pied-à-terre

If I knew French, I would substitute paw-on-the-ground for foot-on-the-ground, the literal meaning of pied-à-terre. Anyone know? Star Runner's ship has either been destroyed or needs massive reconstruction. I don't know which at the moment. Of course, the Fungusians can manage the memory management Star requires. The Plumies can manage the construction. The Fungusians and the Plumies work well together. The thing is: Star can't work and can't have access to Ship, its shipboard computer which is seamlessly integrated with Star's brain and which controls its biological functions. Star has a portable "ship", but it is only effective in the short-term. Star needs A pied-à-terre on Hypatia while things are sorted out, A pied-à-terre which can substitute for Star's shipboard integration. This makes Star both vulnerable to attack and puts a severe strain on Star's financial resources. It forces Star to be more integrated in Terran society.