"I'm glad your boys have a little discipline, Shluh," Retief said. "What did you say to him?"
"I but—"
"Never mind. We're in. Get up to the control compartment."
"What do you know of Groacian naval vessels?"
"Plenty. This is a straight copy from the lifeboat you lads hijacked. I can run it. Get going."
Retief followed Shluh up the companionway into the cramped control room.
"Tie in, Shluh," Retief ordered.
"This is insane!" Shluh said. "We have only fuel enough for a one-way transit to the satellite. We cannot enter orbit, nor can we land again! To lift this boat is death—unless your destination is our moon."
"The moon is down, Shluh," Retief said. "And so are we. But not for long. Tie in."
"Release me," Shluh gasped. "I promise you immunity."