[i]He really was just like a big cat,[/i] I thought. At least with the purring. When he stood I corrected myself. He was a [i]really[/i] big cat.

"That was my thought," I replied. "Given the time and the native fauna, they may very well still be at their ship," I said, picking up my light armour again. The shower would have to wait. It seemed unlikely they'd brave the woods at night. But come morning... No, best to deal with them now. I almost suggested I should go back to their ship alone... but then remembered he might just leave me. We'd have to go together.

"This is an infiltrator, yes? Quiet? We could move closer and save ourselves a track back through the woods," I suggested. "Unless you'd like to meet the nexu? They're very friendly. Big, toothy smiles. Stringy tasting, too," I added with a light tone so he'd now I was joking.