Fragments 1: Devolution Landing

The Wandering Doctor

When the flitter finally arrived Androbos and Elveren climbed aboard and took to the air. The Professor didn't look happy and she guessed that sharp words would be said. The aircraft lifted gently from the ground and they began a slow spiral flight path that moved steadily further away from the site. It wasn't long before they could see the distinctive shape of Doctor Moorfier walking across the dusty ground. She was clearly heading back to camp but they descended and landed nearby.

Androbos climbed down from the flitter and his mood was visible on his face. He took his glasses off and glared at his colleague.

"What were you thinking!" he demanded. "We've wasted valuable time looking for you. Anything could have happened!"

She stood her ground, but looked a little sheepish.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss," she said defiantly. "We may never get a chance to come back."

"We may never get a chance to leave if we're not careful," he responded with a certain amount of venom. "What were you doing anyway?"

"Just a standard linear walk," she replied. "I set a straight course from the camp and recorded plant samples as I went. It should give me a good measure of the ecosystem here."

"You could have got lost!"

"Rubbish!" she shouted back. "I had a navigation beacon and a mapping device - and a radio so I could call for help."

The Professor was running out of steam. He was not a naturally angry man.

"Where are the others?"

"Perracheck and Babin? That young man wanted to talk to the locals so they hiked off to meet some. Ran checked on the satellite pictures and they spotted a group seven miles to the west."

"Okay," said Androbos. "You might as well get in. At least I'll know where you are then."

She looked at him sharply but climbed on board. The temptation of a ride back clearly overrode any pride she might be nursing at this point.

The pilot took off again and they flew in the direction that Moorfier had suggested.