（外文电子版资料）TITAN-JohnVarley_ch09-ch.docVIP

CHAPTER NINE What do you mean, good-bye? Where are you going? Ive been thinking it over, Calvin said, quietly. He removed his wristwatch and handed it to Cirocco. You people can use this better than I can. Cirocco was about to burst with frustration. And thats all the explanation we get? Ive been thinking it over. Calvin, weve got to stick together. Were still an exploration party, and Im still your Captain. Weve got to work together toward getting rescued. He smiled faintly. And just how are we going to do that? She wished he hadnt asked that question. I havent had time to work out a plan on that, she said, vaguely. Theres bound to be something we can do. You let me know when you think of something. Im ordering you to stay with the rest of us. How are you going to stop me from leaving if I want to go? Knock me out and tie me up? How much energy is it going to take to guard me all the time? Keeping me here makes me a liability. If I go, I can be an asset. What do you mean, an asset? Just that. The blimps can talk around the whole curve of Themis. Theyre great with news; everybody here listens to them. If you ever need me for anything, Id come back. All Id have to do is teach you a few simple calls. Can you whistle? Never mind that, Cirocco said, with an annoyed wave of her hand. She rubbed her forehead, and allowed her body to relax. If she was to make him stay, she had to talk him out of it, not restrain him. I still dont see why you want to go. Dont you like it here with us? “ I ... no, not all that much. I was happier when I was alone. Theres too much tension. Too much bad feeling. Weve all been through a lot. It ought to get better when we get some things straightened out. He shrugged. Then you can call me, and Ill try it again. But I dont care for the company of my own kind anymore. The blimps are freer, and wiser. Ive never been happier than during that ride. He was showing more enthusiasm than Cirocco had seen since the meeting on the cliff.