On her `now', he knew that she had pushed because he could just hear the whine of generators.

He was also aware of David, the Betelgeuse Prime, when his touch came on line.

Ah! Punctual as ever, David, the Rowan said.

Shall we?

Why not? was David's diffident reply The final thrust of his journey was palpable in Thian's mind: he expected that both the Rowan and David had done that on purpose. Some Talents, especially Primes, still experienced twinges of apprehension when being `ported by others.

Most of them handled their own `portations and possibly Thian could have, had he had practice with the coordinates to which he was going: constantly altering coordinates at that. He really was relieved that he hadn't been expected to transport himself.

Then he wa there! Inside the battle cruiser.

`Sir,' a loud voice shouted, slightly muffled by the capsule, `transport and drone are now aboard.' `Well, well, open up the carrier, man!' The hatch was cracked and the first thing Thian noted was that the air was tainted. The first thing he did was sneeze, which mortified him.

`Canned air has that effect, sir,' said the unIformed rating who looked in on him. `You'll get used to it, Mr Lyon.' The grin that followed that warning belied the sentiment.

9' Mur was convulsed with the equivalent of a `Dini sneeze while Dip seemed to be gagging.

BE EASY, Thian clacked encouragingly and, pulling the harness release, reached over to extricate Mur from its belt and pull it to a more upright position. Mur managed a wheeze of gratitude and, in turn, assisted Dip.

`Mr Lyon, sir, care to join us?' and a second figure bent down to peer in the open hatch. The face that peered in was young, with that indefinable stamp of perpetual youth that some men seem to retain: regular but undistinguished features, pale blue eyes, fresh complexion and only the hint of down on the upper lip.

`I'm helping my `Dinis,' Thian said, somewhat relieved as he decided he looked older than his welcomer. Dark hair and heavy eyebrows produced unexpected results. `Ah, we're coming.' `You were able to bring `Dinis, then. By Jove, that is good news,' said this second individual who moved back as Thian swung himself out. `Welcome aboard, Mr Lyon,' and Thian was surprised at the crisp salute accorded him. He grinned in return, and then offered his hand. `Lieutenant Ridvan AusterKiely, sir.' Thian decided that one could be over-sirred but it was only good naval protocol.

Mur was hiccuping in spasms now and Thian felt the first twinge of concern. When Thian touched Mur's sloping forearm, the fur felt very dry. Dehydration! Not good for the `Dinis who daily consumed quantities of liquid. Thian excused himself to the lieutenant and `ported both `Dinis out of the capsule, bracing Mur against his leg until it had cleared its air passage.

`Mur should be all right in a moment,' Thian said with more authority than he felt. `This is Dip,' he added and handed Dip a clean cloth to mop its poll eye which was streaming, another form of `Dini reaction to poor air quality and excessive dryness.

He had to blink rather furiously himself to clear his own eyes.

`Yeah,' drawled the lieutenant, `it gets to you if you aren't used to it. Would a puff of the pure do any good?' `The pure?' Thian wasn't certain he had heard correctly because there was a lot of noise and exclamations from the seamen crowding around the supply drone so he `reached' for an explanation.

`Oh, oxygen.' Then Thian wondered if his lapse had been noticed but the lieutenant didn't react, just kept looking at the gasping and hiccuping `These guys are small,' he said, trying not to be impolite with his interest in them.

`Humans have different growth patterns. `Dinis do it slower.' `Oh? Can I assist you with your baggage, sir? Get you to your quarters where it's quieter,' AusterKiely said, as Mur's hiccups developed into a distressed pattern that was plainly worrying Dip.

Thian knew he had to get both `Dinis out of the noise, confusion and bad air as fast as possible.

`Excuse me, Lieutenant,' he said and clutched him by the shoulder just long enough for a quick scan. As Thian had anticipated, the man had a 9Z picture in his mind of where he would be guiding this party.

`I'll meet you there.' He gathered Mur and Dip in his arms and `ported them all to the cabin Auster-Kiely had envisioned.

It was small, but it had what he needed: a bunk on which he deposited Mur in an upright position, propping it with the pillow and sleepsak, before he swung round to the tiny basin, turned the water spigot on to soak the towel he whipped off the rack, and also filled a glass. As he turned back to the bunk, he noticed that the water was an odd off-clear shade and, even a foot away from his nose, he could smell the chemicals used in recycling. But it was moisture. He held it against the appropriate orifice on Mur's upper torso and watched the liquid being ingested while Mur valiantly struggled to suppress another series of hiccups. When partial success was obvious, Thian refilled the glass and offered it.

Mur clicked in weak protest.

ALL THERE is, Thian said firmly and proffered the liquid. This time the hiccups completely subsided.

Dip had wrung out the towel and was now laying it against Mur's upper torso. Mur sagged into the supports, but its pelt colour was not returning to a normal hue, and the two lids were still covering the poll eye. BETTER AIR NEEDED? Thian asked.

WISE, was Dip's reply but it added a questioning suffix.

DOUBLE WISE, Thian said, feeling a soreness develop in the back of his throat which he knew had to be from the air though what was in the cabin was not as contaminated as the air in the shuttle bay.

How the navy could operate in this atmosphere was beyond him. He swung round now to the compact room terminal, wriggling his fingers as he held them above the keyboard indecisively.

Sick-bay! That's what he needed.

There was a hesitant tap on the door.

`Yes,' and he reached out to throw the latch.

The young lieutenant stood there, a rating behind him, holding Thian's belongings and the two `Dini pouches.

THANKS, Dip said in a guttural approximation and both seamen stared down at it in utter astonishment.

`I didn't know they could speak Basic,' AusterKiely said in an awed whisper.

`These `Dinis can, though their responses are limited to the words they can get their vocal equipment to sound,' Thian said. `But look, Mur here is not pulling round as it should.' `He . . . it . . . even looks sick, Auster-Kiely replied, his eyes goggling.

`You don't have a `Dini medic on board here, do you?' `On the Vadim?' The question startled the lieutenant.

`There is a `Dini ship in this squadron, though, isn't there?' `Two!' `How do I contact one? Mur needs more help than I can provide,' and indeed the gasps coming from the `Dini were causing Dip great consternation to judge by the alteration of its own pelt colour. It proffered another glass of water to Mur.

`No wonder it's sick if you're giving him washing water,' cried Auster-Kiely, pointing agitatedly at the basin and then at the small cylinder above it: plainly marked `drinking water'.

Thian groaned, scrubbing at his face and wondering how he could have been so stupid. Auster-Kiely pushed past him now and began tapping keys.

`Sir, medical emergency in Mr Lyon's quarters. A Mrdini illness.

Urgently request contact with `Dini vessel and their medic.' `Thanks, Kiely,' Thian said, leaning weakly against the wall. And he thought himself so responsible yet the first thing he does on his assignment is to poison a `Dini with unpotable water!

`What's this about a `Dini emergency?' Auster-Kiely came to a rigged attention stance, his eyes once more protruding. `Yes, sir, there is, sir.

With an apologetic look, Thian shoved the lieutenant to one side so he was visible to the hoarse-voiced questioner.

`Prime Lyon here,' Thian said. `My `Dini companion is experiencing difficulties with breathing. I made the mistake of giving it basin water. . `Damned fool ``. weren't you briefed? Why didn't that young squirt do what he was told to. Thian could have wished any other circumstances had brought him to the captain's notice so soon but the background noise of Mur's gasps required immediate action.

`Get some oxygen in here, Kiely,' he said to the lieutenant.

`Your pardon, sir, this is an extreme emergency. I need to talk to a `Dini medic like right now!' `I was told, Lyon, that you were fully capable of caring for your. .

`I am, Captain Ashiant, which is what I'm doing, if you will kindly put me through to your communications officer. Explanations must wait.' To Thian's increasing anxiety, Captain Ashiant hesitated.

Thian sensed a dislike/distaste/reluctance to communicate with either of the `Dini ships. `Now, Captain, before Mur dies!' That stern threat prompted action.

`Lieutenant Brikowski, sir,' a new voice said and the screen cleared to a new face, a gaunt, hatchetface topped off by a cap of short dark hair. `I'm opening a channel but I only have basic `Dini, Mr Lyon --` `Just open the channel.' Auster-Kiely had come racing back with a breathing unit - albeit a human one - and didn't know what to do with it. Snatching the unit from the man, Thian turned the cock on the bottle and passed the mask to Dip.

COVER BREATHING ORIFICE, he explained and turned back to the screen just as the view cleared to the `Dini bridge.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CAPTAIN PLR, MRG WITH BREATHING DIFFICULTIES, WATER AND AIR IMPURITIES, COLOUR POOR, OXYGEN ADMINISTERED, MOISTURE TO BODY PART. OThER REMEDY?

Thian had no time to be pleased that he got all the words out in the proper order and with good accent. He saw Dip's nod of approval and then Dip ploughed over the screen. On seeing who was answering the call, it bowed first, exhibiting full poll eye to the senior `Dini in a mark of great respect before Dip added a few medical details to Thian's statement.

GREAT URGENCY REQUIRES DIRE MEASURES, Dip told Thian after a brief exchange. MRG MUST BE IMMERSED IN WATER, ANY KIND, UNTIL MEDICAL CAN ARRIVE. THIAN CAN TRANSPORT? Dip's tone slowed to one of query and entreaty.

ANY TIME ANY PLACE, DPL. REQUEST MEDICAL TO ENTeR A PERSONAL CAPSULE, INFORM ME WHEN READY AND I WILL TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY.

Dip conveyed that message and bowed respectfully again as the screen cleared to the Vadim's bridge.

`Well, did you straighten it all out, Mr Lyon?' Captain Ashiant replied, a scowl still in place on his prominent brow. He was a big-chested man with a heavy neck, big features, and he was probably even more imposing in the flesh. Concern for Mur made Thian more reckless than diplomatic but too much was at stake.

`We need to immerse Mur in water, anywhere will do. It's not a full grown `Dini, and it needs continued oxygen. A medical person is coming..

`It'll take a day or two ... ` the captain began.

`It'll take a minute, Captain, once I have a pic of the `Dini hold, permission to use the Vadim's generators for a `port to the same hold we arrived in...

`It's that bad?' Thian had been ready to use any lever required to cut through protocol to get the help Mur required so he was momentarily at a loss.

`Yes, sir, I'm sorry it is.' `Sick-bay'll have a water bath for you. Come to the bridge as soon as you've settled your friend.

Kiely?' and the bark was back in the captain's tone.

`You lend all assistance necessary. . . and I'll see you later, mister.' Kiely gulped as the screen blanked.

`It wasn't your fault, Kiely,' Thian said. `I'll explain.' The relief in Kiely's eyes was heartfelt. Thian bent to pick up Mur and carry it over his shoulder before he clasped Dip in the other arm.

`Now think of the sick-bay for me, and join me there!' Startled, Kiely once again flashed Thian the vision he needed and he `ported them directly into the examining room in the most dramatic fashion.

`You don't waste time, do you?' said the chief medical officer who immediately stepped forward.

`This way,' and hurried the trio towards a cubicle.

A small bath was filling with water, the same off colour stuff.

Non-potable, Thian thought bitterly, but water.

MRG, CLOSE ALL ORIFICES, Thian told his friend as he gently lowered the pale, shaking `Dini into the tub while Dip did its best to keep the oxygen mask in place. `If there's another mask, Dip will show you where to place it for best effect,' he said to the doctor.

`Certainly,' and a snap of his fingers produced a second breathing apparatus from a very attentive corpswoman. `I've never dealt with a `Dini patient before, Mr. .

`Lyon.. Thian supplied. `You don't by any chance speak any `Dini ?` "Fraid not,' and the physician was genuinely regretful.

Thian saw that the immersion was having some effect for Mur's colour slightly improved.

`Well, Dip speaks Basic. I'll leave it here. I'm getting a `Dini medic over.' `But that'll take . .

`Not very long, if you'll show me where the bridge is.

The doctor inadvertently visualized the bridge in his public mind and Thian paused long enough to thank him before he transferred. There was no time for the usual protocol or procedures. `Dinis were rarely ill - especially on humanoid planets - so Mur's unexpected malfunction was of major concern. It couldn't be just the bad air and the inadvertent ingestion of even worse water. Mur must be physically imperfect. It would be like losing a hand, Thian thought, to lose Mur.

And far worse for Dip.

Maybe the seizure was only passing: the shock of transport, the dehydration of a long passage through space!

He arrived on the bridge to the startlement of all on duty, the security guards reaching for their weapons.

`I'm Thian Lyon,' he said, both vocally and telepathically, reinforcing the thought with an inhibition on them to draw. `Captain, I do apologize,' he said, rapidly striding to Ashiant's command chair, `for busting every rule of naval protocol my first hour on the Vadim `Direct action is sometimes the only course,' Ashiant said, an odd smile tugging at his mouth. He pointed towards an unoccupied chair to the left of the main stations. `When we were apprised of your joining the Vadim, we installed a chair for you in the engineering section.

You should have everything you need there. Commander Tikele is standing by.' Nodding his thanks, Thian strode to the position, smiling with quick gratitude to the wiry little man standing beside the chair.

