As they got closer to the beach, the islanders backed away and gave them plenty of space. Hutch got the impression they wanted to help but were reluctant to get close to their visitors. In any case, they gave no indication of resentment or violent intent. Those large eyes grew wider as the humans got closer, and their faces revealed a substantial level of shock. Odd how alien features could be interpreted for emotions in much the same way as humans. Hutch had noticed that before and was beginning to suspect it would be a universal quality. You were probably always going to be able to read humor or rage or whatever in nonverbals, no matter where the subject was from.

A few of them were accompanied by creatures that closely resembled dogs.

Unsure what to expect from the islanders, the team tried to stay together as they got closer to land. Eventually, Hutch was able to touch bottom and begin walking. As they came out of the water, she got her first good look at the islanders. They were roughly the same size as humans, with satiny flesh that ranged in colors from pale to light blue. Most of them wore shorts, all of similar designs. Some were large and bulky, presumably males, and others were generally trim and often accompanied by children. No obvious sexual organs were visible. Hutch recalled having read that female dolphins had nipples, but that they were hidden beneath a fold of skin. If that was true of these creatures, they were well concealed. There were a few who could have belonged to either gender, although she had no doubt they could distinguish the differences. Eyebrows were replaced by distinctive ridges. Their arms seemed shorter than she’d have expected. Their hands had five digits, including thumbs; their feet lacked toes, instead ending in flaps. And they all had a narrow ridge down the center of their backs. A fin, possibly, in an earlier era?

Their mouths were huge. When they opened them, they looked almost large enough to swallow her.

Several carried towels. They appeared worried, even fearful. Most of the children were being taken back toward the trees. She heard Ken’s voice: “Everybody okay?”

Beth nodded and Hutch raised her left hand. Derek said something she couldn’t make out over the roar of the surf. But he looked good.

They moved within a few steps of the beach. “All right,” Hutch said, “let’s hold it here.” Waves were still coming in behind them, swirling past their legs. She raised her left hand again in what she hoped was a universal indication of amicability. “Hello,” she said, raising her voice and summoning her best smile. “It’s good to meet you guys.” The closer ones reacted by backing away. Some were pointing at her, looking dismayed, whispering to each other.

“Let me try,” said Derek. He strode past her.