 Which isn't a reason that Extrone chose Ri as bait?
Of course using live bait is the best way to lure dangerous alien animals ... unless it turns out that you are the bait! Extrone asked, "Is there a pass?" "We'll pitch camp right here, then," Extrone said. He crossed to Mia, who, along with him, had been pressed into Extrone's party as guides. Once more, Ri addressed the bearers, "Be quick, now!" "At least, then, I wouldn't be one of his guides. "What hurts most, he pays us for it. "You two scout ahead," Extrone said. "Yes, sir," Ri said, and instantly the two of them readjusted their shoulder straps and started off. And I don't think there's another cargo rocket on this planet outside of the one we leased from the Club. "After Extrone said he'd hunt farn beasts, even if it meant going to the alien system? I didn't tell Extrone, if that's what you're thinking," Mia said. The rocket roared directly over Extrone's tent, turned slowly, spouting fuel expensively, and settled into the scrub forest, turning the vegetation beneath it sere by its blasts. Extrone sat on an upholstered stool before his tent and spat disgustedly and combed his beard with his blunt fingers. Extrone demanded, ominously not raising his voice. Extrone's face looked much too innocent. "You'll destroy this one, too," Extrone said. Extrone said, "To begin with, they probably don't even know I'm here. Extrone plucked at his right ear lobe, half closing his eyes. "Get off," Extrone said quietly to the four officers. Extrone stood up lazily, stretching. Extrone said, turning, startled. Extrone held back the flap of the tent. Extrone flipped it on. Ri glanced nervously around the tent, his sharp eyes avoiding Extrone's glittering ones. Extrone questioned mildly. "Of course you did," Extrone said, lazily tracing the crease of his sleeve with his forefinger. "Yes," Extrone said, "I imagine they are. Extrone's lip twisted in wry amusement. "Of course," Extrone said. "Like all of my subjects," he waved his hand in a broad gesture, "the highest as well as the lowest slave, know me and love me. The moon was clear and cold and bright in a cloudless sky; a small moon, smooth-surfaced, except for a central mountain ridge that bisected it into almost twin hemispheres.
 he's the best suited to be bait
 he's upset that Ri killed a farn beast first  he's the best suited to be bait  he never planned to let Ri live  he doesn't trust Ri