The engineering officer had a slightly supercilious expression to mouth and eyes. Afra had warned his son that he might expect some resistance from mechanically minded naval personnel who trusted their engines more than alternative forms of transportation. Thian managed a respectful bow to the commander as he sat down.

`Generators are already on line?' he asked, though he could see by the gauges on the board in front of him that they were.

`Ready when you are,' Tikele said in the blandest possible tone.

`May I have a view of the `Dini ship's shuttle bay?' `Patch it through, Captain Ashiant said and the right-hand screen immediately gave Thian the picture he needed.

He reached out with just his mind, sensing the presence of many `Dinis, and the smooth cylinder that would transport the medics. If he hadn't been rushing around like a Slither after stonelice, he'd have been able to reach across that minimal spatial distance without assistance. But despite the adrenalin coursing through his blood, he leaned `00 I0I into the generators, just as he would have back on Aurigae. At that, his catch didn't place more than a second's strain on the generators.

`There,' Thian said, rising. `Thank you very much for your cooperation, gentlemen. Captain, with your permission?' he added, belatedly remembering lessons in naval courtesy.

`You haven't needed it yet, have you, Lyon?' But the captain's tone was wry with amusement.

Even as Thian nodded in rueful acknowledgement, he `ported himself to the shuttle deck where three `Dinis were debarking from their capsule. They carried considerable equipment. The bay crew were rushing forward, not sure what action to take.

`They are expected. I will lead them,' Thian said quickly before there could be a security incident.

He took the necessary steps to the three `Dinis.

They were the biggest he had seen, even larger than the eldest in the Aurigaean village. One `Dini was nearly his height which was tall enough for a human.

WHO IS SENIOR, 0 LARGE AND VENERABLE oNES?

he asked as deferentially as he could. He knew that some `Dinis took their size as seriously as some humans took their status.

ESCORT THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY TO THE SICK, the big one said, moving gracefully forward to meet Thian.

`Will one of you escort the rest of them to sickbay?' Thian said, glancing about the humans to see who was in command.

`G'wan, said one, waving him urgently onward.

HUMBLE APOLOGY FOR INTIMACY, Thian said and, taking a deep breath, put his arms firmly about the middle body of the `Dini. And `ported them both to the sick-bay corridor outside the cubicle.

They both staggered for balance as they landed in the midst of a group. Thian blamed himself for not checking on a clear corridor but no-one was hurt and the `Dini, seeing Mur in the tub, ploughed forward to its patient. Dip, bowing nearly double, stepped aside, remembering to keep the breather unit in place as it did so.

While the medical officer and his staff watched with fascination, the `Dini made an examination: a blur of moving digits and prods and pokings of the mutely coloured Mur who was weakly hiccuping in an irregular pattern.

`Anything I can do?' the medical officer asked without taking his eyes from the big `Dini. `Biggest one I've ever seen,' he added in a low tone to Thian.

`Me, too,' Thian agreed, grabbing at whatever lightening he could find in this crisis.

Another blur of motion and the `Dini medic extracted instruments from the pack it had brought and then quickly shoved small objects in two orifices which Mur obediently opened.

The big `Dini sat back on its tail, crossing its forward appendages across its upper torso. Dip clicked softly and received an affirmative and, Thian was glad to hear, a reassuring clack.

He inhaled and leaned against the door jamb, abruptly feeling the let-down of recent exertions.

THIS ONE RESPONDS WELL, the `Dini said, pulling itself to its two feet.

`01

WHAT OCCURRED TO MAKE MRG UNWELL? Thian asked, echoing Dip's more quickly spoken query.

NOT OFTEN BUT SOMETIMES SHOCK OF ADJUSTMENT TO NEW ENVIRONS. TOO DRY AN AIR IMPURE. CANNOT BE PREDICTED. THIS PARTICULAR COLOUR PRONE TO SUCH REACTIONS. DPL ADJUSTED AS REQUIRED OR WOULD HAVE REACTED ALSO. MEDICATION WILL PREVENT RECURRENCE. SPEEDY HUMAN REACTIONS PREVENTED TRAGEDY. GRATITUDE FROM ALL. IT IS GOOD HUMAN THN IS AHEAD WITH FLEET.

`Will the `Dini be all right?' the medic asked.

Weak with relief, Thian nodded. `Seems Mur had environmental adjustment shock.' `Oh?' Thian wondered how he was going to avoid criticizing the ship's air and water. `Dehydration,' he said hurriedly. `From coming so far in a capsule.

It'll be fine once the medication takes effect. You can see how much better its colour is already.' `Ah, yes, it is. Ah, would you thank the medic for us -- extend professional courtesies .

HOW IS LARGE ONE CALLED? Thian said, assuming the most courteous posture. THE HUMAN MEDICAL PERSON WISHES TO GIVE THANKS.

THANKS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY RAPID CARE AND OBVIOUS CONCERN. THIS ONE CALLED SBLIPK.

Sbl bowed politely towards the ship's doctor who quickly bobbed back.

Thian took a deep breath and concentrated hard on pronouncing the `Dini's name as correctly as he could. A name that long only reinforced the importance of this `Dini personage.

`He thanks you, Dr...' `Exeter,' themedic supplied.

`For rapid care and obvious concern,' Thian said with a weak grin.

`His name is Sblipk.' Thian managed it creditably and saw Dip flick a digit in approval.

`Exeter,' the medic said, holding out his hand to the `Dini.

When Sbl took it without hesitation, Thian's relief was compounded. This `Dini had been among humans long enough to be comfortable with that convention. The fleet might not know how lucky it was to have such a personage as the `Dini medical officer.

EXTR, the `Dini replied after pumping the doctor's hand three times.

Exeter laughed and, when his expression suggested that he wasn't sure if laughter would be understood, Thian reassured him.

EXTR, MRDINI TYPE NAME, Sbl said in reasonably understandable Basic.

Those listening in - and sick-bay seemed well populated at the moment - murmured in surprise.

Thian, who had been holding himself tightly closed, opened up briefly, to sample reactions. There was pleased surprise and relief.

There was also some disbelief and incredulity about taking care of `Dini beasts - and the term had derogatory undertones to Thian's sensitivities - in a human facility. Thian glanced about, trying to see which of the many people in the corridors were anti-'Dini but without either using a broader empathy range or having a particular target, he could not isolate the antagonists in the group.

His parents had obliquely warned him that not all humans wanted to be partnered with Mrdini: that Thian might find unexpected bias against him because of his close association with `Dinis. He just hadn't expected to come face to face with it quite so abruptly. Then Sbl touched his arm lightly.

WITH MRDINI COMING AND GOING IT IS WELL FOR EXTR TO KNOW NECESSARY REMEDY, Sbl said to Thian. Taking a writing implement from its belt, it swiftly sketched some letters on a pad which it then handed to Exeter.

`These are the remedies to be used if another `Dini has similar symptoms, Dr Exeter.

The man was staring at the pad. `Why, these are chemical formulae.' His jaw dropped.

`There's been a lot of exchange on the scientific levels, Doctor, where it's easier to find means of expressing constants. Sbl here has probably had some intensive sessions on medical practices,' Thian said with just a little pride in his friends.

`Well, I'm pleased to have this. Tell him?' Thian did so and there was another exchange of warm bows and nods.

Just then the remainder of the `Dini medical team arrived with their equipment.

MRG WILL NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION FOR ThIRTEeN HUMAN HOURS, Sbl told him. ITS system MUST BE FLUSHED OF THE POLLUTANTS AND ThOROUGHLY CLEANSED AND ANTIDOTES administered REGULARLY TO PREVENT RECURRENCE.

DPL MAY REMAIN FOR COMFORT. NO MORE EQUIPMENT WILL BE NEEDED.

EXTR MAY WATCH BUT NO OThER HUMANS ARE NEEDED. THIS ONE MUST return TO KLTL, (which Thian recognized as the name of the `Dini vessel) IF THAT CAN BE ARRANGED.

immediately, Thian replied.

WIThOUT SO MUCH HASTE, Sbl added, twitching its head in the manner Thian recognized as signalling good humour WITh GRACE AND DECORUM THIS TIME, Thian said, twitching his head in what he hoped wasn't a breach of etiquette with so prestigious a personage as Sbl.

`What's that all about?' Exeter asked, his eyes darting from one to another.

Thian explained what treatment Mur would be getting and that Sbl preferred that only the doctor of the human staff attend the patient.

Then, because he felt it might do some listeners good, added Sbl's request for a less dramatic return to the shuttle bay.

Exeter chuckled, nodding his head. `Can't say as I blame him.

You don't always pop in and Out of places, do you, Prime?' `Only in great emergencies, I assure you,' Thian said. `And I hope the captain is as good a sport about it as you've been.' Exeter raised his eyebrows, his dark eyes twinkling. `Oh, our captain'll doubtless have a few choice words to say but he'd be a lot less pleased if this had turned out fatal.' His expression was fleetingly more dour than it had been during the worst of the emergency. `Don't worry, lad. You acted with the speed required to save a life. Can't fault that. Now, I am permitted to observe the treatment?' `That's the general idea. I'll get back in touch with you at. ù` and Thian checked the clock, `0300 io6

when it will be completed. Or before if you need me for something.' Then he turned to the nursing `Dinis.

THIS SMALL ONE NAMED THN. TELL EXTR NAME AND WILL CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS/NEEDS.

GRATEFUL. COMPLY, said the larger of the two nursing `Dinis without looking up from the apparatus it was setting up in Mur's bath tank.

GO. ALL PROCEEDS WELL NOW, Dip added, fingering relief/approval/affection signs with its left appendage. GO MORE SLOWLY. AFFIRMATIVE?

Thian laughed, resting his fingers briefly on the slope from Dip's head to body before he bowed again to Sbl, and gestured towards the corridor.

The two medics bowed once more to each other.

`Ah, Dr Exeter, can I have directions back to the shuttle bay?' Thian asked as he realized he didn't know the pedestrian route.

`Sally, you take `em, will you?' A girl with short red hair stepped up and saluted.

`This way, sirs.' And with a smart about-face, she led them down the passageway, a trip that gave Thian far more time to worry about how to mend public relations than he needed.

Thian courteously saw Sbl into the capsule when the corpswoman delivered them to the shuttle bay.

GOOD DREAMS LARGE SBLIPK, Thian said in polite farewell.

DREAMS WILL BE GENTLE was the astonishingly courteous rejoinder.

Even during the brief exchange, Thian sensed, with no great extension of empathy, that the crew were waiting to see what this civilian - the tone in which that title was couched was scathingly critical - would do next. He wondered how his father would have handled such a situation. Except that Afra would never get himself into such a situation.

There was a lot, Thian reluctantly admitted, to be said for the Capellan method of doing things.

At that, he didn't wish to admit - by contacting his parents for guidance - that he'd come a cropper within minutes of arriving on the Vadim.

Fortunately he could also recall some of his father's tales about episodes of Damia's more spontaneous behaviour. Anyway, he could only take things as they came. The important aspect was that Mur would recover.

Closing the lid on Sbl's transport, Thian turned io8

to the expectant crew with a rueful expression on his face.

`Has anyone else ever broken as many navy regulations as I have in the past hour?' He kept his voice humorously self-deprecating, then went on with, `But I do want to thank you for your help and cooperation because my friend would be dead without it.' He felt a slight lessening of the tension. `There isn't an engineer crewman among you, is there?' `Why?' and a man in engineering green leaned forward on the upper-level railing. His manner was more curious than critical and Thian knew he'd adopted the right tack.

He grimaced. `Because, if I could access the generator power from this level, I'd frankly rather not have to beard the captain on his own bridge right now if I don't have to. But the `Dini's an important personage and should be sent right back to its own ship.' `Up here!

You can access from the auxiliary station here,' the lieutenant said, ` . . . sir.' Relieved to hear that `sir', Thian took the companionway steps, two at a time, noting an odd expression on the ensign's face as he reached the top.

`This panel?' he asked and the lieutenant nodded, half closing his eyes as he did so. There was some quality about the man's faint grin that gave Thian pause: he was likely one of those who resented Talent on the general principle that they didn't have any. This was the auxiliary access to engineering, but beside it was the clearly marked comunit. He might have breached protocol on his arrival, but he didn't intend to continue now the immediate emergency had passed. He depressed the open channel toggle. `Commander Tikele,' he said in as firm but respectful tone as he could muster.

And felt a shaft of irritation.

`Prime Thian, back again?' `Sir, permission to access the generators to return Medic Sblipk to its ship.' `Ssssbil . . . what?' Thian repeated the consonants as glibly as if he hadn't any trouble manipulating his tongue through them. `The medic has diagnosed and provided treatment for the ill member of my group. It wishes to return.' `That was quick. The generators are yours, Prime, work away.' Thian caught the pulse of the engines, pressed against them and lightly `lifted' Sbl's capsule back to its own ship, laying it so gently down that he hoped Sbl would not realize that it had been teleported.

He'd had to use more power for the return, which annoyed him, but who else would know?

`Thank you, Commander,' he said.

`Ah, Prime Lyon?' Tikele began. `Ah, the captain wishes to see you in his ready room. And, ah, Mr Sedallia, please assign a guide to the Prime.' `Aye, sir.' And the look the lieutenant then turned on Thian was so neutral it bordered on suppressed hostility.

