he space-ways that
serve the Inner Region's space colonies needs.
Often the Outer Region's folks help when their
interests are involved; just as often they don't.
It's one of the prices we pay for this political
breach, and one of the most frustrating."

Zolan turned to aim a remark at Adari. She giggled
and elbowed Hodak. He growled and twisted away.
Kumiko's eyes lifted from the deck to lazily roam
the blank overhead.

Myra's face openly played non-listener. Brad
continued to observe Xindral closely, glancing
occasionally at the tank.

Aware that he was losing his audience, Xindral
paused and stood quietly for a moment.

"Do my words bore you?" He leaned forward to
take them all in. His voice, still soft, nevertheless
exposed a cutting edge.

Zolan looked at Xindral as he contemptuously gave
the tank the back of his hand.

"Who're you trying to kid?" His challenge was
cast low, tight. "I don't know about the rest of
these folks. I haven't asked any of them about
themselves, nor have they tried to check me out.
But you wouldn't have brought us together without
first investigating us for whatever your purpose
might be. For example; you must know I'm a space
communicator. So, frankly, your rambling on like
this not only bores me, its phoniness is clear and
insulting."

Hodak slapped his knee and laughed. He pointed at
Zolan, then wagged his finger at Ram.

"Comm isn't my beat," he said. Thumbing over his
shoulder at Zolan, he added, "but what he said goes
for me."

Xindral brushed the keys on the control and
returned it to its case. The view tank faded
as he fixed his eyes on Zolan.

"Yes, Zolan, I am familiar with your background."
Shifting to Hodak, "Yours, too." His glance widened
to include the others, "as I am with the backgrounds
of you all."

In response, the prisoners silently glared defiance.

"Zolan's observation is correct and on point,"
Xindral said, ignoring their disdain. "We're not
fooling one another. Simply stated, you have much
in common. You are professional space men and
space women, and highly qualified at that. Your
skills and resourcefulness remain with you and
I am aware of them."

Slouchers straightened. Hodak and Adari looked
around and their faces broke into grins, which were
returned. Tension remained, but subtly altered.

"A couple of points," said Xindral. "First, you are
all from sunside of the Belt and you are not known,
as far as my sources can determine, w