"Unlock it, Chip." The chef opened the door.
"Come in, damn you," he said.
A tall and grotesque creature minced into the room, tiny hoof-like feet tapping on the floor. A flaring metal helmet shaded the deep-set compound eyes, and a loose mantle flapped around the knobbed knees. Behind the alien, the captain hovered nervously.
"Yo' papiss," the alien rasped.
"Who's your friend, Captain?" Retief said.
"Never mind; just do like he tells you."
"Yo' papiss," the alien said again.
"Okay," Retief said. "I've seen it. You can take it away now."
