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Norton, Andre, 1912-2005

"Star Born"

"Now that will keep you on the buzzer without bursting
your eardrums. Try it."
Raf fastened on the helmet and started away from the flitter. The
buzzer which he had expected to roar in his ears was only a faint
drone, and above it he could easily hear other sounds. Yet it was
there, and he tested it by a series of loops away from the flyer. Each
time as he came on the true beam he was rewarded by a deepening of the
muted note. Yes, he could be a homer with that, and at the same time
be alert to any other noise in his vicinity.
"That's it!" He paid credit where it was due. But he was unable to
break his long habit of silence. Something within him still kept him
wary of the com-tech's open friendliness.
None of the aliens approached the flitter as the shadows began to draw
in. The procession of moving teams stopped, and most of the
burden-bearing warriors withdrew to the globe and stayed there. Soriki
pointed this out.
"They're none too sure, themselves. Look as if they are closing up for
the night."
Indeed it did. The painted men had hauled up their ramp, the hatch in
the globe closed with a definite snap.


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