The Greatship by Robert Reed

bluster.  “As I’m sure you are aware, sir…five thousand years ago, my people threw open the hatches of this great vessel, inviting all the species of the galaxy to share in our grand voyage.  Fifty centuries of unrivaled success, and during this milestone year, to mark our countless accomplishments, the captains are holding a series of celebrations.”
    “I have heard about this business,” Hoop allowed.
    “The Master Captain is scheduled to visit your district.  Her Submasters will be in attendance, plus a hundred lesser captains, and she will enjoy two feasts given in her honor, and a Janusian wedding, and the new Ill-lock habitat will be christened.  As for the nameless captain, his stay here will last moments.  Little longer.  The man is not a sentimental creature, and I assure you, any disruption to your life will be minimal.”
    “No.”
    “Pardon?”
    “The human creature may not visit my home.”
    Washen had imagined but never expected this turn.  Concealing her surprise, she asked, “What is the difficulty, sir?  Is it a matter of timing?”
    “Why?” asked the breathing mouth.  “Would the good captain accept a different day?”
    “Possibly,” she said.
    “Yet I presume he wouldn’t,” Hoop decided.  “Captains are exceptionally stubborn humans, and I believe you are trying to mislead me.”
    Washen allowed a grin to emerge.  “Yes, sir.  You’ve seen through my thin ape-skin, yes.  The captain’s schedule is quite busy, and he will probably not return to this district for a long, long while.”
    Even among his species, Hoop-of-Benzene was an enormous creature—a towering biped whose muscular body was covered with glistening armored plates and long golden spines.  The broad black eyes stared at the young captain.  Beneath the eyes were two mouths, one for speaking and breathing, the other intended for eating and delivering the worst insults imaginable.
    “My schedule is equally rigid,” announced the breathing mouth.  “And since I do not wish to entertain visitors, not in three days or for the next three thousand years, I will not allow him inside my home.”
    The eating mouth made a soft, abusive noise.
    “It is my right to turn away visitors,” the alien continued.  “I know the codes.  I can quote the relevant statutes, if you wish.  Even the Master Captain is forbidden from entering any premise where she is not welcome.  The only exceptions demand sturdy legal causes, which do not apply in this situation.  And even in the most urgent circumstances, mandatory warrants must be drawn up, sealed and registered, then delivered by the appropriate agents of the law.”
    Again, he made the rude sound.
    Washen’s eyes were nearly as dark as Hoop’s.  Her expression was curious and patient, with just a trace of nervous concern.
    “You still haven’t offered any name,” the alien pointed out.
    “I carry orders.  My superior intends to remain anonymous.”  With a thin smile, she added, “I can tell you that he is a powerful figure onboard the Great Ship.  A force to be reckoned with, and once angered, he can be quite vindictive.”
    Harum-scarums had a genetic respect for tyrants.
    Yet Hoop clucked a tongue as if amused.  “I suspect, young captain, you must feel rather uncomfortable now.”
    Washen swallowed and said nothing.
    “So tell me this…”
    “Sir?”
    “Why would a powerful, vindictive creature care who it is that strolls through these little rooms?”
    “I cannot guess his mind, sir.”
    “I am not discussing the captain’s mind,” Hoop replied.  “Perhaps I should remind you:  Two powers are at play here.”
    “A worthy point,” Washen said.  Then with a wink and bright smile, “And you should consider the poor intermediary standing before you.  She doesn’t know the name of your game, much less its rules.”
    Again, the tongue clicked.
    “This must be an important mission,” Hoop observed.  “To select such a quick-witted