`I really don't just `port about places, Lieutenant.

`Couldn't prove it by me... sir,' and Thian caught just a hint of resentment before Sedallia grinned.

"I `Greene, escort Prime Lyon to the captain's ready room.' Halfway there, Thian found the uninhibited thoughts of the seaman unbearably depressing. Not only did Greene treasure the thought that this civilian (an epithet by tone) was going to get reamed the captain, which he justly deserved in Greene S opinion, but it was just as well that a weasel-lover wasn't going to be long aboard the Vadim. Bad enough to have the critters in the squadron and have to share possible glory with `em, but to have `em on board, all the time, with their smell and that queer mid-head eye cocked at you all the time, why it was enough to turn a man's stomach! Greene sure wished that he could be the proverbial insect on the wall of the captain's ready room. Ten to one,the guy'd get sent back in disgrace and the ship'd just have to make do with what it had on board, after all.

Some inconveniences were just not worth the fuel it took to correct `em. This cloudhead was really in for it. Greene wished now that he'd laid a stake on how long this Prime would last on board the Vadim.

Greene wheeled smartly at the door to the captain's ready room and rapped twice.

Disregarding Talent protocol, too (in for a halfcredit, in for it all), Thian reached out to the captain now sitting behind his desk, both hands flat on its surface, awaiting the interview. He might as well know how to frame his responses. Thian caught a brief echo of another mind before he was thwarted by the captain's natural shield, now firmly in place in anticipation of an interview with a Prime Talent.

Withdrawing instantly, for fear the man might be aware of the attempt, Thian gave a convulsive shudder. Fortunately, Greene was busy opening the door and didn't see it.

There was that about the captain's posture that told Thian that Ashiant was totally relaxed. Was he, too, looking forward to the dressing down he was going to give this -- this civilian?

`That's all, thank you, Greene,' the captain said and nodded for the seaman to retire. `Return to duty' The man silently swore as he closed the door behind him.

`Commander Exeter tells me your --- ah, companion will survive this. . . ah. . . allergic reaction,' the captain began with what Thian decided was a cunningly bland tone.

He'll come down on me like a big-daddy once he's softened me up, Thian thought and tried to relax, matching the captain's urbane air.

He could be no worse than Grandmother in her Tower mode.

Could he?

`They did the courtesy of sending a very senior medical officer, Captain Ashiant,' Thian said, moving forward to take the seat the captain indicated. Well, it won't be right now if he's letting me sit.

`So Exeter said, and left chemical formulae for future reference.

Good idea, that. Fleet Command keeps sending us bursts of information but it's not always what we need, or what we can profitably use. I dare say you'd be able to explain it.' `My pleasure, I assure you,' Thian said, steeling himself against the inevitable storm.

Ill `You'd have no objections to sharing explanations?' `Me? No, why would I, sir? The `Dinis are open in their admiration of human achievements, and I think they've a few we could profit from.' `Do you now?' Thian rebuked himself for being so cocksure but nervousness, the knowledge that he'd already bungled his first moments aboard, made him babble so inanely. If only he knew whether or not the captain was pro or anti Talent. Or `Dini.

`Such as?' Well, go for broke, Thi boy, he told himself. `Such as their air purification systems.' `Really?' And the captain's heavily marked eyebrows rose.

Just then Thian felt something soft brush his hand.

As unexpected as it was, the touch was so familiar that he automatically put his hand down to caress the animal that had somehow got in the captain's ready room.

`Hello there,' Thian said in another almost automatic response to the presence of a known and friendly entity. Then he blinked in utter astonishment. `You've got a barque-cat!' he exclaimed in surprise and awe, his hand poised to complete a stroke.

The cat raised her front paws off the ground, imperiously butting her head at his hand to continue the caress which he hastily completed.

She was a magnificently marked tri-colour with a white muzzle, white socks all round and a tiny puff of white on the tip of her tail.

She was also very pregnant and nearly overbalanced. He put a deft hand under her barrel to support her and felt a rumbling purr vibrating through her gravid body.

`What's her lineage, Captain? She's gorgeous. I've only seen one other tri-colour and little Zsa Zsa isn't a patch on this one.' `Princess Zsa Zsa of the Trebizond?' Ashiant asked, watching as the cat continued to push herself against Thian's leg and hand.

`That's the one. She never threw any tri-colours that I heard about.' `No, she hasn't, but not for want of the Treb's crew trying,' the captain said with a snort. `They even asked for the service of our torn. They got marmalades and even a tabby but no tri-colours, or females for that matter.' `Who is your beauty? Whoops, easy there, missus,' Thian said when the cat, despite her bulkiness, leaped into his lap and began circling to settle.

`I've never seen Tab do that before,' and the captain sounded slightly offended.

That's all I needed, Thian thought, closing his eyes briefly, not only against the sudden kneading of Tab's claws in his leg but also because no crew liked to see their barque-cat display affection to, or even interest in, newcomers.

`I'm sorry about this, too, sir,' Thian said, lifting his hands up and down, wanting to pet her because one was always polite to a barque-cat but not wanting to further offend the captain of her ship.

`You do seem to have a way of relieving the tedium of a long voyage, Prime!' And when Thian stared at him in surprise, he added, `Oh, pet her before she makes ribbons of your leg. She's insatiable for attention when she's gravid. Now, where were we?' `I think you were about to tell me off for my antics today.. -` `I was?' The captain's eyebrows once again raised up in feigned surprise. `You know that for certain - Prime?' There was a delicate pause before the last word.

`Sir, you must know that with a shield as tight as yours I couldn't get a trace of your feelings about my ... unorthodox behaviour. Which,' and Thian lifted a hand in apology, `is as good as admitting that I tried, I know, though ethics do inhibit me from reading past the public mind unless given explicit permission. But with so much at stake `Indeed there is, young Lyon,' Ashiant said, leaning back in his chair as he watched the cat lower her head to her paws on Thian's lap, `which is why I will ask you from now on to stick to the normal procedures whenever possible. You acted with promptness - if in a most unusual manner - in a situation that could have had tragic results.

I see, however, that your . . ah - skills will be more extensive than I had been led to believe. I feel much better about communications already after your exercise of `Dini today.

`First I'll discuss with you the duties which Earth Prime felt you would be able to perform to ease the discomforts of this long voyage.' He held up strong thick fingers, ticking off the responsibilities one by one. `All interracial ship communications which, in all honesty, have been damned sparse and misunderstood so far; all necessary transportation between ships in this squadron; receipt and despatch of all capsules, drone and personnel; instruction for all officers in basic `Dini. Among us we've only enough to express "stop, go, port, starboard and attack imminent: yellow and red alert".' His eyebrows did a roller-coaster effect of disgusted dismay at such paucity. He waited significantly until Thian nodded hurriedly in acceptance. `I've a list-' and he passed over a comreader pencil file, `of all those on board who've tested Talented. Not many but I'm told that their abilities can augment yours in an emergency Ashiant paused again, eyebrows raised at Thian.

`I'll try to announce emergencies whenever possible, Captain,' he said meekly.

`Emergencies never announce themselves beforehand, Prime,' Ashiant said, his sentence a long sigh of resignation. `However, you will discuss what might be demanded of them, preferably singly as what you have in your hand is exceedingly top secret,' and Thian quickly shoved the file into his breast pocket, pressing the closing tab tight. `We have, unfortunately, found that those with minor Talent are disadvantaged by it so, unless those on board have discovered each other by chance, they're unknown to each other. But it's nice to have a back-up system... `Thian thought his parents and grandparents would have strangled at being termed `back-up' system but Ashiant was only repeating what was a common attitude among non-Talented.

`Introduce yourself so you can be tuned, or primed ii6

or whatever for whatever code or method you use to do whatever it is you Primes do.' He made circles with one hand to indicate either indifference or ignorance. Then he leaned forward and lowered his voice. `Thian Lyon, I'm the only one on board who knows your chronological age. That white lock doesn't wash out, does it? No?' The captain nodded when Thian murmured that it was a genetic attribute.

`But Jeff Raven assured me that you've had excellent training and sufficient solo operations to handle your various duties. After today's exhibition, I think you do, too.' Astounded, Thian stared back at the captain.

`Now, what's this about air purification? We've been sucking this smog so long we don't smell it any more, even if half the t8me we can almost chew it.

Small wonder your `Dini couldn't breathe.' Still stroking Tab, Thian hitched himself more upright in the chair and began to explain about the `Dini vegetation used to purify the air on their long voyage ships. Although human life-support systems were more than adequate for the usual duration of voyages, even those not assisted by Talent thrusts, this long cruise had obviously taxed the system.

`Now I understand,' Ashiant said, leaning back and swivelling idly in his chair. `The KLTL `Dini offered me some plants after our last conference.

Didn't realize how significant that offer was.' `How would you know? You didn't, by any chance, dream about plants the next couple of nights?' Ashiant stared at him, his brows nearly meeting over the bridge of his fleshy nose. `I did! Thought it odd because I dreamed there were these big leaved pots all over the ship, and everyone was smiling like loons.' Thian grinned. `You did know that `Dinis use dreams as communications?' `Yes, I'd heard that, but dreaming plants?

C'mon now, Prime, that's too exotic for this mother's son.' `I also interpret `Dini dreams - if you get any more, sir. Strictly top secret,' Thian said, hoping he hadn't misjudged the captain's humour.

He hadn't, for Ashiant roared with laughter.

`Never thought I'd have a `Dini dream. Not that sort of temperament.' `Temperament has little to do with receipt of `Dini dreams, sir. You learn to respect repetitions because that's what they want you to ask about.' `Oh, do they so? Hmmm.' The upshot of that interview was that Thian made a second contact with the KLTL, conversing this time with their life-support systems officer and discovering that yes, there were available sgit plant shoots that could be spared and possibly more from their sister ship in the squadron, the KLTS. An improvement would not be immediately noticeable, depending on how long the over-use of the oxygen had been but a gradual betterment would occur.

Sgit plants grew rapidly and had to be constantly separated, which was all to the good for an air improvement system. If there were sufficient shoots, pots of them could also be put in cabins or larger facilities to assist local improvements. Leaves and stalks of young plants were edible.

`Some of their vegetables are quite tasty, Captain,' ii8

Thian ventured and then grinned at his expression.

`I only eat enough greens to keep balance,' Ashiant said and then, after a pause, added, `but I think I'd be willing to try them. For good will, you know. Ha! Glad you're aboard, Prime. You'll sort out a lot of this sort of misunderstanding. And I think I'll do some discreet enquiring and find out if any officers or ratings have had odd dreams.

I'll tell Exeter - you've met him - in case he's had incidents reported to him.' Then he took Thian to the bridge to introduce him to those on duty. If the bridge crew had any private thoughts about the congenial attitude of their captain for the newest arrival, they kept so tight a lid on them that Thian couldn't sense a thing. Thian was invited to the captain's mess at 2000 hours and provided with an escort - until he learned his way about the ship - to return him to his cabin.

Wearier than he had ever been before - even after helping his parents push big-daddies - Thian was grateful to close the panel on his tiny cabin. Dad had warned him that it would be different working totally on his own. Thian had been dismissive then, but now, with no other Talent as back-up, it was different. Slumping down on the bunk, he had only to extend his hand to the terminal and contact sick-bay.

`He's fine, the medic said. `No, it's fine. Read somewhere that these creatures don't have any sex.' `They do but they don't discuss that aspect of their biology. In `Dini culture, "It" is always preferable to either gender designation, Doctor.

`Why?' `Doctor, that requires a very long explanation.' And a yawn surprised him.

`I'll catch you later,' the medic said with a chuckle.

Thian was almost asleep before his head hit the holster.

Dinner at the captain's mess was not an obvious ordeal. Drinks were offered as well as hot finger-foods which Thian decided were not the standard fare to judge by the pleasure of their reception.

The captain cleared his throat and the wardroom had his immediate attention.

`In case you haven't guessed, the extras served tonight are thanks to the supply drones brought in by Prime Thian Lyon,' and Thian tried to demur as he'd been as much a passenger as the food.

`Whatever, Prime,' the captain went on, `we have it and intend to enjoy it and it came with you. As most of you already know,' now Ashiant grinned as he glanced about, `the Prime has demonstrated some of his potential use to the Fleet by what I hear-' he cleared his throat, `are termed his antics today.

"Antics" if you will, but they saved the life of one of our allies and have given us the opportunity to forge stronger links with them.

So welcome aboard, Prime Thian Lyon.' He held his glass up, looking about to see that his toast was being recognized by everyone, and drank to Thian.

Thian cleared his throat several times, bombarded by far too many reactions emanating from all sides of him: one outright black thrust of suspicion and distaste, several sceptical ones, but more were curious, with tinges of amusement and slightly malicious `zo anticipation. To counteract the negative feelings, Thian began to project serenity and compassion.

`Considering the havoc I played today with navy protocol, sir,' he said, grinning sheepishly, `I can only say I'm infinitely relieved to be here and not in the brig or sent back where I came from.' That reply generated a few honest laughs but also a second shaft of malicious amusement at his self-deprecation.

Cloudhead's smarming the audience, is he? was the verbalized thought.

