“Dru?”
“My entire life now is this ship. I have nothing without it.”
Bred’s eyebrows narrowed. “Vini?”
The doctor looked around her. “Well, if you’re going to surround yourself with clumsies like these, you’ll need a doctor. They have enough abortionists on New Vatican, anyway. And besides, if things keep going as they have, I’ll probably get a chance to perform all those obscure little operations I’ve only read about so far.”
Bred stood up and looked at the crew gratefully. “Thank you all very much,” he said. “This was something I had to get clear in my own mind before I endangered you any more. I’m glad you’re all staying—the ship wouldn’t be the same without any of you—and I hope none of you will live to regret your decision.” Then he reconsidered. “Or better yet,” he said, “I hope
