Andrews replied without umbrage. ?I’ll ignore that. Assuming for the moment that I accept the gist of what you’ve said, what would you suggest we do? Compose our wills and wait to be eaten??

?For some people that might not be a bad idea, but it doesn’t work for me. These things can be fought. They can be killed. What kind of weapons have you got??

Andrews unlocked his fingers and looked unhappy. ?This is a prison. Even though there’s nowhere for anyone to escape to on Fiorina, it’s not a good idea to allow prisoners access to firearms. Someone might get the idea they could use them to take over the supply shuttle, or some similar crackbrained idea. Removing weapons removes the temptations to steal and use them.?

?No weapons of any kind??

?Sorry. This is a modern, civilized prison facility. We’re on the honor system. The men here, though extreme cases, are doing more than just paying their debts to society. They’re functioning as active caretakers. The Company feels that the presence of weapons would intimidate them, to the detriment of their work. Why do you think there are only two supervisors here, myself and Aaron? If not for the system, we couldn’t control this bunch with twenty supervisors and a complete arsenal.?He paused thoughtfully.

?There are some large carving knives in the abattoir, a few more in the mess hall and kitchen. Some fire axes scattered about. Nothing terribly formidable.? 124

Alan Dean Foster

Ripley slumped in her chair, muttering disconsolately. ?Then we’re fucked.?

?No, you’re fucked,?the superintendent replied calmly. ?Confined to the infirmary. Quarantined.?

She gaped at him. ?But why??

?Because you’ve been a problem ever since you showed up here, and I don’t want that problem compounded. It’s my responsibility to deal with this now, whatever it is, and I’ll rest easier knowing where you are at all times. The men are going to be nervous enough as it is. Having you floating around at your leisure poking into places you shouldn’t will be anything but a stabilizing influence.?

?You can’t do this. I’ve done nothing wrong.?

?I didn’t say that you had. I’m confining you for your own safety. I’m in charge here and I’m exercising my discretion as installation superintendent. Feel free to file an official complaint with a board of inquiry when you get back.?He smiled paternally.

?You’ll have it all to yourself, Lieutenant. I think you’ll be safe from any large nasty beasts while you’re there. Right? Yes, that’s a good girl. Mr. Aaron will escort you.?

Ripley rose. ?You’re making a bad decision.?