THE Mistral was as busy as Ethan remembered it. Strongquist met him at the shuttle bay, and they walked corridors filled with people. The rooms they passed by were loud with the noise of children, mostly cared for by the oldest generation who remained fit and able. Ethan imagined that the atmosphere was very different from how it had been when the ship was defending the colony.
“How do you like living in a child care center?” Ethan asked Strongquist.
“It is rather more cramped than I am used to,” the android replied. “But on the whole, I enjoy it.”
“You do?” asked Ethan.
“I feel positive about it and look forward to seeing the young ones. I believe that qualifies as enjoyment?”
Ethan wasn’t sure what Strongquist meant. Was the android asking him to assess his emotions? Ethan hadn’t be
