“We think Arin’s a cleric of some sort. If that’s true, what kind of religion do they have? Do they believe in a god who supports honesty?”

“Derek, my folks trained me never to bring up religion with people I don’t know very well. I think you should just leave it alone.”

Derek grumbled something under his breath. Then: “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“I can tell you one thing about them. They’re pretty smart.”

“Why would you say that? They don’t even have aircraft.”

“I’m surprised they have any technology at all. Look at them: They live on a bunch of islands scattered all over the globe. But they have electricity and cars. And wind farms. How’d they manage that? In a place where there could never have been a Britain. Or an Athens. Where any genius who came along would have found herself almost stranded in the middle of the ocean.”

“I know. But they also probably didn’t have to worry much about invaders. I’d think it’s a great place to be a genius. You just hang out on the beach until you think of something.”

Hutch decided to concentrate on her approach to the island. Let’s not get careless and have another incident. The beach appeared, grew larger, and the inhabitants became visible. It was crowded, just as it always was. Some of the Volarians looked up and waved. To the north, the temple rose out of the forest. And she saw the cottage that had been their home. She descended almost to treetop level. The parking area was clear of cars.

She eased onto the lot. “Take care, Hutch,” he said. “Wish me luck.”

He unbuckled and headed for the hatch. “Derek,” she said, “wait.” He’d left the commlink on the seat. She picked it up, turned it on, and handed it to him.

He smiled, said something about being dumb, and hung it around his neck. Then she kissed his cheek. “Have a good time.”

He climbed down to the ground. The cottage door opened and Arin came out. The two clasped hands and their voices came in through the commlink. Hutch heard them laughing.

Then Arin noticed her. He looked puzzled. He started toward the lander, but Derek told him something. He was using Volarian, so she couldn’t make out what he was saying. She guessed he was trying to make it sound like a mechanical issue. It ended there. Arin waved and they went inside.

Kwylla was waiting. Korsek was seated in an armchair. And there was a fourth Volarian. Despite the impression they’d gotten earlier about Korsek’s academic associate, she was a female. She rose from the sofa and greeted Derek with a broad smile.

“Tasha,” said Hutch. “Turn on the scanners and let me know if anyone comes close to the lander.”

“Got it, Captain.”