14
The line of maple trees that shielded Professor Nareo's house from the street had leaves that were turning yellow with the onset of fall. A small gap in the treeline led to the front yard.
Ben stood on the sidewalk with his head bowed, frowning down at himself. Just once, I'd like an easy assignment, he thought, starting forward. Spend a few days on a starship, fetch the professor, bring him back…
A group of men and women in gray uniforms with yellow stripes on their legs stood clustered on the front lawn, talking quietly with one another. One – a young woman with dark bronze skin – glanced over her shoulder and noticed him.
“This is a crime scene, sir,” she said, spinning on her heels to face Ben. She strode through the grass as if she intended to mow him down. “I'm going to have t
