Probability Sun Read Online Free PDF

Grant. Dieter Gruber and his wife, Dr. Ann Sikorski, expedition xenobiologist. She too was a member of the previous expedition, and speaks the native language extremely well. Far better than her husband.”
    Gordon grinned, watering can in hand. “You don’t like Gruber.”
    “That’s irrelevant, sir,” Kaufman said primly.
    “Yes, it is: But since the planet’s proscribed and we’re unwelcome on it, there’s not going to be a great deal for a non-military xenobiologist to do anyway.” Kaufman caught the distinction. If the doubly secret part of this mission succeeded, the capture of a Faller, the military would provide its own xenobiologists.
    Gordon continued, “The orders—grudgingly obtained, I might add—are minimal contact with natives who don’t want us. You keep away from them, and you keep them away from the mission.”
    An uneasy feeling started in Kaufman’s stomach. He ignored it. “Sir, I’m told that at least one native will need to be located and talked to. She had extensive contact with the previous anthropological team, especially Ann Sikorski. She—”
    “I’m only telling you the official position, Lyle. You’ll rule on exceptions as they come up.”
    “But I’m—”
    “Who else has arrived?”
    “Marbet Grant. Also another physicist whom Dr. Capelo requested, Dr. Rosalind Singh from Cambridge University, UAF. We’re still waiting for the military physicist that High Command assigned to the project, Captain Harold Albemarle, and the spelunking tech. And the warship shuttle has docked. They’ve given us the Alan B. Shepard , under Commander Matthew Grafton.”
    “Good man.”
    “The ship is awaiting completion of weapons inspection. Commander Grafton has an appointment with you at fourteen hundred hours. After that, he can be underway whenever you want.”
    “You mean, underway whenever you want.”
    “Me?” Kaufman said. The uneasy feeling returned to his stomach, this time not ignorable.
    “You. I’ve got you appointed as expedition leader.”
    Instantly Kaufman said, “I don’t want it.”
    “I know you don’t. And I don’t blame you—it’s a bunch of goddamn cowboys and misfits, and if Dr. Capelo comes up with nothing or fucks up that primitive native culture while digging around in it, your career is over. Sorry, Lyle. It’s a rotten shame to do this to you. But you’re the best man for the job.”
    “Sir, with all due respect, I don’t see how you could have decided that. I’m not at all qualified. I’m not even command rank!”
    “You are now. I put in for you for colonel this morning, battlefield processing. Lyle, you have three qualifications for this post. First, you actually believe Dieter Gruber’s story that there’s something of value on World, which is more than anybody else on Mars does.
    “Second, you understand more physics than anyone but an actual physicist, and from what I can see, they’re all nuts.
    “Third, and most important, you see all sides of issues. To some, that might make you look wishy-washy. I suspect that to yourself it makes you wishy-washy. But to me, it looks exactly like what that bunch of wild people are going to need out there. You’ll keep the entire quixotic affair from going over the top in any way.”
    Kaufman said sourly, “I never knew a general before who could use the word ‘quixotic.’ Sir.”
    Gordon threw back his head and laughed. “You’re probably right.”
    “What’s in that cage, sir?”
    “What do you think is in there. Colonel?”
    “I think nothing is in there. I think you feed and water nothing just to keep your visitors wondering what you’ve captured, and so a little bit off-balance.”
    “Right again. See, Lyle, I knew you were the correct choice for this job. Now get yourself up to the Alan B. Shepard and plan your team quarters. Oh, and one thing more—”
    “Yes, sir?” Kaufman said unhappily.
    “Good luck.”
    *   *   *
    The first night aboard ship, Kaufman arranged