"This is known to me. The female—is her name perchance Tiress?"
I glanced down at the inventory chart until I found the Stortulian entry. "Yes, that's her name."
The little being immediately emitted a soul-shaking gasp. "It is she! It is she!"
"I'm afraid we don't have room for any more—"
"You are not in full understanding of my plight. The female Tiress, she is—was—my own Fire-sent spouse, my comfort and my warmth, my life and my love."
"Funny," I said. "When we signed her three years ago, she said she was single. It's right here on the chart."
"She lied! She left my burrow because she longed to see the splendors of Earth. And I am alone, bound by our sacred customs never to remarry, languishing in sadness and pining for her return. You must take me to Earth!"
"But—"
"I must see her—her and this disgrace-bringing lover of hers. I must reason with her. Earthman, can't you see I must appeal to her inner flame? I must bring her back!"
My face was expressionless. "You don't really intend to join our organization at all—you just want free passage to Earth?"