The scene was being watched suspiciously by several people standing on a high ground just outside the village. They were General Stone, Michael and the group of earthmen at their service. They all had arrived at the post several minutes earlier.
“Sir, here they are!” Michael said, addressing his General that was watching the ones who had been previously his fellow travelers take part in the Peoximians' ritual.
“Pass me the binoculars!” the General, who was at a distance, ordered his men. One of the soldiers handed them over to Mr. Stone that aimed them towards the village, and more precisely at the point where the ritual was taking place. He could notice that staying with the inhabitants of the planet made Matthew and all the other earthmen look serene and enthusiastic, as if they were a