On the pretext of lifting his own glass to toast his company, Thian looked around, trying to spot the source.

Oho! Could he have heard me?

The thought was all too ephemeral and there were too many people who could have thought it.

Thian hadn't been quick enough to catch that second unexpected lapse. He let his glance slide quickly from Commander Tikele to the chunky sallowskinned woman beside him: a security officer by her shoulder-tabs - Vander-something - and around the immediate circle.

The com officer, Eki Wasiq, a very gaunt man with soft brown eyes that made him the least likely suspect of the group; the exe, JaskellGermys, a few centimetres shorter than Thian, with a carefully controlled face that gave away nothing of his thoughts. Lieutenant Sedallia, the only one he already knew by name, exhibited polite attention, while the gunnery officer, an older man Fordo Ah Min with the squint that had become a programmer's trait, had been so abstracted that he was late lifting his glass and morS irritated by that lapse than shooting snide thoughts at the newcomer. The two juniors present, because it was their off-duty time, were laughably easy to read: they hadn't expected the chance to dine well tonight.

Thian tipped his glass to his lips and drank. The malevolence was as startling in its absence as in its brief flare.

As he was seated opposite the security officer, Lieutenant-Commander Ailsah Vandermeer, he had a chance to put her to the most adroit mental probe he could summon: the kind he got away with using on his cousin Roddie. He could read no more than her public mind without breaching the most stringent injunction of his training but, if she was dissembling, she was making an extremely skilful job of it.

Her thoughts were clearly centred on enjoyment of the excellent meal: such comments as she directed at him were about learning Mrdini.

He was astonished at how many were willing to learn Mrdini, including Lieutenant Sedallia. In answer to a direct query from Commander Tikele, Thian - again sensing only genuine interest - agreed to produce `Dini engineering terms and their phonetic equivalents for the engineering officer to study.

Tikele already had plans of the `Dini engines but was unable to decipher some of the special terms for a full understanding of the intricacies of the `Dini drive: a system that had some advantages over the type which the humans used. Tikele was hoping to draft some refinements, using the `Dini method, that would improve the Vadim's drive.

Sedallia was his design assistant.

On a chase assignment like this, as on exploratory vessels, crew and officers were encouraged in off duty studies and occupations, interspersed with emergency drills for any contingency the devious mind of their captain could envisage. As Thian later heard a chief petty officer proudly remark, `Cap'n Ash-i-ant can sure think up some dillies!

Ain't caught us out yet, neither.' The wine that was drunk that evening was not part of the supplies which arrived with Thian and his `Dinis. But it was the last of the dry white the mess steward had and he advised all to make the most of it. Thian liked wine, perhaps too well, for he seemed unwilling to refuse a refill of his glass, yet he didn't think he'd ever been what others might call drunk. This evening, probably due to the cumulative effects of the day's busyness, he did find himself a little light-headed. That's when he began to `hear' the snicking little taunts. As these came through in the form of mental commentary, he couldn't even identify the sex of the source.

whoever it was did not like Talent, of any degree, though Thian suspected the person was unaware that he or she possessed some: the person was `sending' on a telepathic level which, to Thian, indicated a latent Talent of some degree. The content of those little barbs was much like the sort his cousin Roddie would verbally throw out. At least with Roddie, you knew who you were fighting.

The time - when Mur would be released from its treatment - saved him from both too much wine and too much stress under the continued barrage of malicious jibes. He excused himself to the captain, thanking him again for the meal, and once again repeating his wish to be of service to the Vadim in any way he could.

`D'you know your way to sick-bay?' Commander Tikele asked as Thian had his hand on the wardroom door release.

`I think so, sir,' Thian said with a smile at the medics in intense conversation and left. There'd been no over- or undertones to that remark and yet.

Thian had lied. He'd had enough wine so that he didn't know if he should turn left or right - port or starboard. He'd better get accustomed to thinking all the time in nautical terms. He looked up and down the passageway, closed his eyes and `ported himself into the main corridor outside sick-bay. At this hour, as he'd hoped, there was no-one about and he went in.

Mur was out of its bath, colour bright and pelt shining, poll eye sparkling. On the other hand, Dip looked exhausted.

THIAN HAS COME FOR US, Mur said in its clipped staccato fashion and a nurse looked around the curtains separating the cubicles.

`Oh, Prime, you're very punctual,' she said and then smiled broadly. `Mur is quite recovered but I don't think Dip has stood the gaff as well. I offered ... you do call them "its", don't you ?` When Thian nodded, she went on, `But all it took was some enhanced broth.

Dr Exeter looked up what additives would be sustaining for a `Dini.

He was really frightfully pleased to meet such a distinguished `Dini physician, too.' Despite his fatigue and the blurring caused by the wine, Thian couldn't help but note that she regarded him with keen interest, tilting her head and smiling at him. She was pretty, he thought, and certainly gave off a reassuring aura. She'd be a comfort to the sick.

`Thank you, Lieutenant... `All navy nurses were at least lieutenants, weren't they?' `Greevy, Alison-Anne Greevy,' she said.

`Most people call me Gravy, though,' she added with a rueful grin.

`Oh,' was all Thian could think to say at first, then he added, `most people call me Thian.' `But you're a Prime,' she said, surprised.

`Primes are people, too -- - dr . .. Gravy,' he said, annoyed that he was stuttering. There was something wrong and he didn't know what it was.

His mind seemed gluey.

WE MAY GO NOW, Mur said at its firmest and folded its digits about Thian's hand. COME DPL.

Gravy looked down at them with the sweetest smile on her face.

`They are the darlingest creatures. I'm so glad Mur recovered.' He gulped. `where are the two from the other ship?' She smiled again.

She seemed to have quite a vocabulary of smiles. This one was slightly condescending, as if he should have known. `They're asleep.

They were tireless in their care of Mur.

And they speak very good Basic. They will contact you when they have refreshed themselves - their words - and are ready to return.

`Oh, good. Yes, that's fine.' Thian was excessively relieved that he didn't have to `port anyone anyplace tonight.

Dip was swaying.

`Ah ... urn, Gravy, how do I get back to my cabin? Eight Deck, cabin C8ON?' `Very simple,' and it was, when he took the directions from her mind and paid no attention to what she said, for she had a habit of using her right hand when she said `port', and her left hand when she meant him to turn to `starboard' That they got back to his cabin at all was due to Mur's attention.

WINE, TH? Mur asked once on their way.

WINE, MRG, Thian admitted. NO GREAT QUANTITY INGESTED. FATIGUE ASSISTS EFFECTS.

TH WORKED HARD THIS DAY. REST COMES.

DREAMS, TOO, GOOD DREAMS WITh MRG RECOVERED. And Thian was overwhelmingly grateful that this was so, and hugged the silky body to his side.

He helped the `Dinis into their hammocks and then stretched out, once more, on his own bunk.

And there were dreams, but not `Dini inspired.

Gravy seemed to be flowing all over him while something black hissed out of the walls of his cabin which compressed and expanded with no warning.

Over the next few weeks, Thian was so tightly scheduled that mental exhaustion made him sleep deeply and dreamlessly. Gradually, as he became accustomed to the new routines, he did enjoy dreamtime, with his `Dinis and with the other new `Dini personalities he met, either physically, as he `ported them to the Va dim or took Captain Ashiant and other officers to the KLTL and the KLTS, or by communications.

These dreamers were different to any he had previously encountered: older and considerably more active so their dreams were projected on many levels: some which he couldn't understand.

Mur and Dip, as juvenile in experience as himself, were unable to give him any help; as much because they were more in awe of these contacts than anything else.

His classes were surprisingly crowded. In the first morning slot, which held the most officers, was Malice and Thian began to narrow down the possibilities: Tikele was one, though that surprised Thian; Ailsah Vandermeer was the second; the weapons officer, Far Ah Mina Terran ectomorph with black hair, a sallow skin and high cheekbones, was the third, and the fourth was one of the surgeons, Lacee Mban, a round-faced man, pale haired and eyed, with the smallest hands Thian had ever seen on an adult. Lieutenant Sedallia had initially been a strong contender for the honour but he worked so hard at learning `Dini that Thian scratched him off the list. Innocently Thian was hoping that this antagonist would lose the edge of his distaste for Talents when Thian proved himself on this level but the malice hovered expectantly: but expecting what, Thian didn't know. Still, it kept him constantly on the alert, hoping to penetrate the identity or reduce the resentment.

He had three hours of classes in the morning.

Mur and Dip acted as his assistants which speeded instruction considerably for they could conduct pronunciation lessons with those struggling with crucial words and phrases while he explained grammar and syntax and increased vocabulary, written and spoken. These were techniques which his sister had found useful teaching `Dinis and which he could adopt for human students. The adults of both species had trouble getting their tongues to accept such contortions. Only now could Thian appreciate the manner of his own learning from childhood onward. None of the humans would know how often Mur and Dip were convulsed in `Dini laughter and sometimes he too found it difficult not to joIn In: `Dini laughter being infectious - for him, at least.

By 1200 hours, he grabbed a quick lunch with Mur and Dip and performed any `portation duties.

Sometimes he was awakened by an urgent request to `catch' a supply drone for the Vadim: usually a medium-sized affair. He didn't mind such awakenings for he had a chance to exchange greetings with the sender, often his grandfather or grandmother, and sometimes - when he `caught' for the `Dini ships - Laria.

To her alone could he mention Malice.

Poor Th ian, and on your first assignment, too, Laria had said with full sympathy. And you can't identify him, her? It may just be sour grapes, you know, since the person is projecting. Sometimes Talents are too nebulous to be directed or refined and the person is naturally resentful. But aren't you meeting with the listed Talents on the ship?

Yes, but it's slow, what with all the other duties I seem to have acquired. Thian didn't exactly feel abused but he also didn't seem to have time for anything but his duties, eating and sleeping.

Don't worry, Thi, his sister said encouragingly, it does seem that way at first. You'll have more time once everything's settled down to mere boredom.

They've a barque-cat, Lar, and she had kittens, he told her the morning after Queen Tabitha Many Coats produced six: three of them tri-coloured females. The entire crew had rejoiced! She likes me, he added rather smugly, adding glimpses of the several times Tab had sought his company Don't antagonize the crew over their cat, Thian, she warned him urgently in a fashion that would have irritated him from his sister if he hadn't also `seen' her genuine concern. They're not Coonies, you know, who are notoriously fickle! Be careful not to let one of the kittens decide you're his, or hers.

Thian sent her a patronizing grin. Yeah, sis, I know!

Thian, about the other problem. Trap Malice into revealing himself. Remember the way you got Roddie into trouble?

Thian chuckled out loud. Thanks, Lar. Surprised I didn't think of it myself.

It's not as if you haven't had a lot to think about, Thi! Love ya! She sent a mental hug that was almost as palpable as a physical one.

Trap my Malice, huh? he thought, still reclining in the couch and becoming aware of the normal bridge activity around him. The way I did Roddie!

He'd have to go about it cleverly: his antagonist was an adult, not a petulant boy.

And Laria might be right about a sour-Talent.

None of his suspects were on the list Captain Ashiant had handed him. So far, none of those he had interviewed privately - and that had taken time and effort - were more than minimally Talented.

He'd three 12s, the lowest weight, two lOs and a 9. He was saving Alison-Anne Greevy - whose appearance on the list wasn't that big a surprise since she was a T-5 Empath - until the last as he'd already had enough contact with her to access her mind in an emergency. The 10s and the 9 were mechanically inclined which could be helpful in special emergencies and one was a chief petty officer.

The three 12s, ratings all, would be make weights, none of them having any other special aptitudes. The captain's name was not on the list either, although Ashiant's ability to shield his thoughts indicated some latent gift: maybe just to shield. Some people had that and no other aptitude.

He was also assembling a thesaurus of specifically technical terms, using the Rondomanski technique.

Over his lifetime, since the `Dinis approached his mother and father on Deneb, drafters and scientists had been correlating technical data, drawings, equations, theories for translation. `Dini and Terran science had been exchanged on all levels in every aspect of space travel and exploration: the `Dinis and Terrans alike using conflicting terms to describe the apparatus used in the same manner or the same end. One had to be careful not to confuse terminology. Having been raised on a mining planet, Thian was already familiar with technological terms - and the technological mentalities - but he also needed specific naval applications and asked Commander Tikele to suggest personnel to assist him.

`I'd best do the engineering,' Tikele told him gruffly and he went on to recommend officers in the other disciplines. `Sedallia can help, too.' Thian was both surprised and pleased by such cooperation: this could be a chance to probe two suspects. Both engineers were so enthusiastic and involved in the task that he found it hard to consider either of them as his private `Malevolence': that personality was much too negative about so many aspects that were raised in the language lessons.

Malevolence was negative in all comments so far.

Then, just as he was beginning to be easy with the established routine, several incidents occurred. The first happened in sick-bay.

Or rather the aftermath of it came to his notice in sick-bay.

Although the air on the Vadim was slowly improving, Mur occasionally had bouts with dehydration hiccups which were eased by immersion. On instructions from Sbl, Commander Exeter had kept the treatment water from the first bath and, when needed, Thian took Mur down to sick-bay for another session. They arrived at the facility to find shore police on guard, looking exceedingly stern. Sick-bay itself was packed with personnel. The bruisings, black eyes, broken noses, split lips and skulls and several men nursing damaged hands, arms and fingers left no doubt in Thian's mind that there had been a major brawl.

