Skaara had a point man, rear guard, and flankers out as they marched through the dunes. It was perfect Marine recon patrol doctrine-and a testament to Skaara's powers of observation. His order of march was obviously lifted from the way O'Neil had done things on his last visit to Abydos. The colonel glanced toward the toiling figure of Walter Draven. Maybe UMC's hotshot negotiator was unwise in equating primitive with stupid. The moment they came in sight of the city walls, Skaara snapped off an order. Nabeh raised his rifle, this time being careful to fire only one shot. As soon as the strangers were spotted, people in the watchtowers began sounding trumpets that looked like gigantic mutated ram's horns. The low-pitched, penetrating mooing sound brought the inhabitants out into the streets. O'Neil was reminded of his first visit to this city, of the people's almost instinctive courtesy and hospitality. They'd been somewhat frightened of strangers then, thinking they came from Ra. This time the huge, heavy gates opened to reveal a smiling, cheering throng.
