?Here are the facts. As some of you know, a 337 model EEV crash-landed here at 0600 on the morning watch. There was one survivor, two dead, and a droid that was smashed beyond hope of repair.?He paused briefly to let that sink in.

?The survivor is a woman.?

The mumbling began. Andrews listened, watched intently, trying to note the extent of reactions. It wasn’t bad… yet.

One of the prisoners leaned over the upper railing. Morse was in his late twenties but looked older. Fiorina aged its unwilling citizens quickly. He sported a large number of gold-anodized teeth, a consequence of certain 26 Dean Foster

antisocial activities. The gold color was a cosmetic choice. He seemed jumpy, his normal condition.

?I just want to say that when I arrived here I took a vow of celibacy. That means no women. No sex of any kind.?His agitated stare swept the assembly. ?We all took the vow. Now, let me say that I, for one, do not appreciate Company policy allowing her to freely intermingle…?

As he droned on, Aaron whispered to his superior. ?Cheeky bastard, ain’t he, sir??

Finally Dillon stepped in front of his fellow prisoner, his resonant voice soft but firm. ?What brother means to say is that we view the presence of any outsider, especially a woman, as a violation of the harmony, a potential break of the spiritual unity that gets us through each day and keeps us sane. You hear what I say, Superintendent? You take my meaning??

Andrews met Dillon’s gaze unflinchingly. ?Believe me, we are well aware of your feelings in this matter. I assure you, all of you, that everything will be done to accommodate your concerns and that this business will be rectified as soon as possible. I think that’s in everyone’s best interest.?Murmurs rose from the crowd.

?You will be pleased to know that I have already requested a rescue team. Hopefully, they will be here inside of a week to evacuate her ASAP.?Someone in the middle spoke up. ?A week, Superintendent? Nobody can get here that fast. Not from anywhere.?

Andrews eyed the man. ?Apparently there’s a ship in transit to Motinea. She’s been in the program for months. This is an emergency. There are rules even the Company has to comply with. I’m sure they’ll contact her, kick at least a pilot out of deep sleep, and divert her our way to make the pickup. And that will put an end to that.? 27

27

He knew no such thing, of course, but it was the logical course of action for the Company to take and he felt a certain confidence in presupposing. If the ship bound for Motinea didn’t divert, then he’d deal with the situation as required. One potential crisis at a time.

He glanced up at Clemens. ?Have you had enough time to make an evaluation??