In his surprise, he let down his shields and was bombarded by active hatred and such negative emanations that he was nearly ill. But he couldn't ignore Mur's condition.

Chopping off all natural empathy, he worked his way towards Gravy who was cleaning the blood from a burly gunner's face. Her public mind was vivid with disgust for the stupidity which led grown men to beat each other to pulp for the sheer exercise of brute force, and an earnest wish that head wounds didn't bleed so profusely. Thian `put' a finger on the artery that was producing the flood so he could find out from her where Mur's water-cask was stored.

`Thian, you don't know anything about first aid, do you?' she asked, giving him a distraught smile, her expression anxious.

`Enough to help out, I think,' he said, `but only after I've got Mur in the bath again.' She rolled her very expressive pale green eyes.

`We've no place to put him - it, not with all these here and, honest, Thian,' she said in agitation, `you don't want your friend anywhere near these clods.' `No, I don't.' Just to be sure his `friends' might not be part of whatever argument occasioned the brawl, he shot a quick look behind her public mind.

She had such a genuine caring personality that it was not an intrusion. To his relief, the melee had started over some perfectly innocuous statement which was taken up wrongly by men too long in each other's company with no relief. `We can just- manage the bath in my cabin, I think. Show me where it is,' he added, dropping his lips close to her ear.

She blinked, squidged her eyes shut in an effort to concentrate on its position in the storeroom and he chuckled.

`Gotcha, and thanks, he said, moving away.

Foremost in Gravy's mind was the wish for an extra pair of hands right now to stop bleeding, check for skull depressions or other less obvious and internal results of the fierce, if short, confrontation.

Thian knew that he could be of some assistance, even if no-one would ever be aware of it - which was probably the best way to handle his intervention.

First Mur had to be taken care of so he `grabbed' the cask and the bath and shoved them up to his cabin. He collected Mur and Dip who had waited in the corridor with the statuesque SPs, and urged them on to the next empty passage.

I MUST HELP MEDICS. DPL, BATH AND TANK ARE NOW IN CABIN, CAN DPL MANAGE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MRG?

HAVING OBSERVED THEM, IT IS EASILY DONE.

I SEND YOU THERE.

MRG NEEDS BATH. DPL MANAGES. Th NEEDED MORE HERE TO BLOT HUMAN FACES STITCH HUMAN WOUNDS SET HUMAN ARMS. And Dip made shooing gestures with its upper extremities.

`Dini humour was usually unexpected and Thian grinned ppredatively. Then, very carefully, he `ported his friends to the now tight confines of his cabin where Mur could bathe in peace.

Next he let himself into an empty cabin adjacent to sick-bay and started to scan the waiting patients, keeping a light contact with Gravy. His great-grandmother, for whom he was named, had made certain all her descendants understood basic initial medical treatment and its mental signs. Thian had never thought he'd be putting that training to use on such a wholesale basis. when he sensed internal bleeding in one young rating, he directed Gravy away from the next man in line to him, suggesting to Gravy that the boy's colour was wrong. He `pressed' on any number of arteries to curtail bleeding and eased as much pain as he could. He also `heard' many grievances of men and women cooped for an unconscionable time in each other's company with no respite for months, and none in sight .. - unless the bleeding planet of the bleeding Hive was found and even action would be preferable to sitting in this bucket ploughing who knows how many years away from a decent port.

when he heard the legitimate occupant of the room returning, he `ported back to his cabin. Mur had just finished the bath and Dip was drying its pelt. The cabin had a medicinal smell to it: not too unpleasant. Tired as he was, Thian decanted the bath into the cask, and replaced both in the storeroom.

The next day the second incident occurred when he received a request from Sblipk for him to despatch a personnel carrier from the KLTL with young `Dinis to be returned to the homeworld. They were the result of that latest hibernation of `Dinis on board.

That, in itself, surprised Thian. He knew, from a remark of Gravy's that strict contraception was practised by the mixed crews of the human ships.

But `Dinis were not human and their procreative drives did not respond to any contraception that he'd ever heard of. He wondered why it hadn't occurred to anyone that there would inevitably be young on board long-haul `Dini vessels. How they had solved the problem before he didn't ask. It wasn't his business. Not only did the `portation of sixteen young `Dinis give him a chance to have a few words with Laria, but it also gave him a very good idea.

D'you get many nursery shipments, Laria? he asked in the process of despatching the carrier.

More than you'd guess, considering how long the various elements of the Search have been going on.

He could see the grin she must be wearing. You'd think they had nothing else to do on board.

Laria! He was surprised by the overtones.

They've a far more acute problem than humans do, although that is hard to believe.

Humans have another problem the `Din is don't have - short fuses.

What? Oh! A bad brawl? On shipboard? Isn't that dangerous?

There were twenty-five in sick-bay, and not all with just black eyes and bruises.

Ready when you are, Thian, Laria said in her professional tone and he pressed in on the KLTL's engines to `port her the precious young `Dinis.

Apart from protesting the journey, they're safely here and such a to-do from the Nursery! 5

tone was amused. Inform Sblipk that all have safely arrived and will be settled with appropriate fosters of the same colour THIS IS WELL DONE! HUMAN HELP WAS NEVER MORE NEEDED. THESE WILL NOT BE WASTED, Sblipk said, bowing with more than formal courtesy to Thian.

As Thian returned to the Vadim, he suddenly realized what happened to `Dinis born on long journeys and was almost overcome with a wave of painful regret. Small wonder human help in transporting their young back to the homeworld was so well received.

That was what gave him the idea. It wasn't only young lives that could be lost on a long voyage, no matter how well conditioned men and women might be to such confinement. He asked for, and received, an immediate appointment with Captain Ashiant.

`Sir, I was down in sick-bay yesterday --The captain regarded him with a blank expression.

`Sir, why do I have to send empty drones back to the supplying planets?' Ashiant cocked his head slightly, and without even trying to, Thian could hear him mentally repeating his question. A smile began to bloom on the captain's face and he regarded Thian with overt approval.

`I don't know why drones have to be sent back empty to the supplying planets, Prime Thian, but if you don't mind the extra mass, I think we can equip them with temporary oxygen, and obtain temporary relief from a problem that is becoming more and more urgent! This cruise has already set records in modern naval annals. The captain rose from his desk and extended his hand to Thian who managed to dampen his own thoughts sufficiently in order to complete the handshaking.

The captain was a deep rich brown, clever, astringent. `I beg your pardon, Prime,' he added, suddenly realizing that he had been extremely personal with a Talent.

`My pleasure, sir,' Thian replied, bowing slightly from the waist.

The captain was very definitely his friend.

`I'll make up a shore leave list immediately. The very fact that shore leave is possible is going to have an excellent effect on morale.

How many can a drone take?' `Comfortably and safely, ten.

`How many uncomfortably?' Ashiant grinned.

`Twelve to fourteen depending on size.' `Give me weights `Mass and volume, sir,' Thian said, and made rapid mental calculations which he jotted down on the captain's desk pad. Ashiant watched, washing his hands together with great satisfaction.

`Yes, this'll make all the difference.' Then he let out a gusty sigh. `Of course, we'll have to avail our sister ships of the courtesy, too. That'll cut down on the numbers the Va dim can send.

Nevertheless,' and he grinned at Thian, `I appreciate it, young Lyon.

With two and three drones coming in every seven days... `and his grin broadened without the need for words. `Wonder why I never thought of it before.' `I should have, if you didn't, sir,' Thian said, more than a little ashamed he hadn't.

`Yes, well, I'll scarcely fault you on that, Thian!' why Thian should feel as if the captain had paid him a great honour by using his first name, he didn't know, but somehow that was the feeling he left with.

THN HAS DONE SOMEThING SPECIALLY GOOD?

Mur asked.

THN HAS FINALLY THOUGHT OF SOMEThING HE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF THREE MONTHS AGO, Thian replied. And explained circumstance and idea.

His `Dini friends were oddly silent when he finished and he wondered.

THN GO HOME SOON? Dip asked in such a curious tone that Thian knew something was wrong.

TROUBLE, FRIENDS? And he put his arms about them, drawing them closer, radiating comfort.

Mur and Dip exchanged such rapid sentences that even he, well accustomed to such a pace, missed half the words. As, he suspected, they intended.

WHAT IS THE TROUBLE? ThN DEMANDS KNOWLEDGE.

Together Dip and Mur sighed and leaned into him.

MUST GO SOON.

WHY MUST THN GO SOON?

MRG AND DPL MUST GO SOON SO THN MUST GO SOON, TOO.

The coin dropped and Thian hugged his friends.

IT IS NECESSARY FOR MRG AND DPL TO HIBERNATE, IS THAT NOT IT?

When their pliant bodies gave assent, he hugged them firmly again.

MRG AND DPL MUST GO WHEN THIS IS NECESSARY.

BUT THN WILL BE ALONE AMONG STRANGERS AND THIS HAS NOT BEEN GOOD.

ON THE CONTRARY, DPL, THIS HAS BEEN VERY GOOD FOR THN. MRG AND DPL MUST GO TO RETURN REFRESHED. TIME WILL GO FAST FOR YOU AND FAST ENOUGH FOR THN. THN HAD NO PROBLEMS WHEN THIS WAS NECESSARY ON AURIGAE. NO DIFFERENCE NOW ON SHIP.

IF MATTERS WERE PROPERLY ADJUSTED KLTL COULD HAVE BEEN USED BUT IT IS OVER AND THE KLTS WILL BE TOO LATE.

HOW SOON MUST MRG AND DPL LEAVE?

WITHIN MONTH.

SOONER IF REQUIRED? Thian could sense a reluctance in them to leave him, which was gratifying, but he was also well aware of how much they would suffer by prolonging the essential hibernation. MRG AND DPL return TO AURIGAE WITHIN WEEK!

HOMEWORLD WILL DO AS WELL. There was something about Dip's manner that made Thian laugh.

`You are irrepressible!' he said, crowing at Dip's cunning. The pair could have been accommodated at the Aurigaean installation but there was a certain cachet to going through the process on the homeworld which the two had not yet enjoyed.

Even the Mrdini understood the subtleties of status.

AND MRG AND DPL WOULD FORFEIT THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AT THIS TIME TO BE ALONE ON ThEIR HOMEWORLD?

THN WOULD BE ALONE HERE. IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT MRG AND DPL BE DEPRIVED IN SOME WAY AT ThE SAME TIME.

Thian rocked with laughter, falling backwards on his bunk and cracking his head on the wall. As if they had caused his bump, the `Dinis were all over him with tender digits and soothing caresses.

ThN WILL MISS HIS FRIENDS. THN ALWAYS DOES, he told them when they quieted and he could hold them against him.

The next day when he appeared for his morning classes, there was an excited buzz in the air and many smiles for him. Except, of course, from Malice. Thian could feel dark brooding discontent from that source, as if Malice resented him doing this service to his shipmates.

Or perhaps had small hope of being one of those on a shore leave roster.

what amused him was the fact that there had been no official announcement of shore leave by means of Talent-assisted personnel capsule. In fact Captain Ashiant's bulletin was anticlimactic: everyone on all four human ships knew about it.

Three days later Thian sent the first three drones back: two to Earth as requested by the personnel and one to Betelgeuse.

You've made more work for yourself, the Rowan told her grandson as she `caught' the first of the three. But he sensed that she approved.

There's been a significant improvement in morale, he said diffidently.

That is very important on a search mission such as this. Your grandfather says you ought to have warned Fleet so Earth could be warned.

That's not my responsibility, he began and then realized that he was being teased. Think of the money they'll be spending!

Ten days after the first shore leaves were `ported, the long-range sensors discovered an object moving at a very slow speed in the general direction of the squadron: a very large object to have been picked up at such a distance. Too far as yet to be identified, its presence livened all discussions on the Vadim and the other ships of the squadron.

Thian `ported all captains aboard the flagship and attended the meeting as recording interpreter. He was proud of his `students': even after only four months intensive study they were able to discuss much in `Dini, a fact which certainly pleased the `Dini captains. Nothing could be done until identification was made, of course, but several courses of action were discussed.

The `Dini reluctantly allowed the possibility that the object might be a wandering planet, blown out of its native solar system by a nova - several had been noted in this quadrant. Such phenomena had been noted by both human and `Dini in the course of space explorations: the planets or asteroid fragments sterile and lifeless but occasionally worth prospecting. Thian knew by their language that the `Dini captains were convinced beyond doubt that this was more likely another Hive ship. It was travelling from the general spatial direction of the ion trail they had been following, hoping it would lead them, at last, to the Hive Home System. The ion trail had been getting weaker as its traces dissipated during the months of the search but was still discernible on the highly sensitive equipment the `Dinis had developed.

Space being the immensity it was, even a general direction for search was a plus.

The `Dinis wanted to go on yellow alert and to implement intensive drill in the strategy of penetrating and destroying a Hive ship. As these tactics were of a suicidal nature, the humans, understandably, temporized, suggesting careful surveillance and reconnaissance in order to make the most effective use of the new weaponry with which the squadron was equipped. Untried against a Hive ship, to be sure, but theoretically more sophisticated than known Hive ordnance, delivering a paralytic shock of purportedly lethal proportions. Even glancing touches could inhibit movement for hours.

