I am Robin Hood, thy master good,

Killashandra wondered if the Inspectors euphoria would extend to lesser breeds, those without Guild affiliation, when he resumed his booth in Immigration. If you will step this way, Guildmember Ree. Thyrol made another of his graceful gestures. When she moved to walk beside him, he altered his stride to keep a deferential meter from her. The others fell in behind. Killashandra shrugged, accepting the protocol. Not having to chat with her escort gave her a chance to glance about the shuttle port. The facility was functional and decorated with murals of Life on Optheria: the main attraction of the Summer Festival the organ was not depicted. Nor did the vaulted arrivals hall appear to have any catering areas apart from one narrow bank for beverage dispensing. Conspicuous by their absence were curio and souvenir booths. Not even a ticket bank was to be seen. And only one lounge area. At the wide exit, the doors sighed aside for Killashandra and Thyrol, who quickly walked down the wide shallow steps to a broad, intricately patterned apron of flat stones. Beyond was the roadway where the crew had just finished stowing the three foam crates in a large ground effect machine. Suddenly an arc of light flashed on behind Killashandra and a muted alarm sounded. Guards materialized from inconspicuous booths on both sides of the main entrance and approached the three Optherians of the reception committee who were walking behind Killashandra and Thyrol. Please do not be disconcerted, Guildmember Ree. Thyrol waved to the guards and they retreated back into their stations. The arc of light disappeared. What was that all about? Merely a security precaution. For my leaving the shuttle port? Thyrol cleared his throat. Actually, for Optherians leaving the shuttle port. Leaving? This is our vehicle, Guildmember, Thyrol said, smoothly urging her across the flagstone plaza. She allowed herself to be diverted because it was obvious that, whoever left the Shuttle Port was first obliged to enter: the alarm would work in both directions. But how could the device distinguish Optherians from other humans? No mutation had been mentioned in her perusal of the Encyclopedia Galactica entry for the planet: most ingenious for a warning device to differentiate between residents and nonresidents. But surely it got a bit noisy and confusing when canon digital camera service manual Optherians were escorting tourists to the shuttle port. Or was that the reason for this broad flagstone area? She would have to check on FSP regulations about security measures restricting citizens of their planets. As her vehicle glided forward, the first of the shuttle passengers began to emerge. On cue, fat accommodation buses filed out of the parking area to the flagstone curb. Craning her neck slightly, Killashandra took due note of the fact that the security system did not respond to the foreigners exits. Already the vehicle was climbing out of the valley which contained the shuttle port and the clutter of maintenance buildings. The place looked bleakly ordered and preternaturally neat in comparison to what Killashandra recalled of Fuertes busy space port. Perhaps when the tourist season started Even the clumps of trees and bushes which softened the harder lines of the buildings had a regulated look. Killashandra wondered how often the plantings had to be replaced. Shuttle emanations had a disastrous effect on most vegetation. Are you comfortable, Guildmember? Mirbethan asked from her seat behind Killashandra. Of necessity the shuttle port was placed close to the City, Pirinio took up the conversation, but is screened by these hills which also absorb much of the noise and bustle. Noise and bustle, his tone of voice told Killashandra, were the unpleasant concomitants of space travel. How wise of you, Killashandra replied. Optherians founding fathers planned for every contingency, Thyrol said smugly. No effort has been spared to conserve our planets natural beauty. The vehicle had reached the top of the gap and Killashandra had an unimpeded view of the broader valley below them, in which nestled the felicitous arrangement of pastel colored buildings, domes, and round towers that comprised Optherias capital settlement, known as the City. From that height, the impressive view drew a surprised exclamation from Killashandra. It is breathtaking! Thyrol chose to interpret her response his way. Beautiful was a fair adjective, Killashandra thought, but breathtaking, no! Even at that distance something was too prim and proper about the City for her taste. None of the indigenous trees and bushes were removed, you see, Thyrol explained, gesturing with his whole hand rather than a single finger, when the City was constructed, so that the natural,