At the moment Ryo was stretched out flat on a saddle that the station shop had hastily cobbled together for him. The alien fabric was gently gripping against his abdomen and thorax, the head brace decently curved. He crossed his hands over his front and let his legs droop lazily over the sides of the saddle. In addition to the three scientists, Loo was present, not to act as interpreter, since Ryo’s mastery of the human language was now extensive, but simply to be a familiar go-between should the need arise.

After several hours of discussion concerning Thranx cultural habits, Ryo had a question of his own.

“You know, I have an interesting proposal I would like to make. I’ve given it a good deal of thought.” He studied his visitors as they waited for him to continue.

On the right was the elder male named Rijseen. Ryo had decided he was the equivalent of an Eint, for he was often deferred to by other inquirers. Next to him sat the elder female Kibwezi, whose skin was nearly as dark as the space surrounding the station. Nearby was the youngest of the three, the diminutive male called Bhadravati.

Since they’d first come to question him many changes had been made in Ryo’s burrow, at his request. The ceiling had been lowered nearly a meter. A human of more than average height was therefore compelled to stoop when walking. All the right angles had been removed through the addition of sprayed polyfoam. The lighting had been reduced. The heat and humidity remained at Willow-wane normal.

By way of partial compensation a changing room had been installed between the station corridor and the burrow proper. There visitors could discard whatever clothing they wished so they might speak with their alien guest in comparative comfort.

Despite the fact that he was sitting practically naked, the sweat was pouring from Rijseen’s face. His companions seemed more at home in the tropical climate of Ryo’s quarters.

The phenomenon of sweat fascinated Ryo, but he led his thoughts away from it to the question he intended to ask. “During my studies I have learned that there are regions on several of the worlds you have settled which you make little or no use of. This includes your home world of Earth.”

“You aren’t supposed to know details like that,” the younger man interrupted sharply. Then he blinked as if he’d mentioned something he wasn’t supposed to. The woman threw him a look of reproach. It didn’t pass Ryo, who’d become adept at recognizing the meaning of such flexings. He let out a short whistle of amusement.