SHE DIDN’T SPEAK UNTIL they were well into deep space. Then the blank stare abruptly clouded and she exploded in a fit of tears. Ross said ineffectually, “There, there.” It had no effect; until, in its own time, the storm ended.
Helena said hoarsely, “Wh-what do I do now?”
“Why, I guess you come right along with me,” Ross said heartily, cursing his luck.
“Where’s that?”
“Where? You mean, where?” Ross scratched his head. “Well, let’s see. Frankly, Helena, your planet was quite a disappointment to me. I had hoped——Well, no matter. I suppose the best thing to do is to look up the next planet on the list.”
“What list?”
Ross hesitated, then shrugged and plunged into the explanation. All about the longliners and the message and faster-than-light travel and the Wesley Families—and none of i
