Thunderbird by Jack McDevitt Page B

dangerous territory?”
    â€œYes. I know there are risks.”
    â€œI’m not just talking about the potential for invaders. Or the possibility of an economic collapse, which I’m sure you’ve thought of. But, as a result of what you find out there, we may experience a total cultural shift.”
    â€œHow do you mean?”
    â€œHistorically, anytime a technologically advanced culture has connected with a relatively primitive one, a lot of things change. Values, for example. Perception. We could encounter an advanced society that laughs at religion. Or whose individuals have IQs at around two hundred. Or who live for centuries.”
    â€œI understand that could happen.”
    â€œThere are probably hazards we haven’t even thought of.”
    â€œDavid, there’s a lot to be gained. We can’t really walk away from an opportunity like this.”
    The waitress came and laid the bill on the table. Each routinely paid his own tab. That was the rule. But David grabbed it. “This one’s on me,” he said.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œI don’t think I’ve told you this before, but I’m proud to see what you’ve done with your life, Jim. I like to think I had a hand in it.”
    â€œYou did, David.”
    â€œOne more thing? If you can see a way to do it, I recommend you manage things so that we walk away from this. From the Roundhouse.”
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    T HE CHAIRMAN ARRANGED to have April’s team of five scientists meet in the tribal conference room, along with the astronauts. Keck was also present, as was Adam Sky. The room was located just down the passageway from his office. A brick, single-story structure known as the Blue Building housed the tribal headquarters, as well as the post office, the Indian Health Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Outside, the flags of the United States and the Mni Wakan Oyate fluttered in a strong wind.
    â€œWelcome aboard, ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “I want to remind you we’re going into territory where no human being has ever been before.” He frowned. “Sounds like the opening lines for a television series, doesn’t it?” That got some laughs. “Our primary goal is just to take a quick look around and get everyone back alive. If anybody’s planning on bringing a weapon, it’s okay as long as you’re certified for it. But we want you to exercise extreme care. Don’t use it unless absolutely necessary. Now let’s move on. I’d like to introduce April Cannon.”
    April came forward and opened a folder. “Thanks, James. You already know that we’re planning on spending about five hours, assuming everything goes well, at our destination. What we want to accomplish is simplyto get a sense of what’s on the other side of the link. We’ll look around a bit, if we’re able to, see if they have life-forms, if it’s an Earth-type world, what else is going on. But primarily, we’ll be cautious. Nobody is to take any chances. We stay together. The gentleman at the end of the table is Adam Sky.” Adam raised a hand. “He will be heading up the security contingent. Anything he tells us to do, we will comply with.”
    She introduced the astronauts, Melissa Sleeman and Art Coleman. Melissa was a gorgeous redhead who turned the heads of every male in the room. Art, on the other hand, displayed a military demeanor, cool and confident, exactly the guy you’d want in the area if you got in trouble.
    â€œMy friends call me
Boots
,” he said. “After we’ve eaten, we’ll take a little time to familiarize ourselves with the pressure suits. In case we need them tomorrow.” He reached under a table and produced a helmet. “Later today, we’ll move the suits to Eden, where they’ll be available. Adam will wear one when he makes the initial jump. He’ll determine