"I told you. What a stubborn animal you are. You never listen."

Ned's tail thumped frantically on the table as he made another attempt.

"But this time you have to listen. You either do what I tell you, or you'll end up in a cage."

Ned froze, his eyes on Marrok's face.

"She wants to protect you from hurting yourself, and she doesn't understand that you don't need to be put in a cage. I told her you were smart enough not to do yourself damage." He grimaced. "And you promptly do something dumb. How can I help you if you-" He turned his head as he caught a brilliant flash out of the corner of his eye.

A flare lighting the darkness.

"Alive," he murmured. "Life, Ned. You found life up there. I told you that you'd do it." He turned and crossed back to the Lab. "They'll be bringing someone down soon. Because of you."

The dog was smiling. No one could convince Marrok that dogs didn't smile. He knew Ned did. There was an expression of eagerness and joy on the Lab's face, and he was looking out at the fading splendor of the flare as if he understood what it meant. Maybe he did. Ned understood what Marrok said. It could be that he was aware of more subtle meanings. Ned was always learning, always changing.

"Now are you satisfied? You found your survivor."

Ned was still staring raptly at the sky as if he could actually see that person, the life he'd saved.

Marrok could feel his throat tighten. "Crazy dog," he said thickly. His hand stroked Ned's throat. "Okay, you were right. It was worth coming here. Even if you managed to set us up for Danner." He drew a deep breath. "But now we have to wriggle out from under. And you have to help. You have to do exactly what I tell you. I'm going to stay with you until she comes back, but when I see her jeep in view, I'm gone." He had to talk fast, be very clear. It would be better if he switched to the language Ned had known since he was a puppy. "Listen carefully; I'll be back, but until…"