2
The planet was closer when Kayel reported back with word that the instruments all showed exactly nothing. He was working with the spectroprobe, trying to get data for Derek, when Siryl came in with coffee as a peace offering. “Some of the supplies are all right,” she reported. “Enough for—for four!”
“Thanks.” Derek tasted the coffee and found it vile. But at least it was hot and wet. “Better take some back to Ferad if you can find the way. Tell him if he doesn’t report at once, I’ll skin his fat carcass.”
Kayel gulped and accepted coffee from her as if he’d never seen a woman serve food before. He probably hadn’t on Terra, judging by what she’d done to the coffee.
Derek interrupted the physicist’s stumbling compliments. “Find anything yet, Kayel?”
Siryl threw him a dirty look and we
