"Your death will not be an easy one, Terrestrial," Shluh said in Terran.
"No easier than I can help," Retief said. "Shut up for now, I want to think."
The car passed the last of the relief-crusted mounds, sped along between tilled fields.
"Slow down," Retief said. The driver obeyed.
"Turn down this side road."
The car bumped off onto an unpaved surface, threaded its way back among tall stalks.
"Stop here." The car stopped. It blew off steam and sat trembling as the hot engine idled roughly.
Retief opened the door, took his foot off Shluh.
"Sit up," he ordered. "You two in front listen carefully." Shluh sat up, rubbing his throat.