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eBook Category: Science Fiction
eBook Description: On the earthlike fifth planet of Cyranus, a geophysical crew--skitterbuggers--shoots seismic spreads, exploring for the necessary resources to support a future colonization. The days are long, hot, and sweaty--monotonous--until they inadvertently disturb an underground horde of angry, sentient, and dangerous creatures, which immediately relieves the monotony by putting the whole crew at risk.

eBook Publisher: Fictionwise.com, Published: Dragon, 1982
Fictionwise Release Date: June 2002

35 Reader Ratings: Great Good OK Poor

Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: Adobe Acrobat (PDF) [83 KB], eReader (PDB) [33 KB], Palm Doc (PDB) [20 KB], Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [19 KB], Microsoft Reader (LIT) [70 KB] - PocketPC 1.0+ Compatible, Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [91 KB], hiebook (KML) [77 KB], Sony Reader (LRF) [51 KB], iSilo (PDB) [17 KB], Mobipocket (PRC) [21 KB], Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [49 KB], OEBFF Format (IMP) [31 KB]
Words: 5651
Reading time: 16-22 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud DISABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED

"Astro-geophysical crewmen, skitterbuggers, derive their nickname from the Terran water bug that walks on water. The skitterbug darts about on bent spindly legs like a homeless nomad. Its human namesake sees an analogy to his life, darting from star to star, an astral nomad..."
--From the introduction to The Astro-Geophysical Handbook by the L-5 Foundation, Luna One, 2112.

Cyranus began a new day, rising above the desert horizon on its fifth planet. Morning rays found the geodesic dome where the All-American Boy fixed breakfast for the four-member crew.

As Cyranus continued the journey, its light discovered junior grade recorder Finn M'Cormac staring across this new, flat landscape.

Nothing moved in the dawn shadows that silhouetted a clump of brown thorn bushes. Dwarfed by a lack of rain, the dullish-colored plants blended into the sandy background that supported a few reptile-like creatures, and a predator similar to a mongoose.

For the next six weeks Finn and his mates would circle the planet's equator with seismograms, pin-pointing whether the world's natural wealth would support colonization.

The thought of a busy city imposed over this quiet scene brought a frown to Finn's face. But, at least, this place is good for skitterbugging, Finn thought, taking a breath of clean, fresh air while gazing at the cloudless sky. The shuttle from their mother ship, Aquarius, was taking crews to other habitable planets circling Cyranus that looked far more hostile.

The aroma of coffee shifted Finn's thoughts from the desert to his empty stomach--the rich smell enhanced the crisp, dry air. He moved back into the dining area of the dome. "Coffee smells good," he said, taking his seat at the dining table.

"Good-morning-junior-recorder," the All-American Boy said, his voice an unemotional monotone, placing a foodpak and a cup of steaming coffee in front of Finn.

Gent Jackson slipped into a seat across from Finn and nodded. "Hey, where's my orange juice?"

The All-American Boy shuffled over on mechanical feet with a juice carton. "Good-morning-driller."

The big man took a tentative sip, holding up his hand in the wait signal. "Hmmmm." He swished the juice in his mouth as if he were sampling a vintage wine, and the All-American Boy waited like an expectant wine steward. Gent took another sip and smacked his lips, making an OK sign with his thumb and forefinger. The All-American Boy returned to work.

From the doorway to the sleeping cubicles, the two other crew members hurried into the dining area and sat down: Mikela Lucchesi, recorder and team leader; and Shigawara Kenjo, the team shooter--the explosives expert. The crew ate rapidly, anxious to begin the first day's shooting.

Finn pushed away his empty foodpak and watched Mikela eat, admiring her beauty. She was tall, her slight breasts and hips barely contouring her athletic figure. Her only adornment was a curious black tattoo on her left cheekbone: The five-pointed star, no larger than a dilated pupil, was a symbol for the Church of the Transcendent, a small sect popular with skitterbuggers and some starship personnel, particularly pilots. Senior 'Scendents practiced celibacy.

In the kitchen the All-American Boy cocked his head: It was the hum again, vibrating through his circuitry with an uncomfortable sensation.