She was getting better at distinguishing the sexes. The females were more graceful, with softer features and voices. They wore mostly what she thought of as casual clothing, skirts, tunics, and pants; males wore primarily pullovers with images and lettering, jeans, and shorts.

The road crossed a small wooden bridge over a stream and forked. They stayed right, remaining close to the ocean. The sky was beginning to darken. “Storm coming,” said Derek.

They heard the rumble of thunder. Again, just like home. They slowed for a curve. One of the natives was standing just off to one side. As they passed, he retreated behind a tree.

Arin, seated up front, turned, grinned, and pointed ahead. He added a comment that sounded encouraging. Probably along the lines of “We’re almost there.”

They came through a break in the woods and saw that the tower loomed ahead. A light drizzle began to fall. A handful of islanders were standing outside the front entrance, at the foot of some stone steps, watching as they came out of the trees.

“I think,” said Derek, “they knew we were coming.”

“Maybe they have radios.”

“Let’s hope. That would solve a problem.”

The tower rose out of a structure of brick and stone that might have been a meeting hall or a school. Its arches and gables stood out from the utilitarian structures they’d seen in the town and near the harbor. And the azure globe at its peak gleamed in the sun. The architecture was uncomplicated and graceful, with a gloss that might almost be described as classical. “I think it’s a temple,” she said.

They pulled into a parking area and stopped next to a two-story stone cottage. Arin got out of the vehicle as the second car arrived. He spoke with both drivers. Everybody got out and said thank you, which prompted more giant smiles. The cars rode off, and Arin led them up a walkway to the cottage. A wooden front deck supported a couple of oversized chairs. Two sets of windows looked out from each floor. Curtains were drawn across all of them, but they were open, protected by screens. They climbed three steps onto a porch and opened the front door. Some of the natives who’d been standing back at the tower waved. The humans waved back.

The front door had a latch. Arin stood before it, turned it, and opened the door. The rain began to intensify. He reached inside and lights came on.