Dr. Kemp stood with the other crew, facing Dr. Narang. Today was Freedom Day. The ICDC had defined the conditions under which they could be considered clean, and it seemed they’d passed. An air of anticipation hovered in the air; crew members conducted whispered conversations in quick bursts. The crew were wearing their original blue coveralls, the Mad Astra’s logo still prominent on the left breast.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be going, one at a time, into the next room. You will be scanned in the AQRI, after which you will be escorted to a ferry. You will be leaving with only the clothes on your back. Even with the AQRI scans, we’re taking no unnecessary risks.”

A hand went up. “What about Ivan?”

It was Seth Robinson, who was probably the closest thing to a friend that Ivan had in this group.

Narang answered without hesitation. The quickness of the response made Kemp think that it was probably rehearsed.

“Mr. Pritchard is not infectious, to the extent we can determine. Nor is he curable in any real sense. As such, he falls outside the ICDC’s purview. The military will support his ongoing accommodations, while they continue to evaluate the risk of the alien technology.”

Captain Jennings stepped forward. “Just so you know, my lawyers are now expecting daily updates from Mr. Pritchard. I take care of my crew, and if he abruptly disappears, I have billions of dollars available to pursue the issue.”

Dr. Narang nodded. “Noted, Captain Jennings. And I’m sure the Navy is aware of it as well.”

Kemp raised his hand. “Do you think the Navy will allow continued contact?”

Narang smiled briefly. “I can’t speak for them, but I would imagine they want as little rocking the boat as possible, so I think so. One complaint to the captain’s lawyers and stuff would hit the fan.”

The statement was greeted with chuckles, and Captain Jennings nodded.

* * *

Kemp’s phone rang before the ferry had even left the dock. Caller ID indicated a general Lagrange Four number.

“Hi Doc, it’s Ivan.”

“Hi Ivan. What’s up?”

“Nothing in particular, I guess. Just wanted to test the Navy’s promise that I’d have free access.”

Kemp smiled. “No one would blame you. Even in this day and age, everyone is still at least somewhat distrustful of the military mind.”

“Mm, yeah. So, can I continue to give you a ring once in a while?”

“Sure, Ivan. What about the other crew? Seth?”

Kemp heard a sigh on the other end. “I’ve had a couple of conversations. They’ve been what you’d call stiff. I think maybe the other crew are just a little scared of me. And they resent me some for the quarantine.”

Kemp closed his eyes and shook his head. People could be jerks.