It was easy enough to locate the captain. As soon as the determined quartet of humans entered the always impressive open space, Dev espied the leader of the multispecies band of thieves seated in her usual location forward.

Noting their arrival, Tilenyii intercepted them as they tried to advance.

“What do you want here?” Wide eyes shifted to meet Dev’s own. “I know that your encounter did not go well. That is a pity. A remedial response is being prepared. As it does not involve you or any of your companions, you may return to your cabins.”

Not much taller than the A'jeii, Katou-Zimmer leaned toward the supervisor. “We’ve come to talk to Syrenii. About what happened down the surface. And about our situation. About our ultimate purpose on this ship.”

Gesturing forward, Tilenyii sounded irritated as she replied. “The captain is busy. The captain is always busy.”

“Then you can answer our questions,” Katou-Zimmer persisted.

“I am also busy. If you have questions, ask your cabin information pod.”

“We’ve tried.” Jakob took a step forward as a wheeled automaton passed close behind him. “Room pods are great for supplying food and taking care of hygiene; not so much when it comes to answering questions of greater significance.”

“I have no time for you. We are preparing a response to the Mozehna and there is much that needs to be considered. Go back to your cabins.” She pushed her face closer to Jakob’s. “Or would you prefer to observe the forthcoming activities from outside the ship?”

“You know,” Reed murmured to no one in particular, “I’ve had about enough of you wide-eyed runts and your threats. I’ve been threatened by the best. You’re not.” Whereupon he stepped forward quickly, put one muscular arm around the A'jeii’s neck, reached into a pocket, and placed the edge of the knife he drew against the supervisor’s neck. Tilenyii might belong to a technologically advanced species, but she was completely helpless in the big man’s grasp.

It was impossible to say who was more startled: the A'jeii on the bridge or Reed’s companions.

“Where—where did you get the knife?” A shocked Dev could only stammer.

Reed was dead solemn. “The food pod in my room. No different from asking for any other kind of utensil.”

Jakob eyed the big man intently. “Interesting, Gavin. That is very interesting indeed.”

Leaving their stations, several A'jeii came running toward the knot of humans. Unseen until now, a pair of Kaijank appeared on the uppermost level and descended toward them as rapidly as their cumbersome suits would allow. They were bigger than Reed, but their arrival didn’t faze him. Holding the A'jeii supervisor off the deck with one arm, he retreated until he had the wall against his back.