Urle had not expected Kell to answer his request. He'd expected even less for Kell to come to his office.

The Shoggoth stood outside his door, and Urle opened it up, hurrying over.

"Ambassador," he said quickly. "Please, come in. Have a seat."

"No," Kell said shortly.

Urle recovered quickly. That was a pretty standard Kellism. "Ah, that's fine. I appreciate you coming so quickly. I thought it might be harder to get to speak with you-"

"You were wrong," Kell cut him off.

The Shoggoth seemed as cold as when they'd first met, and Urle felt a twinge of annoyance.

"How have you been doing?" Urle asked him. "Considering things you saw on Gohhi? Or in the play about Ussa and Usser? I hope it was interesting for you."

"I have not dwelled on either," Kell said. "And I am not here for pleasantries. What is it that you wish?"

Urle shifted. He had called Kell to ask him for help, but he was not sure how the Shoggoth would know that. Perhaps just a lucky guess.

"I suppose you've heard about our current mission . . ."

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"Yes," Kell replied.

". . . and of the possibility of encountering relic technology. If you're not familiar with it, it is ancient technology that-"

"I have heard the stories," Kell said flatly.

Urle paused. "Kell, just . . . could you let me finish a sentence before answering? Just as a politeness. It's considered rude to cut people off."

"I am aware," Kell said. "I will let you finish when what you're saying is worth hearing."

Ouch, Urle thought. The Ambassador was clearly in a mood and pulling no punches today.

"So you know what relic technology is. I don't suppose you have some . . . Shoggothy knowledge of it?"

Kell stared at him, unblinking. He said nothing.

"I will take that as a 'no'," Urle said. "However, the technology is somewhat in your wheelhouse. It's got connections to tenkionic-"

"Eldritch technology," Kell interrupted again. "And what is it you wish to do with it?"

"Recover it, if possible," Urle said. "If the technology is as advanced as stories seem to suggest, it could be a great boon for the Union."

"That is a mistake," Kell told him. "If you encounter such technology, you must destroy it."

Urle crossed his arms and sat down on the edge of his desk. "Why?"

"It is dangerous," Kell replied.

"With respects, Ambassador, so is fusion. So are zerodrives. So is oxygen and space travel and chemistry. We're well aware that it might be dangerous and are prepared to take precautions, but the potential value outweighs the risks."

"That is a foolish thought," Kell replied. "If you find these pirates, my advice is to destroy them and leave immediately."

". . . Is it dangerous to you as well?" Urle asked.

Kell frowned. "Do you seek a weapon against me?"

Urle let out a frustrated sigh. "That's not it at all, Ambassador. More I was hoping that perhaps, given that we are going to try to acquire it, you might at least help us do so more safely."

"Let me see if I understand," Kell replied. "You wish for me to enter a hostile vessel and help you take dangerous technology." He snorted. "And here I was told recently I must remain safe."

"Which you didn't even listen to," Urle pointed out. "You went and killed an entire boarding party of Hev. And then followed me onto a dangerous station. You seem quite capable of taking care of yourself."

"I will not help you," Kell said. "I refuse to assist you in this."

Urle was silent for a long moment. This whole conversation had spiralled out of control quickly, and he felt almost ready to snap at the Ambassador, but he bit his tongue. "Even if ordered?"

Kell turned and started to walk away.

"Kell, this could go above our heads. Would you obey if ordered?"

Kell stopped, turning. He stared at Urle, sending a tingle down the back of his neck.

"No," Kell replied.