The tech crossed his arms diffidently across his chest. ?Sort of. Best I can manage, with what we have here.?

?Never mind the complaints. What’s her medical status??

Clemens was well aware that every eye in the room was suddenly focused on him, but he didn’t acknowledge them, keeping his attention on the superintendent. ?She doesn’t seem too badly damaged. Mostly just bruised and banged up. One of her ribs may be broken. If so it’s only a stress fracture. What is potentially more dangerous is that she came out of deep sleep too abruptly.? He paused to collect his thoughts.

?Look, I’m just a general tech and even I can see that she’s going to need specialist attention. Somebody gets whacked out of deep sleep early, without the appropriate biophysical prep, and there can be all kinds of problems. Unpredictable side effects, latent respiratory and circulatory complications, cellular disruptions that sometimes don’t manifest themselves for days or weeks-stuff I wouldn’t begin to know how to diagnose, much less properly treat. For her sake I hope that rescue ship carries full medical facilities.?

?Will she live??Andrews asked him.

The tech shook his head in quiet wonder. The superintendent was good at hearing only what he wanted to hear.

?Assuming nothing shows up later, I think she’ll be fine. But don’t quote me on that. Especially to a registered physician.? 28

Alan Dean Foster

?What’re you afraid of??Someone sniggered behind him. ?Bein’ accused of malpractice??Inclement laughter rose from some in the group.

Andrews stepped on it quickly, before Clemens or anyone else could reply. ?Look, none of us here is naive. It’s in everybody’s best interests if the woman doesn’t come out of the infirmary until the rescue team arrives. And certainly not without an escort. Out of sight, out of mind, right??No one chose to comment one way or the other. ?So we should all stick to our set routines and not get unduly agitated. Correct? All right.?He rose. ?Thank you, gentlemen.?

No one moved. Dillon turned and spoke softly. ?Okay.?

The assemblage began to break up, the men to return to their daily tasks. Andrews was not miffed by the slight. It was a small gesture by the prisoners, and he was willing to allow small gestures. It let some of the pressure off, mitigated their need to attempt big ones.

The meeting had gone as well as could have been expected. He felt he’d dealt with the situation properly, putting a stop to rumor and speculation before it could get out of hand. Aaron at his side, he headed back to his office.

A more informative response from the Company would have been helpful, however.

Clemens found his exit blocked by Dillon. ?Something on your mind??

The big man looked concerned. ?Pill pusher. You should be careful of this woman.?