This was where the `Dinis and humans diverged in their mutual war against the Hive World. Technically speaking, the squadron's orders were to seek and identify the Hive World, and return for further orders. A single fast scout might have accomplished the same mission but a single fast scout could neither carry the armament needed in case it encountered Hive ships - which was a distinct possibility given the unusual Hive activity that had created this emergency - nor the supplies to last an indefinite search period. So a squadron was committed to the task, with orders that one ship must survive to report.

In the `Dini view, coming across a Hive vessel meant it must be destroyed. It could not be permitted to exist, no matter what cost the destruction. It could be heading for their homeworld and must not be allowed to proceed once intercepted. whereas `Dini soldiery was quite willing to die to achieve that end, humans, not having had wars in several centuries, were not disposed to commit themselves with such fervent dedication. To be sure, naval units met with disasters of all kinds, causing the death of many or all those aboard the stricken vessel. But no human warship sought deliberate attack, nor considered it the logical conclusion of sighting an alien vessel. Cowardice had nothing to do with this: common sense did.

`He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day,' might be a human sentiment but it was, unfortunately, an intolerable concept to the `Dinis.

As translator - and someone more familiar with the nuances of `Dini speech than any of the others at the conference - Thian was doing his best to tone down the challenging language from the `Dini while injecting vehemence into the almost diffident human responses. To the `Dini warrior ethos, this was put up or shut up time, while the humans seemed more interested in discussing alternatives that did not, in `Dini terms, exist. The oncoming object must be destroyed.

when Ashiant, for one, realized that `destruction' was the preferred `Dini tactic, he cast a meaningful glance at Thian. Thian gave his head a quick shake, wishing the captain hadn't such a tight natural shield so he could immediately explain that there was no way he, with twelve minor Talents - even augmented by the generators of six big warships - could do what, two and a half decades ago, had required several hundred Talents in the Denebian Penetration.

The human captains vigorously insisted on discussing alternative identities for the wayfarer, the favoured one - which the `Dinis repudiated as soon as it was mentioned - was the possibility of meeting yet another sentient species in space. Thian privately agreed with the `Dinis on that score. `Dinis had explored enough over the centuries of their space travel capability to be cynical about that prospect: especially in view of the fact that they had already found humans.

Politely, Captains Spktm and PIr listened to the humans but Thian could see that they were convinced this was Hive and it couldn't be anything else.

In the face of that unalterable opinion, Ashiant and the other human captains wisely initiated intensive drill procedures but an actual discharge of the new weapons system, of course, was out of the question. The surprise of such new weapons might even have an effect on the implacable Hivers.

The Hive was also known to have acutely sensitive scanning devices - as some unfortunate `Dini scouts had discovered. Biologists had suggested that the live members probably had more acute hearing than vision. what few fragments of Hive ships were left after a `Dini suicide penetration gave little evidence of internal lighting systems.

Fortunately, none of the humans even mentioned evasion tactics though it was no secret to Thian that each human captain was reviewing how to preserve ship and crew even if the `Dinis were quite willing to spend lives and ships to destroy a Hiver.

Privately, Thian wondered how many escape pods he could fling to safety with or without the impetus of generators in the event the Vadim was badly struck. There was also the ethical and moral problem of should he also contrive to save himself, the Prime, if it was at the expense of fellow shipmates? He decided that avenue of thought was depressing and self-defeating.

This squadron had six of the newest, best equipped and best-armoured vessels of their respective navies, and powerful new weapons. Contemplation of defeat and/or suicide was self-destructive.

Even thoughts of evasion could be defeatist. He started emanating stern resolve and optimism.

Somewhat to his astonishment, his efforts began to produce results in the discussions as humans and `Dinis both began to talk themselves into more positive thinking.

HIVE SHIPS FOLLOW TRADITIONAL PATTERN NO MATTER WHAT SIZE AND NEVER DEVIATE, Captain Spktm said, slipping a pencil file into the ready room reader and bringing up the enhanced image on the main screen. WEAKNESS REMAINS WEAKNESS, STRENGTh STRENGTh WITh THE QUEENS ALWAYS IN ThE MOST PROTECTED SPOT, EGGS NEXT AND ExPENDABLE WORKERS DRONES AUXILIARIES IN OUTER SHELL. The spherical shape of the Hive had been opened in one arc to show the levels. Much was extrapolation since Hive ships had to be blown apart to be stopped, fragmenting both attacker and attacked. The `Dinis had gathered their information painfully - over the centuries. SCOUTS ARE ALWAYS IN EXTERIOR BAYS.

WEAPON SYSTEMS CONTROLLED FROM QUEENS' LEVELS BY SPECIAL DRONES.

BELIEF IS HELD ThAT ThERE ARE SPECIAL REINFORCEMENTS TO PERMIT QUEENS AND MOST VALUABLE EGGS TO SURVIVE EVEN THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF ThE SHIP. `DINI ATTACK GROUPS HAVE LEARNED TO RESERVE AT LEAST ONE SHIP TO CHASE AND DESTROY THESE SPECIAL INTERIOR CONTAINERS WHICH HAVE ON OCCASION CONTAINED SMALLER UNITS LIKE HUMAN ESCAPE PODS. (Mrdini ships had no comparable unit.) ThE SURVIVAL OF AT LEAST ONE QUEEN ONE ATTENDANT DRONE MEANS THE HIVE SURVIVES. SUCH SURVIVAL UNITS HAVE ACHIEVED ESCAPE VELOCITIES THAT, UNTIL RECENTLY, EXCEEDED THE BEST SPEED OF CHASE VESSELS. QUEENS AND EGGS SURVIVE IN CONDITIONS FATAL TO MRDINI AND HUMAN.

Then the `Dini captain activated an animated reconstruction of the phases of attack and dissolution of a Hive ship. As often as Thian had seen this vid, it never failed to give him nightmares. The average Hive ship had between twelve to thirty Queens. Tear-drop-shaped vessels spurted from the exploding wreckage of the demonstration Hive ship.

They travelled at incredible speeds, disappearing so rapidly in all directions from sensor range that a fix could not be taken, making pursuit difficult - especially if only one `Dini ship remained operational at the conclusion of the battle.

For just this Hive manoeuvre, every ship in the squadron had been provided with eight high-speed pursuit craft cradled in the shuttle bays.

Optimism spread and defeatism dissolved as the humans began to psych themselves up for their encounter with this implacable enemy and destroyer.

The fatalism which always motivated a `Dini soldier began to seep into their human allies as Spktm pointed out primary targets for the initial assault.

Then the human captains began to embrace the actual, not the theoretical, aspects of the possibility of their first space battle in generations.

Finally, Thian was asked to inform both homeworlds of the discovery of an as yet unidentified object. Thian decided he'd tell Jeff Raven, as Earth Prime, first.

Shouldn't we wait to find out if the thing's really dangerous?

Jeff asked.

I'm following orders, sir.

As indeed you should, even with news as momentous as this, Jeff replied equably. It does add a little spice to an otherwise dull day.

I'm passing the word to the High Council so you can expect to be on call now for messages. Are you a hard sleeper?

No, sir.

Well, get what you can when you can. That's the downside of this job. Ah, yes, High Council is calling an emergency session. Have you apprised the Mrdinis yet? Do so immediately. It is only proper you would inform your own species first.

when Thian `pathed Laria, she erupted with what he felt was unprofessional excitement; more nearly exultation of a bloodthirsty variety.

I'm not blood-lusting, Laria replied with some indignation, I'm practising `Dini hurrahs. They've waited so long for a breakthrough like this.

We don't know if it is a breakthrough, sis.

Go find out! Like Mother did! The suspense would kill me.

Mother didn't know what was out there, then, or I'll bet she wouldn't have gone.

But how long before we know? Laria demanded, her mind sparkling with excitement. She was positively bloodthirsty, Thian thought.

Even at the speeds we're travelling, it'll take several days to close the distance between us.

What about probes?

We're not even close enough for a probe, even those new hypersensitive ones.

But Laria had planted the notion in his head of a `portational reconnaissance and he couldn't shake it out. It might redress the impression the `Dinis had that humans were unnecessarily cautious.

Even among his own kind, he'd accrue considerable prestige from such a daring action. And, speaking of suspense, establishing a definite ID would improve morale considerably. Waiting was always the worst part of any ordeal. Also, if Thian could prove himself, he might even get rid of Malice. Most of that person's dislike centred around him being a civilian on a naval mission, a weasel-lover on a human crewed ship, a snot-nosed kid who'd been pampered all his life because of a lucky genetic break.

when they got somewhat closer - for even his mother had not risked going too far from her power base - he might just mention it to Captain Ashiant.

Thian knew his strengths but he also knew his own limitations.

Lucky he knew himself to be: but not snot-nosed.

Busy as he became, hauling in more supplies, retrieving crewmates from their home planets, for all shore leave was cancelled, Thian also quickly found a way to answer the pressing need of his `Dinis.

Hibernation was not considered a dereliction of duty for usually only immature or postmature `Dinis went on long-distance duty. As it happened, several `Dini observers from the High Council on Clarf required transport to the KLTL and KLTS so Thian arranged that Mur and Dip would have space on the return trip. Mur and Dip had the dubious pleasure of accompanying four of the largest `Dinis Thian had ever seen.

He missed his life-long friends almost as soon as he lost their `touch' as Laria took control of their capsule at the change-over point. This was not like their yearly retreat on Iota Aurigae: they weren't a matter of kilometres away in a hillside he could see from his bedroom window. Their companionship had also afforded him relief from his anomalous position on the Vadim. He missed them more as his workload increased and tensions rose, in him and throughout the ship and squadron.

Two days after the sighting, he had an unusual interview with Captain Ashiant.

`You've handled yourself extremely well, young Lyon,' Ashiant began, steepling his fingers and staring so hard at him that Thian began to worry about what the man was leading up to. `I gather that our `Dini allies find our attitudes towards a possible engagement at odds with theirs.' `They've fought the Hivers for centuries, with considerably more direct experience than humans have had.' `They also consider there's only one way to promulgate this war.' `They've only found one that's successful in destroying the enemy. Any other outcome is unacceptable considering what this enemy does unchecked.' `Well, at the risk of appearing cowardly, humans have usually,' and Ashiant stressed the adverb, `found that retreat can often result in significant victory.' `Humans have only been up against a Hive ship once,' Thian was obliged to remind him. `The scout ships don't, apparently, count.

`That's not what I wish to discuss with you. If we come up against a viable Hive ship this time, young Lyon, you will act upon these special orders should the special circumstances arise,' and Ashiant handed over a transparent pencil file. `You have an eidetic memory. This destructs after one reading and leaves no trace in your terminal.' Carefully Thian inserted the file in his breast pocket.

`You will memorize the contents, and then forget them until you are required to implement the orders.' Ashiant rose to pace the long side of his ready room. `I intend to commit the Vadim as thoroughly as our Mrdini allies will commit their ships.

In the event the Vadim is committed past the point of return and orders are given to abandon ship...' Thian held his breath, fear trickling down his arms and legs at such a contingency, `. you will ensure that the nine people on that pencil file are `ported to safety.

And that you,' Ashiant swung about to point his forefinger at Thian, `leave with them. Are you clear on that point?' `Yes, sir.' `How many of the Talents on board have you contacted?' `Only six so far.

`Well, do what is necessary so that, in the event the generators can't assist you, you can effect the removal of the persons in your orders. They do not have the option of remaining. Are you clear on that?' `Yes, sir.' `Are nine too many for you to cope with?' `No, sir.' `We'll be holding pod drills frequently over the next few days so you're to familiarize yourself with the equipment and those in your pod. Each lifeboat has an engine as well as the initial break-away thruster. I'm not certain how much power that will give you, which is why you must use the other Talents as boosters. If the order to abandon ship is given, you are first-' and again the index finger jabbed in his direction, `-to get in your own escape pod, then make sure that the others get in, too. If the worst possible circumstances ensue, and you are the only survivor, you leave! You cannot be jeopardized.' `Because I'm a civilian?' Thian asked, indignant with hurt pride even as he recognized that to be an immature reaction.

`No, sorry sir, because you're a Prime . . . and because you'll have had access to most of the information other captains and experts would need to combat the next Hive ship we encounter.' Ashiant waited a full beat and then added with a rueful smile, `You're much more valuable alive, young Lyon. Before that blip appeared on our screens, this was not a dangerous assignment. It is now and you are not to be endangered. Do I make myself clear?' `Crystal clear, sir' `Good lad,' and the captain gave Thian an approving thump on his shoulder. That comradely gesture reduced the resentment he'd been feeling.

`Now, implement your orders, Lyon.' The orders were signed by the High Council Coordinator and, although several of the names surprised Thian, he had them memorized long before the pencil file disintegrated.

As he made necessary, but discreet, contact with the other Talents, he also began to meet some odd resistance and reactions from crew members, men and women who had been at least polite to him. He found the answer to that hostility from Gravy. They'd met from time to time in the officers' mess and in the corridors, but he hadn't been able to find a time when they were both off-shift and he could outline what might be expected of her as a Talent. But it had become necessary for him to seek her out and he found her alone in the gym, working out on the rowing apparatus.

