Starbuck threw his bag at the foot and sat down on the bed. He looked around at the arena of faces in neutral positions, waiting faces. He cleared his throat experimentally.
"Could I ask you something?" he called upstairs.
A set of big feet swung down into view. "Sure," Blue Jaw said enthusiastically. "Didn't know you wanted to talk. Thought you might want to rest."
Starbuck looked at the hanging feet. They were expressionless.
"Maybe it isn't so much of a question," he said, working one hand into the other palm. "It's just that I'd like to live through this mission. I know I'm not a regular spaceman and I'm intruding and all, but I don't mean to cause anybody any trouble or do anyone out of a job. I'd just like to do everything I can to see that I don't slip and fall into the reactor. Or anything like that...."
"Don't worry," Blue Jaw said heartily. "We'll take care of you, Ben Starbuck."
Somehow Starbuck could find little comfort in those words.
He inhaled deeply. "Come on down here, will you?"
"You want me down there?" Blue Jaw gasped. "Why sure, sure."
The giant dropped to the deck with a catlike grace that nevertheless vibrated Ben's rear teeth.