Dutiful Passage
Colemeno Orbit
“All the results agree—the two of you are as near to perfectly healthy as it’s possible to get. Colemeno agrees with you.”
“It must,” Shan murmured, “be the cake.”
“Or the ambient,” Priscilla said, and looked to Keriana. “We were frequently tired, on-planet.”
“Showing no signs of clinical exhaustion,” Keriana said. “I think you said that the mission at Colemeno was ambitious and also shorthanded.” She raised her hands. “People get tired.”
“Very true. We will do better, when we return. Which will be—”
“Ah,” said Keriana.
Shan looked at her.
“Ah?”
“Yes, sir. You’re cleared to go—now, if you want. However, the tests also show that Captain Mendoza is close to delivery—early, but nothing to worry about. Now that she’s come up to us, I’d like her to stay.”