Ridenour And Evagail In A Storm

"Outpost of Empire."

"'Let's say the female has a more complex biochemistry, more closely involved with her psyche, than a male.'" (p. 45)

Is that true?

The outbackers have been artistically influenced by the Arulians and have learned bioengineering from them.

The wind performs its usual dual role of natural force and commentator on the human dialogue:

"The wind worsened. Being denser than Terra's, air never got to hurricane velocity; but it thrust remorselessly, a quasi-solid, well-nigh unbreathable mass. Torn-off leaves and boughs started to fly overhead..." (p. 47)

"Any man must soon be exhausted, pushing against that horrible wind." (ibid.)

And when the outbacker woman, Evagail, tries to become physically close to Ridenour, he responds:

"'I'm sorry. It mustn't be.'

"'Why not?' The wind raved louder, nearly obliterating her words." (p. 50)

Ridenour's problem is that he sees the outbackers as the Empire's enemies and indeed is travelling with them as a spy who will transmit military intelligence to an orbiting Navy warship. He thinks:

"You are my enemy, and I will not betray you with a kiss." (ibid.)

And here is yet another Biblical allusion that we have probably not noticed before.