Moira met them in the spacious living room, her pretty face comical with surprise and dismay.
"Philip, what's happened? You look so—"
She saw the alien then and put a hand to her mouth.
"Keep her quiet while I deal with Fermiirig," Boyle said to Locke. "I have no time for argument. If either of you gives me any trouble...."
He left the threat to Locke's stunned fancy and turned on the Alcorian.
"Let me have the injection you had ready for Cornelison. Now."
The Alcorian moved his narrow shoulders in what might have been a shrug. "You are making a mistake. You are not fitted for life beyond the normal span."
"I didn't bring you here to moralize," Boyle said. "If you mean to see your mate again, Fermiirig, give me the injection!"
"There was a time in your history when force was justifiable," Fermiirig said. "But that time is gone. You are determined?" He shook his head soberly when Boyle did not answer. "I was afraid so."