assistance.” She performed a gesture indicating great appreciation.
Reassured, de-Kelwhoang turned and walked slowly down the stairway ramp. Waiting hands helped him back into the boat. On command the oarsmen dipped their paddles and pushed away from the support pillar where they had tied up. The Redowls watched for a while as the boat turned eastward. Then their attention shifted to their unexpected guests. Homat and Irquit waited patiently, their small bundles of cooking utensils and personal effects looking humble indeed.
“You’re sure you want to sleep out here?”
