“And then the strong prey upon each other?” asked Orne.
“That is a quibble for women,” said Tanub.
“It’s too bad you feel that way,” said Orne. “When two cultures meet like this they tend to help each other. What have you done with the crew of the Delphinus?”
“They are slaves,” said Tanub. “Those who still live. Some resisted. Others objected to teaching us what we want to know.” He waved the gun muzzle. “You will not be that foolish, will you, Orne?”
“No need to be,” said Orne. “I’ve another little lesson to teach you: I already know where you’ve hidden the Delphinus.”
“Go, boy!” hissed Stetson. “Where is it?”
“Impossible!” barked Tanub.
“It’s on your moon,” said Orne. “Darkside. It’s on a mountain on the darkside of your moon.”
Tanub’s eyes dilated, contracted. “You read minds?”
“The I-A has no need to read minds,” said Orne. “We rely on superior mental prowess.”