But the few feeble lights showed that some power remained on board. Even a dead ship might boast automatic defenses. Therefore he dearly wanted to avoid having to blow the lock.

Anzeljermeit left two of his people in charge of the shuttle to relay information from the burrowing party to the Zinramm’s secondary scientific complement. Broh knew that in the event of trouble they were to return immediately to the Zinramm. While interrank relationships were reasonably casual on board Thranx ships, discipline was absolute when invoked.

The suited burrowing party entered the shuttle’s lock, which closed behind them. The three sections of the outside door slid apart and they floated into the connection tube.

Ahead lay the exterior of the alien ship. The skin was painted black or composed of some black metal. It did not shine the comfortable silver of the Zinramm. It was with some relief that Broh had noticed earlier it was also not the garish orange of an AAnn craft. Crowded together in the narrow confines of the boarding tube they pondered what to do next.

The Outsiders had brought solid charges for blowing the lock if that proved necessary. Broh let the science council take its time studying the lock configuration.

They quickly discovered several hinged covers, which when raised, revealed contact disks. These were perfunctorily inspected. The observers conferred, then the first spoke to Broh via suit communicator. “We believe these to be simple, if bulky, controls for operating the lock, as should be present on any such entryway in the event of internal power failure.”

“They could also,” the second observer noted grudgingly, “be a method for inducing anyone trying to enter to blow himself toward the nearest star.”

“An assumption that presupposes both paranoia and belligerence,” said the third Observer. “Two qualities which I would prefer not to ascribe to the builders of this vessel.”

“We’re not debating preferences, but actualities,” said the second observer. “However, I naturally defer to the majority opinion.” He moved toward the rear of the tube.

“You activate the controls. I will wait here.”

The third observer made a gesture indicative of acceptance coupled with hopeful anticipation and just a smidgen of mild amusement She turned and reached with a suited truhand for the lower of the two exposed disks. The Outside officer and his companions waited impassively, not having been allowed to retreat.

Broh’s inclination was to agree with the majority of observers, but he wished their decision to try the lock controls had been unanimous.

As the third observer depressed the disk the lock hatch promptly slid up into the wall of the ship. A brightly lit chamber was exposed beyond. A second hatch showed ahead. They were indeed entering an airlock, then.

It was more than large enough to hold them all, including the recalcitrant second observer who floated behind, grumbling but willing to admit he’d been wrong.

Corresponding disks were sunk in the interior wall. Their function was simple to divine. When all seven burrowers were inside, the third observer depressed the counterpart to the outside disk. The exterior lock door slid shut.