I looked around my small room. With technology that allowed the inside of the ship to be larger than the outside, space itself wasn’t necessarily at a premium. However, total mass and environmental capacity were still considerations when calculating overall power and propulsion requirements. A compromise had been reached between the needs of individuals on a long-term expedition and budgetary limitations.

On the other hand, what might be cozy for a Gen was roomy for a smaller human. The bunk itself was eight feet long and four feet wide. It folded up against the wall when not in use, and some kind of automated system cleaned the bedding.

We’d had to buy blankets, as the furry Gen had no need for any kind of covering, but Sheldon assured us the cleaning system would be able to accommodate the extra item.

Drawers and a small closet made efficient use of the available space, and there was even a small bathroom with a shower. The toilet facilities were the usual minimalistic Gen design, which would take some getting used to. But at least this was private.

I thumbed the door button and exited. I nodded to Patrick, who had just left his stateroom, and we made our way silently back to the conference room. There, we found a pot of coffee in the last stages of brewing, with Nat hovering over it, cup in hand.

“Wow, I thought I was a coffee addict,” I said. “Are you going to use the cup, or just drink directly from the pot?”

“Don’t tempt me.” Nat grabbed the pot as the last few drops of liquid dripped out of the filter basket and filled her mug. She turned away, gesturing an invitation toward the mugs on the counter.

When we were all sitting and well into our first cup, I rapped my mug lightly to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, guys, per Nat’s comments—and let’s face it, everyone’s desires—we’re going to try to come up with an actual plan. So, first, what’s our deliverable? What do we want to accomplish?”

“Save the world?” said Patrick.

“Good start, but very general. How?”

“Kill all the Loranna?”

Nat snorted. “Even if we could, I’m not sure that would solve the problem. It wouldn’t get rid of the collaborationists, and the Loranna might just ship in more personnel. Or another clan might move in. And they’d be even more careful.”

I nodded in agreement. “No matter how we look at it, the Loranna have the advantage. All they have to do is hold us off and continue with their plan. We, on the other hand, have to go on the attack, and I just don’t think we have the resources for it. Our only real hope is to attract the attention of the Gen and get the Covenant involved.”