"I told you he was brittle," Retief said. "Next time you invite pirates aboard, don't bother to call."
"Jesus, what did you do! They'll kill us!" the captain gasped, staring at the figure flopping on the floor.
"Cart poor old Skaw back to his boat," Retief said. "Tell him to pass the word. No more illegal entry and search of Terrestrial vessels in Terrestrial space."
"Hey," Chip said. "He's quit kicking."
The captain bent over Skaw, gingerly rolled him over. He leaned close and sniffed.
"He's dead." The captain stared at Retief. "We're all dead men," he said. "These Soetti got no mercy."
"They won't need it. Tell 'em to sheer off; their fun is over."
"They got no more emotions than a blue crab—"
"You bluff easily, Captain. Show a few guns as you hand the body back. We know their secret now."
"What secret? I—"