CHAPTER TWELVE
OMINOUS PORTENTS
Ramuell was a good deal more animated than his grandmother during dinner as they discussed Kadeya’s list of job assignments. Though a 120-day acclimatization process seemed interminable, Ramuell was looking forward to working with Kadeya in her laboratory. He understood it was an honor to collaborate with a scientist of such eminence, even if she was his grandmother.
As they ambled back toward their cabin Kadeya said, “We should get to bed early. We’ll be needing our rest for the acclimatization ordeal ahead.”
Again Ramuell sensed her emotional unsteadiness. Kadeya was clearly not herself. This time he decided to be direct, “What’s wrong Grandmother?”
Realizing she couldn’t dismiss his concern a second time, she said, “Not here, we need a bit more priva
