"Fate." The word stole out between gritted teeth, twisted Ayel's face. Had to keep a grip on Kirk, even as he tried to jerk loose, pulled across. "Really? They seemed--" Kirk's wrist turned under his and he yanked it down, coiled his free arm over it. Pinched his elbow in tight against James' side, tilted his hip. "--glad to help us, dirtside. Your crew."