any one time, just doing their jobs. When the
moored ships are perceived as crowded, inmates
dream of stowing away to somewhere else. That's
no more than a dream; don't underestimate our
surveillance systems. You've been warned."

He pointed at one prisoner, then another in a
jabbing gesture.

"Our job is custodianship of those who can't adjust
to the realities of our society, and rehabilitation
and training of those who can be helped,
eventually, to return to the outside world. There
are other options for inmates who have special
attributes. You will learn more of those in time."

Pausing, he scratched at his jaw.

"You are sojourners among us, and transient," he
closed. "We will not abuse you; on the other hand,
we will not coddle you. We tell all new inmates, as
I'm now telling you: cooperate, and you'll find your
stay tolerable, resist, and take the consequences."

A stern, hard stare, a shrug and his features
relaxed.

"OK, that's the official greeting for all
newcomers. I know you've all had a long, boring
trip on a beat-up transport. I expect you'll want
to unwind a bit."

He glanced at the forward guard, back against
the bulkhead, and turned back to the prisoners.

"First, we'll get you into some decent quarters,
and let you clean up and rest. Get to know each
other; you'll be together for a long time.

"The guards will escort you to your core
compartment. Normally, you would have started
orientation and psy-phys testing immediately.
Your schedule is different. Your first orientation
lecture will be in two hours. Sergeant Jenkins," he
motioned the lead guard forward, "will escort you to
and from orientation. Don't play games with him; he
knows them all."

"All yours, Jenks," he said. "Move 'em out."

Jenkins came forward, pointed to a hatch further
along the passageway.

"Follow me."

Lieutenant Malcolm stepped aside. He watched the
line move past silently and climb the companionway
out of sight. None looked back.

Lining up in loose formation at the head of the
companionway and responding to Jenkins signal the
prisoners started along a passageway. The other
guard brought up the rear.

They crossed spidery overpasses that spanned busy
workshops and agriculture bays under cultivation.
People and service robots moved about; the new
prisoners drew few glances.

Jenkins drew them to a halt in a wide corridor.
Ahead was a shimmering force field. He murmured
words and placed the palm