`I'm glad to see you, too, Thian,' she said, mopping her brow and resting her arms on the oars.

`I've heard some spaceflot that I don't really want to report to the captain. ` She cocked her head 15z at him and he sensed her hesitation. `You know I've got a little Talent?' `Yes,' he said, sliding on to the apparatus next to her, `in fact, I'm glad I've a chance to talk to you because I'm sup, posed to touch bases with all Talents on the ship.

`Hmmm, in case of emergency, yes, I sort of figured you'd get around to me on that score,' she said equably. `I'm not sure what good I'll be. I'm only an empath...

Thian grinned at her. `Don't knock it, Gravy.

Only an em pa th is much more helpful than only a receiving or sending `path.' `But what good would I be?' `It's like this, Gravy,' and he found himself more easy with her than with anyone else on the Vadim, the very reason why her empathy was so valuable, especially as a nurse. `Should an emergency arise when I'd have to tap into all the Talent on board, your empathic strength is added to the pool. You're down as a T-5 which is the highest, bar me, on the Vadim. You'd be more help than you might realize. Now, what's this spaceflot?' She frowned. `It's talk but it's nothing.. . good.' Thian wondered if Malice was showing his hand.

`Don't worry about my feelings, Gravy.' She gave him a very direct look. `You may think you're fooling others, and you are, actually, since you're so good at what you do, but I happen to know you're not as old, despite that sexy silver streak of yours, as you'd want others to think you are.

Especially when you're teaching,' and she grinned at him, to take the sting from her message, `you sound exactly like our Professional Ethics prof, so stuffy and precise... Of course, speaking `Dini makes you be precise or you garble everything...' `Gravy, you're hedging, he said, not prying but recognizing a delaying tactic.

`Partly because I think the rumour's so stupid,' she said with some heat, and then rushed on to say, `but there's some think you're a glory-grabber.' `what?' Thian laughed in surprise, more relieved than he could ever let Gravy realize. He couldn't imagine how anyone could have overheard his interview with the captain, or known of the special preservation list, but if that was what Gravy had heard, such orders were already compromised.

`They seem to think that you'll reach out with your Talent and somehow do what the Fleet ought to be doing.' Thian laughed more heartily then. `Gravy, that's not very likely. Not to mention impossible.' `But you Talents did that at Deneb. Twice!' `Talents, plural, Gravy. In fact every Talent available down to kids of ten and twelve. Not singular, me, with a dozen minor Talents to assist.

There's no way I could or would grab any glory. `Sides which, I do know my limitations. Heroism is not indicated.' She gave a sniff.

`Heroes happen. Generally,' and now she grinned rakishly at him, `when it's not indicated.' Then her expression altered to earnestness.

`However wrong the thinking is, it's there and it's not good.

Folks are odd. I mean, here you got a lot of `em home for shore leave - even if it got cancelled - and you'd think they'd be at least grateful. But no, they're out to find something ... something...' `negative?' Thian suggested, knowing exactly what people could find to disparage the Talented.

`That'll do,' she said. Then, in a rush of empathy, she put her hand on his arm. `You're a nice guy, Thian, and I'll do what I can to offset the flat. D'you want me to report it to Ashiant?' `Only if you have something specific that has an adverse effect on morale as a whole,' he managed to say, more distracted by the warm hand on his arm, and her very feminine presence, the delicate floral taste of her, than he thought possible.

She caught his response, though, because he was lax in reining in his thoughts, because he hadn't felt the need to shield in Gravy's company, and because he was missing the company of Mur and Dip.

`Sometimes it's better to squash a rumour as flat as possible especially right now when we might be heading into action,' she said, keeping her hand on his arm so that he couldn't help but `read' her which, he also realized, was exactly her intention.

Her very expressive eyes confirmed it.

`I thought,' he began in a sort of daze, `that's when rumours would multiply, a sort of combat-readiness reaction.' `Hmmm,' she said, leaning into him, clearly no longer interested in the previous subject of conversation. `D'you know where I got my nickname?' she asked.

Thian rather thought he did but he hedged in a sudden fit of shyness. He had had that dream involving her, and he'd dreamed long enough with `Dinis to know that there were true ones.

`Can we get to your cabin without being seen?' she asked him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. He was suddenly deluged by intense sensuality which he was unable, and unwilling, to deflect. Her smile challenged him to seize the moment.

`Yes, ma'am.' And grasping her in his arms, he `ported them neatly on to the floor space beside his bunk. But he had slightly misjudged their mass and, off balance, they tilted on to his bunk. That took care of his residual reserve.

Thian had never truly appreciated the company of an empath such as Alison-Anne Greevy and he didn't care where she acquired her nickname.

He hadn't had so much experience that he was confident of his ability to perform but Gravy made it all easy, natural and rather special.

`How long are your friends away?' she asked at one point.

`Two months.' He suppressed a speculative spurt as to where he'd be in two months' time.

`what did they have to go for?' she asked and he realized that she honestly didn't know. `I mean, all crew have been recalled, haven't they?' "Dinis in need of hibernation would be no good in an attack. No blame is attached to their absence . . . at least from `Dinis.' `I'd heard about this hibernation business. what exactly happens?' Thian chuckled, stroking her fine blonde hair. It was softer and silkier than a `Dini pelt. `Something like this.' `You don't know?' She was surprised.

`There are some things species should do for themselves to themselves in absolute privacy.' `I couldn't agree more,' she sighed with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she pulled his head down to her again.

The intercom buzz roused them and, for a split second, Thian was disoriented by the feel of a body against his.

`Mr Lyon?' wa the query `Here,' Thian said quickly.

`Captain's compliments and can you come to the ready room?' was the voice message.

`whoops!' Gravy murmured into her hand, instantly awake and rather charmingly rumpled by sleep, her fair hair standing out in wisps from her head while one errant curl pressed into her cheek.

He smoothed it back, not quite wishing to relinquish their physical contact. `And look at the time!' She drew her breath in a hiss, at the same time smoothing her hair back.

`You don't share a cabin do you?' `Thank the gods, no,' she said.

`I'll just put you back unseen then,' he said.

`Hey, that'd be tops!' she said, hurriedly pulling on her exercise gear and swinging her legs off the bunk to stand up. `This right?' `Thanks, Alison,' he said.

`Catch me any al' time, Thian love, she said, her grin mischievous, her eyes dancing, and her mind exuding the genuine pleasure she had received and given. And the position of her cabin, two decks below.

Thian `ported her there and then took time to use the dry shower and dress appropriately for the day.

* * * `We've more information on that object, Mr Lyon,' Captain Ashiant said. Tikele, the security chief and the com duty officer, this time, Steena Blaz, were also present.

Thian seated himself comfortably, ready to `path messages but the captain continued to pace the length of the conference table.

`We have first established that there are no emissions of any space drive known to exist, human, `Dini or Hive,' he said.

That was a surprise and Thian restrained his amusement. No glory at all to grab. And no lives to be wasted in an attack to the death.

But he maintained an alert interest as the captain continued.

`It would appear to be a derelict of some sort.

`An unusually large derelict,' the com officer said softly, evidently not comfortable with what she'd seen on the sensors.

`That's a pity,' Thian said, since that was their feeling. Odd how brave people could feel after an emergency had passed.

The captain flicked one heavy eyebrow in dismissal. `If our readings are correct. And I'd like you to check with the `Dinis on this. There's been enough time for them to have analyzed the same readings.

Captain Pir agreed with Ashiant but Captain Spktm, who was the senior naval commander, was not totally convinced.

`It says that the lack of emissions is not conclusive evidence that this is a derelict. It advises great caution.' `Hmmm.' Ashiant paced one more length. `The KLTS has had more contact with Hive vessels than anyone else in this squadron. Hmmm.' `It wants to send a probe.' `Of course,' and Ashiant paused, fingers over the terminal station. `Theirs or ours?' Thian enquired and replied that the `Dinis believed human probes to be more efficient. Thian did not add the `Dini qualification that human probes were more efficient because they employed gadgets to do what personal observations could do better.

The `Dinis were not precisely calling humans cowards, but certainly overcautious.

`So they approve of our hardware, huh? Well, they're right as well as honest,' Ashiant replied and gave the necessary orders for a probe. `It'll be at least twenty-three hours before it gets there and starts reporting. Carry on, gentlemen, and rejoin me at 0800 tomorrow.

A moment, if you will, Thian.' `Captain?' Ashiant nodded for him to keep his seat as the others filed out.

`I read somewhere that your family can identify Hive materials by the ... ah ... sound of them?' As this question wasn't at all what Thian had expected, he laughed as much in relief as surprise.

`That's true enough, sir. On Deneb they're still turning up buried pieces of the first scout vessels.

There's a naval research facility investigating the composition of the material. I was on only one successful expedition with my cousins: we got an interior panel about,' he encompassed the size with his hands, `this big. It did give off a distinctive emanation, I guess you'd say Family called it a sting-pzzt. Other sensitives agree.' He shrugged, searching for another way of describing the sensation. `It comes across as an actinic smell in the back of your throat, a sharp pinch in your nasal passages and an unpleasant smell.' Ashiant grunted.

`But you would know it?' `Anywhere, sir.' Thian waited, respectfully silent while the captain continued to ruminate. He made no attempt to plumb those thoughts.

`A probe can bring back only mechanical information, Thian,' Ashiant said at length and suddenly Thian knew what he might be asked to do.

He couldn't help but react and the captain caught his grin.

`Yes, Thian?' He raised his eyebrows, expecting an answer.

`I'd heard, Captain . . . well, there's some spaceflot about Talents grabbing all the glory...

`Oh, that,' and a gesture dismissed the rumour.

`As you're already aware, I am under orders not to put you at risk - which is where glory is usually grabbed - but I will ask how far you can propel yourself in a capsule.' `To the derelict-planetoid-whatever ?` The captain held up his hand, `But well outside the known range of Hive weaponry ... with which our allies are so familiar.' `If it would help, sir, I'm willing.' `I'm just thinking aloud, Thian. Wanted to get the straight of that ... ah ... trick. You are of great assistance to us in many other capacities.' `I appreciate that, Captain. In the event such a service is required, it is entirely within my scope i6o i6i of abilities and the position I was asked to fill .

if that's what's bothering you.' `Thank you, Thian. That's all now, I think, until we've the probe report. Damned thing could be just lying doggo.' `That isn't what Senior Captain Spktm believes.' `Oh?' `But it is adamant about approaching with great caution. Even Hiver wrecks have had nasty surprises for boarding parties.' `So I'd read in those exhaustive `Dini reports they furnished us. You'll be informed when the probe starts transmitting.' `Aye, sir `And Thian, I wouldn't let the spaceflot bother you. Nerves talking, not common sense. We're still on yellow alert, of course, but some of the urgency has dissipated now we know the thing's inactive.' `Thank you, sir.' As Thian left the ready room, he wondered if he had missed an opportunity to mention Malice.

Though he hadn't heard any barbs from that direction since the blip had come up. Hopefully too occupied with more urgent duties. The crew of the Vadim were busy preparing for action. He was nearly at his quarters when another pod drill was called by the hooting of the siren.

With a grunt, he `ported himself to his designated escape pod and counted in the nine others assigned to it. By now he knew all of them well enough to have `saved' them no matter where they were on the Vadim should the abandon ship order be given. He wondered if any of them knew of these orders but all he ever sensed was annoyance that their current task had once again been interrupted by a geedee drill.

A circumnavigation by the probe produced very interesting results.

The derelict was undeniably Hive designed which excited the `Dinis who were generous in their rectitude.

`Captain Spktm says it's bigger than any they've encountered, with certain design features that are new and it's very glad the vessel's non-functional,' Thian reported to the specialists assembled in the ready room.

`Measurements indicate it's a third again as large as previously encountered vessels,' Commander Vandermeer said. `A small planet!' `Readings indicate the ship was bombarded with intense heat. Radiation is still present as well as some very odd traces of other elements that are being spectra-analysed. There's no known weapon that devastating, or one that could have left such traces.' `Something blew two-thirds of that ship to hell in gone.' Then Vandermeer shrugged. `And it's nothing the `Dinis have ever encountered. Nor us.' `I'd hate to meet what has that kind of fire-power,' Ashiant said.

`That's precisely Captain Spktm's sentiment,' Thian reported and then grinned. `It would like whoever it was to be on our side.' Ashiant laughed out loud and there were other smiles about the table.

`I didn't know the wee ...

ahem ... our allies had a sense of humour.' `They do, sir, believe me!' Ashiant steepled his fingers, rubbing the end of his nose, before he laced his fingers together and leaned forward on his elbows.

`Gentlemen, this artefact requires our earnest investigation.

First time there've been big enough pieces to work with, I understand.' He cast a sly sideways glance at Thian, quirking one of his eloquent eyebrows. `Do our allies agree?' He turned to Thian.

`Indeed, sir, they're forming a volunteer squad to investigate.

Do we wish to send representatives?' Several hands immediately went up.

