To the east, the ocean glittered beneath the stars and the full moon. The beach, of course, was dark. Behind it lay the town they’d seen originally during the last moments of the lander. Houses, cabins, cottages, were all glowing. Only the larger buildings were dark.

“It’s bigger than I remembered,” said Derek. “I assume it has a name? The town?”

Ken passed the query to Arin. “Kara,” he said.

Beth picked up the cello and glanced at Arin. Arin shook his head and indicated that it belonged to Kwylla. Signals went back and forth, Kwylla smiled, took the instrument, and played a few notes. The melody was soft and suggested to Hutch a pair of lovers standing in moonlight.

“Beautiful,” said Ken, who quickly corrected himself and repeated the comment in the Volarian language. Kwylla’s smile widened.

They slipped into the chairs and sofa while Arin walked over to a window that provided a view of the sea. “Why are we here?” asked Hutch. “Is something going to happen?”

“I’ve asked him,” said Ken. “He just wants us to wait. I’m not sure why.”

Derek smiled at Arin. “You certainly enjoy playing games.”

“Just to be safe,” said Ken, “he’s acquiring some English.”

Arin grinned as if he’d understood everything. He picked up the phone, punched in a number, waited a moment, and then held a short conversation with someone. At the end he seemed satisfied and hung up.

“Ken,” said Beth, “did you get any of that?”

“Not much. He was giving somebody instructions, and everything seems to be okay. Beyond that, I’ve no idea. Derek’s right about the games. He’s enjoying himself.”

Arin walked over to the desk and leaned against it. It creaked. He said something, but the only thing Hutch picked up was Ken’s name.

Ken smiled helplessly. “I think he said it won’t be long.”

Arin took a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket, looked at it, glanced up at the clock, and sat down on the sofa.

“Wally will be in the sky in a few minutes,” Derek said. “Whatever he’s planning is connected with that.”

“It’s probably a blinker of some sort that he’s set up,” said Beth. “If that’s so, let’s hope it’s bright enough for Wally to see it.”

•  •  •

Kwylla left the room and returned minutes later with several cups of water on a tray. She was passing it out as the Eiferman rose in the eastern sky. When she was done, she looked out at it, squeezed Arin’s shoulder, and said something to him.

They watched as the Eiferman approached. When it got close, Arin went back to the phone, punched in a number, spoke briefly, and hung up.