“Taithur?” It was Hester, concerned at Taithur’s silence.
“I’m thinking, Hester,” he replied. “I accept what you’ve said, but I need to think. There has to be some other way than shooting these people down indiscriminately.”
Hester did not reply. Taithur looked around the control centre. Such members of the crew who were there were busy with their allotted tasks, monitoring the stationary convoy intently. But his conversation with Hester had been on an open circuit and Taithur knew that just as in the Council Meetings, he had become the focus of all attentions. Everyone could see his dilemma, but none could help. They had come out armed to fight against overwhelming odds — a heroic gesture for a heroic cause. It had been an act of considered courage. Now they were faced with using their