`Thank you, gentlemen. I will want volunteers from communications, engineering, mechanical, security. Mr Lyon has to be included as interpreter.

Vandermeer cleared her throat. `Sir, I believe that won't be necessary now.' `Yes, Ailsah, I know you've become quite fluent in `Dini but Mr Lyon goes in several capacities. How soon are the `Dinis assembling, mister?' Thian queried Spktm. `Right now. They're asking for a pre-boarding conference with our teams.

They are appointing fifteen specialists from each of their ships: we should supply as many from ours.

This will be a big undertaking.' `It's also an immense ship, even with two-thirds of it blown away,' Ashiant interposed.

`Captain Spktm strongly recommends that we halt at forty spatials to be sure there is no reaction to our presence.' `That's well beyond maximum Hive weapon range,' Ashiant said, surprised.

`Beyond range of known Hive weapons. Captain Spktm reminds you that this is a new, unknown design.' `But it's dead.

`Captain Spktm may be overcautious, sir, but...' Thian wasn't sure how to phrase the exact wording of the `Dini's statement.

`Yes, yes, I appreciate that this is an unknown quantity but the probe read no life signs and no viable life-support systems working.' `As far as the probe could tell.' Thian kept his voice neutral, being merely an intermediary but he could sense that Spktm's cautionaries were not being well received by the Vadim's officers.

`Since Captain Spktm is around to caution us, we will not be rash,' Ashiant said before turning to the security officer. `Strange that they're so cautious on an approach course when they're quite willing to suicide to destroy a Hiver. whatever!

Commander Vandermeer, you'll lead the human contingent. Pick a boarding party of fifteen, with all necessary specialists represented.

Declan, get me channels through to Captain Smelkoff, Sutra and Chesemen. They're to send teams, too. We won't be close enough to launch the shuttles for another six hours even at our present speed.

That gives us plenty of time for. an interspecies, intership conference.

`Indeed, sir,' Vandermeer said, well pleased with her assignment but, as her glance slid over him, he caught a brief flare of resentment from the woman.

However, it didn't have the tone of Malice: she simply did not like having to be responsible for a civilian.

Briskly she gave orders, picking from the Va dim's crew and then accessing the other ships to discover whom they were sending.

Thian had to sit heavily on an increasing excitement as he listened to Vandermeer with growing respect. She ordered the big shuttle to be ready for launch in six hours. Full radiation suits must be put on board, full medical and emergency packs. From communications, she wanted additional printout of all the probe's data for the briefing. All officers were to be armed with the new stunners, developed from the one hand-weapon the `Dinis had found effective against Hive drone warriors. The boarding party was to join her in shuttle bay in exactly one hour from now, ready to go.

`Have you been issued any ex-vehicular gear, Mr Lyon?' she asked, finally turning to him.

`No, ma' am.' `Then get some. With that she rose from the table and strode out of the ready room.

`Well, you heard her,' Ashiant said, smiling.

`I also heard you say that I'm going along in several capacities, sir. which?' `Interpreter, observer, and. . . lastly, but most important, the Talent to whip someone out of trouble if necessary.' Thian got himself a full-radiation suit, and the requisite stunner which Lieutenant Sedallia handed him with a supercilious expression on his face.

`I don't imagine you've needed to handle a weapon before...

`On the contrary, I've hunted for the family table since I was old enough to pull the trigger of a rifle.' At the surprised look, Thian added. `And we always ate well.' He sighted along the thick barrel.

`But this is a spread weapon anyway. I certainly ought to be able to hit a shuttle-bay door with this.' He slapped it back into its clip and, with a nod to the ratings handing out equipment, left. He could `hear' the comments and most were complimentary.

Sedallia wasn't that popular.

Thian was prompt at the intergroup meeting, held in the ready room, with screens linking the six ships of the squadron. Ashiant introduced Commander Vandermeer as the human leader and she quite ably greeted her `Dini counterpart. Thian kept his expression neutral but he was rather pleased with his student Her sentences were, of course, brief and there were pauses while she accessed words from her vocabulary but PIr, the leader of the `Dini boarding parties, understood her perfectly.

The `Dini showed her a chart of the vessel and identified certain of the remaining portions as the part of the main propulsion unit, fuel storage, resting cubicles, nesting and work quarters. The Queens' accommodations had been blown away for they were usually in the centre: some peripheral weapons were still in place as well as several arsenals and storage areas. Plr then drew longitudinal lines, separating the wreck into six sections and assigned a boarding team to each.

Vandermeer agreed with the assignments even when PIr preempted the sector holding the remaining weapons.

`It's more familiar to them than any of us,' she said to her own group.

The meeting was concluded and final preparations made which, Vandermeer said, would begin with a good high-protein meal.

`Leviathan,' Thian murmured more to himself than Lieutenant Ridvan Auster-Kiely sitting beside him.

`Say what?' Ridvan asked, bending his ear towards Thian.

`That thing is not just big, it's a Leviathan,' he repeated, struggling not to hunch his shoulders away from the immensity of the damaged space vessel.

Thian remembered that `Leviathan' was what his grandmother had called the Hive ship that had been destroyed beyond Deneb over forty years before.

The shuttle was obediently waiting at the forty spatials to see if there was any reaction from the vessel. The `Dinis had said that a Hive ship would automatically open fire on anything that approached even though it was out of range.

`What's a Leviathan?' `Something as big as this.' `This is not the time to be funny.' `The best time.' `Be serious, Thian. Say, couldn't it be a planetoid?

I mean, it could have been hollowed out.. `And then metal coated and levels dug out?' Thian chuckled. `No, Ridvan, it's a ship and not as big as say, Callisto, either.' `That doesn't reassure me.' Ridvan was nervous and didn't bother to hide it.

Thian was neither nervous nor scared and wondered if this was wrong. Excitement was the prevailing sentiment within the shuttle, certainly. He knew his senses were all heightened and he wondered that he didn't feel - even through the vacuum of space - the sting-pzzt of proximity to a Hive artefact.

No-one else in this boarding party had ever been so close to a Hive artefact. Admittedly, he had only helped dig up a panel on Deneb, exciting enough in itself when you're only ten, and help sling it into the `copter scoop. That still doesn't make you an expert, he told himself firmly They waited, getting bored with the view of what Thian began to describe as a semi- demi- hemisphere.

The northern pole was intact all around to about the tenth latitude in the east where damage began.

The western hemisphere extended almost to a tropic of Cancer in places but the southern pole cap had been totally blown away. As if something, incredibly mammoth, had taken a massive bite out of the Hive sphere, leaving pits, pith and intestines behind.

Finally the `Dinis judged it safe to approach: slowly but surely.

Their shuttle, the one from the Beijing, and one `Dini angled to starboard, closed on the wreck. The third human shuttle followed at a discreet distance. They passed around the outer skin of the wreck and immediately Thian was conscious - even inside the shuttle - of the sting-pzzt effect of Hive metal on Talented perceptions. He ran his tongue around his mouth but the actinic taste was in the back of his mouth, far stronger than it had been when he was in direct contact with the Hive panel. Was it because this was a newer construction? Louder or more potent in its emanations? He wished he could contact his grandmother or grandfather right now.

i68 69

The captains had decided to wait until there were concrete details to report before publicizing this expedition: Thian had had to report that the discovery of the ship had caused wide panic on every inhabited world. So he was as glad not to have to add to it. Nor to say anything about his participation in further close investigations.

But should he report to Commander Vandermeer the intensity of the Hive aura? Captain Ashiant had known of it. Such information was not really of use, he thought, except that it verified the origin of the ship. As if there was much doubt about that.

The shuttle wended its way through immense shards of outer hulls, inner skins, deck levels, past structural members as thick as the Vadim. Big as that star-class ship was, she, and a hundred of her sister ships, could have docked in a quadrant of this one.

Everyone reacted as the shuttle's exterior lights began to illuminate details of the innards they were traversing.

`Storage area?' one of the engineers suggested, pointing to odd-shaped containers partially fused against bulkheads. They passed much smaller divisions the size of the Vadim's adequately large shuttle bay. Bent tubing several metres across dangled pendulously into emptiness.

On the forward screen, they saw the `Dini shuttle veer to port, heading towards its appointed landing spot. Thian, being nearest the porthole, looked back as long as he could, to see the `Dini disembarking in their space gear.

Then all too soon their shuttle landed on its designated site.

Helmets clicking into place were the only sounds. Then they were on suit air.

`Set your watches, gentlemen,' Commander Vandermeer said, her voice muffled on the intercom, `you have exactly three hours and twenty minutes' oxygen.

`I thought we had four hours' air, sir?' AusterKiely said.

`We do, but for practical purposes we'll all assemble back here in three hours and twenty minutes.

Clear?' `Yes, sir.' Someone in the group let out a snide bark of a laugh which Vandermeer instantly silenced.

`Enough of that! Let's move out. Mertz, Jimenez, Kaldi, go as far up as you can in this segment, then work down. Sedallia, see if those mangled coils might be drive components. Kes, you go with Sedallia. All of you: call out if you spot something one of the specialists should examine. Take all the snaps you can but remember to light `em. It's darker in here than the devil's belly.' She went on assigning search areas. `Remember to keep one hand for yourself and don't drift off. We can't waste time hauling you back in from outer space. Lyon, you stick on this level with Kiely. There seem to be undamaged compartments along this corridor. Let's move it.

As soon as the others had dispersed in their appointed directions, Kiely pulled Thian close enough for them to touch helmets and Thian could see the furious expression on the lieutenant's face. He resented being treated like a liability.

Thian grinned back at him, gesturing towards the dark interior and mentally trying to soothe the young man. He found that the sting-pzzt dampened his Talent, muffled it, so he gave up trying to project.

He started forward, his boots locking on the plates of the deck so that each step required effort. Then he saw Kiely floating ahead of him, grabbing handholds where he could to propel himself forward, his helmet light illuminating the way. Thian lifted one foot free, grabbed hold of a solid spar and yanked the other boot loose and followed Kiely's aerial example.

Great heat had certainly seared and boiled any organic substances away, leaving only burst containers that had exploded and some that had apparently imploded. Depending on how long ago the catastrophe had occurred, some traces of the contained substances might be found for analysis. They could do that on their return to the shuttle. As he and Kiely made steady progress into the interior, Thian saw nothing very promising, except that the Hive had been transporting an unimaginable amount of cargo or stores. For an hour, they poked, prodded, peered, squeezing carefully into compartments on either side of this broad but squat ceilinged avenue.

According to his understanding of Hive ship construction, this corridor might be just above the doubly shielded quarters where, traditionally, the Queens were sequestered, constantly laying the eggs that would be stored for use in setting up the next colony. But, look as hard as he could, he could find no access to the lower level. when he saw the first of the tubes, he wondered what function it had performed. Then he came upon a cluster and the sting-pzzt that had been constantly with him increased in intensity. That alone was unusual enough to make him call to Kiely to come back a moment.

`Whatcha find, Thian?' `Don't know but here's a service door, or something, and - whaddya know, it opens,' and Thian was as surprised as Kiely when his jerk pulled the panel free and it slowly drifted out.

Thian pressed his foot against the upper half and it settled to the deck.

Kiely, floating above him, poked his head down the opening, the light narrowing as it pierced the blackness of the tunnel.

`Up and down,' and Kiely experimented with lighting. `Long way up and not so long a way down. Down's it.' And before Thian could caution the young lieutenant, he had pushed off down the tunnel.

`Commander,' Thian said, dialling more power to his helmet comunit, `Kiely and I are investigating some conduits or tunnels that appear to be intact and lead to a lower level. We've found nothing else of note.' `Proceed with caution. Much of this wreck is just waiting to fall apart. Kaldi had a lucky escape when a bulkhead started to go.' Thian did not go head first: he stepped off the deck and let that impulsion and his own weight carry him slowly down.

Consequently he saw what Kiely had missed: regular openings off the tunnel, compartments that appeared to be sealed with a semi-transparent material which had not boiled, seared, ex- or imploded, and which gave off the most virulent sting-pzzt he'd ever felt. Wincing in discomfort, he slowed his descent by one of the apertures and let his helmet light pierce the gloom. what he made out of the occluded interior made him gasp.

`Commander, I've found something,' he said though his mouth and throat were dry with the actinic flavour.

`What, Lyon?' and the commander sounded annoyed by his vagueness.

`I think it may be Hive larvae, sir.

Kiely's helmet bumped into his feet, pushing him out of alignment with the opening.

`You what?' `Belay that, Kiely!' Thian roared back, grabbing at the smooth sides to try and halt his upward progress.

`I think you're right,' Kiely murmured in a subdued tone and shot past Thian to their point of entry.

There was such a babble over the helmet cams that it took Vandermeer minutes to get the noise level down to where individual orders could be understood.

`Just how can that be, Mr Lyon?' she demanded.

`The probe registered no life readings.' `Yes, ma'am, but larvae aren't alive - yet. Besides which, I don't think the probe's sensors were programmed to pick up that sort of of unborn things.' `Point!' Her admission was not exactly grudging.

`What's your position?' He gave it while Kiely jostled him about as the lieutenant tried to see into one or another of the larvae tunnels.

`Are you sure, Thian?' he asked, touching helmets and turning down his com. His face was worried.