on-humans, that didn't seem like such a good idea. He'd
warn the spectators, then, and see about having pictures circulated
before he went out in public with them. Bradford was right: if there
was a chance these people would join the Empire, they'd have to start
getting used to their fellow citizens.

He'd barely finished a brief description of the Traiti when the sound
of null-grav engines made him look up. It was the lander, making a
fast but otherwise sedate approach. Medart hid a grin as spectators
drew back, expecting a crash. Sandeman reflexes made the speed
perfectly safe, and if they thought this was something, they should see
the type of landing a pilot trained at Clan Leras preferred. Given a
choice, especially on a non-Sandeman world, those would stunt a craft
till it was barely a couple of meters off the ground. That usually
resulted in one of the watchers panicking and calling the local
emergency services before a safe, if overly dramatic, landing.

The lander touched down, and moments later the hatch opened. Keith
disembarked, followed by four enlisted Marines. Despite Medart's
caution and description, the massive gray-skinned Traiti drew sounds of
astonishment--and, Medart thought, some fear--from the troopers, and an
exclamation of "Dear God!" from Bradford.

The team stopped about a meter from Medart and saluted. When he'd
returned the salute, Keith introduced the team members. "Do you have
work for us right away," he asked then, "or should I have them set up
their shelter?"

"The shelter," Medart said. "And it might not be a bad idea for them
to circulate, let these people get used to them. You can do that as
well, or join Colonel Bradford and me; we'll be observing Colonel
Cortin at work."

"I'd prefer to join you, sir." Keith turned to the senior NCO.
"You're in charge here, Sergeant Tovar."

"Yes, sir." The sergeant smiled, exposing shark-like teeth. "You need
not worry, sirs. This is not our first time among humans who haven't
seen Traiti before. It's just too bad there are no children here."

"Children!" Bradford exclaimed in disbelief.

"Children," Medart confirmed with a chuckle. "Traiti adore children,
anyone's children--and the youngsters have some way of knowing it.
Five minutes or so after they meet, they're fast friends."

"I think I would like my children to have such friends," a woman said
behind Medart. He turned, to see all of Family Cortin except Cortin
h