The docking approach went smoothly. The Searaven settled forward of the sail at the one hatch capable of being opened from the outside. The taxi shuddered slightly when her connection collar contacted the hull of the Wichita. As soon as Rabo reported a full lock and transmission of the unlocking codes, Kham opened the internal hatch and crammed his bulk into the narrow docking passageway. Parker stood at the edge holding Kham’s automatic rifle, ready to hand it down to his boss as soon as he cleared the way. Janice could hear Kham grunting with the effort of freeing the emergency hatch releases on the Wichita.