“Then we are all in agreement?” One at a time, Dev exchanged glances with his companions. “We will do what the A'jeii are asking of us?”

“Reluctantly. This time, at least.” Reaching up with her right hand, Katou-Zimmer placed it on her husband’s. “We will cooperate, but without joy or gladness.”

“Don’t worry so much, Chiasa.” Reed was a font of reassurance today, Dev mused. The big man turned his gaze to him. “If our boy here messes up his strong silent type part in the upcoming local negotiations, you’ll be looking for a warm coat before you know it.” He cast a grim eye over the others.

“We all will.”

—VIII—

Seen from orbit, Mozehn was every bit as beautiful as Earth. So much so that Dev found himself wondering whether or not it might be better to risk abandonment there than to remain on the alien ship with its unpredictable, diverse, morally deficient crew. Oceans, deserts, mountains: viewed from above, it all looked achingly familiar. What would its dominant species be like? Tilenyii had told him they were more advanced than the citizens of Earth. Did they know compassion? Understand the meaning of asylum? Or would they simply eliminate any alien humans stranded on their world as efficiently and ruthlessly as his own kind would eradicate a questionable virus?

When the time came, they assembled as had by now become customary in the Zimmers’ cabin. There, an A'jeii named Runoyii regarded them thoughtfully before eventually approaching the waiting Dev. The A'jeii eyed the human without blinking. “If I were to be asked my personal opinion, I would say that this is a dubious notion and that you should not be a member of this landing party.”

“But it is not your idea.” Since Runoyii was speaking English, Dev responded on the assumption that by now many if not all the highly adaptable and very clever A'jeii understood it reasonably well.

“That is so,” the A'jeii acknowledged. “From the time you leave the ship you will be under the command of Vantolos. You will not have a weapon and you are to say nothing unless it is requested of you by him that you say a few words in your own language. You are to follow his lead in all matters, only to contribute if he requests your assistance or in the event that discussions may seem to be veering away from what we regard as successful.”

“How do you define this ‘success’?” Jakob inquired.

Large eyes swung around to regard the oldest human. “Compliance on the part of the Mozehna with each of our specific requests. Nothing less. A judgment with which you all should be quite familiar.” Pausing, the technician looked around the cabin. “I note that one of your number is not present.”