Randy and Joel had invited Ryder to go jumping with them. Ryder had never been on the surface of Demeter in the seven months that they had been there, and the activity sounded like a blast. On the other hand, going to the Kuu’Aali Falls with Cynthia was a definite draw. The deciding factor was that Debbie was not only going to the Kuu’Aali Falls, but she was driving. She and Becky had both passed their solo exams, and Debbie had convinced Captain White that he should lend her a hopper for the day. Ryder had no desire to put his life in Debbie’s hands, so he decided to join in with the boys and try out one of the robotic units. For some reason Athena was staying in. Athena had been edgy for the last month, even withdrawing from Randy and Joel. She still seemed to be enjoying the meteorology assignment, but tended to spend most of the rest of the time in her room. Cynthia thought that Athena was just homesick, but was also getting more concerned by Athena’s escalating withdrawal.
