“Our friends argued about it. Eventually Alexis agreed because they threatened to take the shuttle apart inside our ship. Getting to the shuttle will be the problem. I’m sure it must be under heavy guard.”

“Not necessarily.”

Loo made the frown gesture with his rubbery mouthparts. “I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“What reason is there to guard a shuttle? There is only need to guard its pilots. You are here, the ship is elsewhere. Keeping you apart is security enough. No Thranx, of course, would think of assisting a bunch of monsters.”

“Thanks,” Loo said drily. “Except you, of course.”

“And I am possibly mad. By helping you, I will become something of a monster to my own people.” He paused reflectively, added in a different tone, “You realize, of course, that if there is no resultant alliance, that if friendship does not materialize between our races, then I will be effectively dead.”

Neither of them said anything.

“Excuse me,” he said apologetically. “That was impolite. Those are not thoughts to be inflicted on others. This is my own free decision. Nothing compels me to do this.

“I demand only one thing in return for my assistance. That if our escape should be opposed, under no circumstances will you or any of your hivemates kill to facilitate it.”

They looked uncomfortable. “We can promise for ourselves,” Bonnie agreed, “but I don’t know about the others. If we’re close to making it back to the Seeker, I’m not sure one or two would not hesitate to use any method to insure our successful boarding.”

“Precisely such traits,” Ryo noted solemnly, “have convinced Thranx scientists that it would be unwise to expand contact between us. You must impress this on your companions. Opinion is still uncertain among some members of the research staff. Killing would forever solidify the feelings against you and would make further contact impossible.”

“We’ll do our best,” Loo assured him. “We’ll try and convince the others.”

“Who is clanmother among you?” He made a quick gesture of embarrassment “I am sorry. I forgot. You have neither clan nor hive organization. You go from family to some sort of loose tribal federation. It must make you feel very alone sometimes. I think that may be part of your problem.”

“Maybe we are loners compared to the Thranx,” Loo said, “but I think we have more individual freedom. Your own experiences are proof of that.”

“From this undisciplined freedom comes perhaps your tendencies to—but enough philosophy.” He was concerned that their long conversation might attract the attention of the hidden researchers.

“I shall try to divine the location of your shuttlecraft, ascertain the difficulties involved in reaching it, and decide on a propitious time to attempt an escape. Since your first successful attempt, security measures have been strengthened, I am told. You are all closely and constantly watched. It will be more difficult this time.”