The Error of Larry Niven – Taken from "44 Microstories of Science Fiction"

On a cargo ship, suspended somewhere between Earth and Ganymede, Commander Elroy Barnes lazily settled into the shock-resistant bunk, a silly grin on his face. The curved retractable shields opened up on the ship's nose, revealing the wide, convex windows of the cockpit. Barnes looked at the stars frozen on the black velvet of the universe. A few minutes passed before he noticed the alien staring at him. He studied it with annoyance. At least two and a half meters tall, vaguely reptilian in appearance, with a dome-shaped scaly head and a mouth equipped with several dozen gleaming needle-like teeth. Instead of hands, it looked as if it had a gun. Barnes lazily raised a hand and waved. Kthistlmup was puzzled. The man's mind was confused, almost unreadable. He probed the hull looking for other minds, but the ship was empty, except for Barnes. Kthistlmup advanced into the cabin through the glass. Barnes, for the first time, seemed surprised. - Hey! Now that's a trick! Do it again. - There's something wrong with you – Kthistlmup transmitted - Barnes smirked. - Some adjustments are necessary to fight the boredom of space, to safeguard the mental health of our pilots. - He lifted a green plastic bottle, - NST twenty-four. It helps make for a good journey. There's nothing to do here until I have to navigate this heap into the Jupiter system. Why not then? - Why not what? - Why not indulge in a little trip while the big one is underway? Kthistlmup finally understood. - You've done something to your mind. Chemicals? We use DC current stimuli on Mars. - Mars? You really are... - Barnes! I'm the one asking the questions. Barnes waved his hands dismissively. - Come on then. - How prepared is Earth for an attack from space? - Oh, but that's a secret! Besides, I have no idea. - You must have some idea. What's the most powerful weapon you've heard of? Barnes crossed his arms - I won't talk. - His mind revealed only a sudden flash of white light, which might not have had anything to do with the question. Kthistlmup tried again. - Has Earth colonized other planets? - Of course! Trantor, Mesklin, Barsoom, Perelandra... Barnes's mind showed only that he was lying, and Kthistlmup lost patience. - You will talk - he threatened, advancing towards him and gently gripping his throat with four needle-sharp claws. Barnes's eyes widened. - Poor me, what a terrible trip! Quickly, hand me the bottle of Fini! Quickly! Kthistlmup loosened his grip. - Tell me about Earth's defenses! - I need to take a Fine. The big blue bottle. It should be in the medicine cabinet. - Barnes slipped sideways. He opened the cabinet on the wall before Kthistlmup could grab his wrist. - Ques