Free Family Law 2: The Long Voyage of the Little Fleet by Mackey Chandler Page B

adapted the traditional weapon of his race, a sword similar to a Japanese Katana, but about half again as long both in blade and handle. It was also straighter, having almost no curve. It was carried on the back, so the only thing seen from the front view was the grip sticking up over his shoulder. He also wore spex, clear and incongruous on his avian face and a tiny purse slung cross-wise from one shoulder. He had a black ribbon worn around his wrist with a small bow to mark his membership in the Little Fleet.
    Thor joined them, wearing fur and nothing else but a black wrist band, so there were two Derf. Just to make sure Lee wasn't thought full sized, Alex Hillerman from their power plant and engineering crew joined them. He was dressed in a practical jump suit, with spex and no weapon. He had the usual computer and many visible pockets and a black brassard on his arm. He was very dark black skinned and he kept his head shaved. Gordon wondered if he might not be mistaken for a different race than Lee, but didn't want a mob in front of the camera. Humans varied so much even a third sample might not represent their species sufficiently.
    They transmitted a picture of them all together on the flight bridge of the High Hopes , but relayed  to the Retribution for actual broadcast. The engineering department requested they shoot the video looking toward the back of the chamber, so that the details of all the boards were not revealed. Each of them pointed at themselves and stated their name. Then they each named themselves again and Gordon and Thor identified themselves as Derf. Lee and Alex named themselves as Human and Ha-bob-bob-brie identified himself as Hinth. They all inclusively identified themselves as people. They waited to see if the natives would respond. There was silence and no response for fifteen minutes.
    "What do they have you doing on your work shifts if there is no planet worth exploring the surface?" Lee asked Ha-bob-bob-brie. "I hope you aren't bored and unhappy."
    "I have been doing maintenance and repair on both Derf and Human pressure suits and environmental suits, little sister. Since I had experience with Hinth suits I had a base knowledge to build on and it has been beneficial for all. I've both learned a great deal and been able to offer an occasional better way to do things. It hasn't been boring at all. If it ever does get boring or so caught up nothing is needed Engineering has indicated they would be pleased to offer me a course on instrument fabrication and repair. They indicate it requires a delicacy of touch I was surprised to hear not all Humans possess."  Ha-bob-bob-brie held up a hand and looked at it like it was something new.
    "There is a huge variation in that sort of talent among Humans," Lee admitted. "I'm glad to hear you are busy. Sitting idle is harder than having too much to do, in my opinion."
    "Very much so," Ha-bob-bob-brie agreed, "no danger of that here." He bobbed a little bow and excused himself.
    Lee dipped her head to grant him leave. She was happy he'd called her 'little sister' with such warmth and so naturally. It reminded her how pleased she was to be 'known' to the Hinth. The honor had been granted her before she realized how rarely it was given.
    * * *
    There were two crewmembers with some talent with languages and working full time on interpreting the transmissions of the planet. They let them take over the screen and attempt to get words they wondered about defined. They drew animated outlined figures and identified body parts, had them do simple actions hoping the natives would see what they were doing and respond. They ignored them as much as the video of the crew.
    "How about if we just move on and tell them in effect to kiss our hairy little butts?" Thor suggested the next morning when there had still been no response overnight.
    "Maybe they don't believe the transmission?" Lee speculated. "Maybe they think it is an elaborate joke or a scam? Do they have