Afraid to believe, he kept his eyes on her arm until he was sure he could see a difference. Rummel was right. The inflamed red flesh was subsiding, even the blisters beginning to disappear. Thank the gods.
“I don’t understand.”
“Ahona knew George was a drongo.” Rummel shook his head. “Maybe they were from the same planet. Or maybe George just has healing abilities.”
“I suppose it doesn’t really matter as long as it helps her.”
The swelling had almost completely disappeared, although the outline of Ahona’s hand was still visible. Joan’s breathing seemed easier, but her eyes still hadn’t opened.
“I wish she would wake up,” he muttered.
Rummel frowned. “Maybe it’s better if she doesn’t yet. I don’t think this trip is going to be as easy as you made it sound.”
The platform jerked, and he looked around to realize they had reached the top. They were still under the cover of the transport shed, but the rocky surface was clearly visible through the opening in the end wall. His former confidence that they could make it across the harsh terrain to his ship suddenly seemed foolishly optimistic, but there was no other choice. They had to make it.
“The lift is moving,” Taliane called, jerking his attention to the platform as it started to descend.
That was one thing he could handle. He let the skin over his arm and hand harden, then smashed it into the control panel. There was a satisfying shower of sparks, and the platform ceased to move.
“Good.” Issar nodded approvingly. “That will prevent them from following us immediately. If Ahona wasn’t lying, they will have no way of communicating with the headquarters.”
“That’s a big if,” he said grimly as he tucked Joan closer against his chest. George was curled on top of her, still gently licking her arm.
“What’s the plan?” Issar asked as they gathered at the opening.
Directly in front of them was the landing field for the ore transport ships, empty at the moment. It was the only flat area on the surface. To the left, the ground slumped in huge broken sheets where lava had erupted from the heated side of the planet and then cooled. To the right, the ground was jagged and uneven and he could see ice glistening on the ragged crest that sheltered the hangar. Where they were standing, the air was even hotter than it had been below ground but he knew it would cool rapidly as they headed for the ship.
“Nothing complicated,” he said. “We go over the surface to reach my ship. That ridge over there—that’s our destination.”
“It doesn’t look too far,” Taliane said hopefully.
Varga and Issar exchanged a look over her head. She was correct that the actual distance wasn’t immense, but the rough terrain and the changing conditions on the surface would be sure to slow them down. If he had been alone, he probably could have covered the distance in less than an hour, even carrying Joan. He suspected that Issar would be equally capable. But they had the other females to consider, not to mention Rummel. The older male had proven his toughness, but his age and short legs would do him no favors.
But the situation wasn’t going to change. All they could do was attempt it and adjust as necessary.
“The same as below,” he said to Issar. “You lead the way and I will bring up the rear.”
Issar nodded, put an arm around Taliane, and stepped out onto the landing field. Taliane immediately gave a startled cry and stumbled towards Issar, and Varga cursed. He had forgotten to warn them about the winds. With the drastic difference in temperature between the two halves of the planet, the transition zone was subject to constant swirling winds and unusual weather conditions. He and Issar would be more resistant because of their size, but it would do little to protect the others.
“Come back for a minute, Issar,” he called, and Issar helped Taliane back inside the transport shed before joining him.
Varga scanned the walls, then pointed at the shelves of supplies next to the lift platform. “I think we should use some of that rope and tie ourselves together.”
“Do you think that is necessary?” Issar frowned. “The wind is strong but manageable now that I know what to expect.”
“You know what to expect now,” he said grimly. “A storm came up while I was landing, and it was strong enough that I had a hard time keeping the ship on course. The conditions can change instantly and if you had removed your hand from your female when that occurred—”
“I would not.”
“You cannot predict every circumstance.” He nodded at the rest of the party, still huddled at the entrance and staring out at the surface of the planet. “And we have the others to consider.”
“I suppose you are correct.” Issar glanced at Joan, still lying silently in Varga’s arms. “But it will slow us even more. Perhaps you should not wait for us. Take your female to your ship and I will assist the others.”
He was tempted, but although Joan had not regained consciousness, her arm looked almost normal and her breathing was deep and even. She could have been asleep, and if he deserted the rest of their party, he was afraid that she would not forgive him.
“No. When I agreed to let them accompany us, I made a commitment to their safety.”
“You are an honorable male,” Issar said solemnly.
Varga knew that it was a great compliment from the Asing and despite his impatience, a warm glow of pleasure flowed through him. Issar had not waited for a response, already retrieving the rope and beginning the process of linking the party together. Taliane stood obediently and Saka
