?Listen to me, you piece of shit,?the superintendent informed his guest fraternally, ?you screw with me one more time and I’ll cut you in half.?

The medic eased the container of milk aside, picked up his tea, and began to stir it quietly. In the dead silence that ensued, the sound of the spoon ticking methodically against the interior of the ceramic cup seemed as loud and deliberate as a hammer slamming into an anvil.

?I’m not sure I understand,?he said finally.

Andrews sat back in his chair, his eyes cutting into his guest. ?At 0700 hours I received a reply to my report from the Network. I may point out that to the best of my knowledge this is the first high-level, priority communication this installation has ever received. Even when Fiorina

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was a working, functioning mining and refining operation it was never so honored. You know why??

Clemens sipped his tea. ?High-level priority communications have to go through subspace to beat the time problem. That costs plenty.?

Andrews was nodding. ?More than you or I’ll ever see.?

?So why rail at me??

?It’s this woman.?Andrews was clearly troubled. ?They want her looked after. No, more than looked after. They made it very clear they consider her to be of the highest priority. In fact, the communication managed to convey the impression that the rest of the operation here could vanish into a black hole so long as we made sure the woman was alive and in good health when the rescue team arrives.?

?Why??

?I was hoping you could tell me.?The superintendent gazed at him intently.

Clemens carefully set his empty cup down on the table. ?I see that it’s time to be perfectly frank with you, sir.?Andrews leaned forward eagerly.

The medic smiled apologetically. ?I don’t know a damn thing.?

There was a pause as Andrews’s expression darkened. ?I’m glad you find this funny, Clemens. I’m pleased you find it amusing. I wish I could say the same. You know what a communication like this does??

?Puts your ass in a sling??Clemens said pleasantly.

?Puts everyone’s ass in a sling. We screw up here, this woman gets hurt or anything, there’ll be hell to pay.?

?Then we shouldn’t have any trouble arranging compensation, since we all live there now.? 91 91

?Be as clever as you want. I don’t think the urge will be as strong if something untoward happens and some sentences are extended.?

Clemens stiffened slightly. ?They’re that concerned??

?I’d show you the actual communication if it wouldn’t violate policy. Take my word for it.?

?I don’t understand what all the fuss is about,?Clemens said honestly. ?Sure she’s been through a great deal, but others have survived deep-space tragedies. Why is the Company so interested in her??