Of course there isn’t, Dev thought sardonically. Just plenty of room in empty airlocks. “I will talk with my friends. How soon do you need our decision?”

“If you are amenable,” Tilenyii replied, “I would expect such a final determination within a few of your hours. If they refuse, we will proceed as I have indicated. It is required that only one of you need join the landing party.”

Airlock, Dev reminded himself unhappily. The A'jeii wanted their humans to help them intimidate an alien species just as the Olone and the Kaijank had previously intimidated humankind.

He looked forward to encountering yet another alien species, but not under the implied circumstances.

Jakob Zimmer was appalled. “They want us to help them steal? From another intelligent species?” Everything in the hot tea he was presently sipping and trying not to spill, including the cup itself, had been synthesized for him by a couple of pods bracketed side-by-side on what had come to be known as “the food wall.” Each of their assigned quarters, including that of the Zimmers, featured a similar facility.

Dev nodded. “That is how I interpret it.”

“And if we refuse to participate in this ethically-suspect request?” his wife said.

“Tilenyii made no overt threats,” Dev explained. “She didn’t have to. The impression I got was that we are expected to contribute to our upkeep. Or else we are likely to find ourselves sleeping in space.”

“To put it another way,” Pavesi added, “Tilenyii was reaffirming that those who stole this vessel aren’t operating a charitable institution.” Her brow furrowed as she regarded Dev. “They really think we can help them negotiate with yet another alien species? What about Vantolos and the other Olone on board? Isn’t it their mission to handle such things? Why the interest in including us?”

Dev suppressed a smile. “From watching their interaction, I got the distinct feeling that the A'jeii and the Olone cooperate solely out of mutual interest, and that no love is lost between their respective species. Vantolos was present when Tilenyii made the proposal to me. The Olone did not seem happy about it.”

From where he was stretched out on the floor staring at the ceiling, Reed emitted a gratified grunt. “Count me in on anything that pisses off the squid. I hate bullies, no matter how many arms they’ve got.”

“Tch.” Katou-Zimmer was shaking her head. “Shape prejudice, and from you of all people.”

He rolled over to meet her gaze. “I’m not prejudiced against the Olone. I’m prejudiced against anyone who acts like Vantolos did during our encounters back on Earth.”

“That simply seems to be the nature of the Olone.” Katou-Zimmer continued to chide her colleague. “I don’t think Vantolos can interact with other sentients in any other fashion.”

“Fine.” Reed rolled over onto his side. “So I’m prejudiced against the Olone. File a complaint with the anti-squid discrimination board.”