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“This antigrav’s diagnostic program’s in test mode. So, probably, are the others. Fix that, then you’ll know how to fix the units themselves. I want a detail assigned to take care of this.”

J’Roh’s voice sounded like a bird’s angry chirp after a predator attacked its nest. “It still won’t work.”

“Maybe not, but you’re going to do it anyway.”

“Why should I?”

Before I could reply, Razka said, “Because if you do what she says and it still doesn’t work, you’ll prove that you’re right, and that you’re the smart one.”

Amazingly enough, that seemed to work. J’Roh didn’t say anything, but did start working on the unit. He didn’t actually pull a detail together, but I decided to take what I could get.

My next task was to streamline the construction of the magnetic containment unit, which should have been completed by now. The workers assigned to that task were about as receptive to my orders as J’Roh, but they went ahead and implemented the new duty schedule.

Finally, I went to the camp hospital to meet the doctor, a Gallamite man named Dolahn. Apparently he had been hired by the Nalori government because of his work with silicon-based life forms.

This assignment is proving to be much more challenging than I thought, but I’m confident that, with Razka’s help, I can accomplish our goal.

Personal log, Commander Sonya Gomez, planet Sarindar, Stardate 53274.1

Dolahn may be an expert on silicon-based life, but he needs some work on the carbon-based variety. The hospital—which is a solid, if crudely built structure—is full of people with either minor viral ailments (inevitable in a cross-species environment like this, especially since the Nalori aren’t up to Federation medical standards) or work-related injuries.

Annoyingly, half the injuries were sustained thanks to the faulty antigrav units, which wouldn’t have happened if any of these idiots had the brains to notice that the diagnostics were in the wrong mode.

The first time I met a Gallamite was on the Sentinel. I knew that they were basically humanoid, but with much larger brains. What I had not known until that day on the Sentinel was that you could see that brain—their craniums are transparent.

Dolahn was shorter than the other Gallamite I’d met, and he wore a hat—Razka told me later that it was at the request of Kejahna. “He gave the doctor two choices,” Razka told me, “wear a hat to hide the brain or have the brain removed by hand. Dr. Dolahn wisely chose the former option.”

“So,” the doctor said when Razka introduced us, “you’re the new boss. Welcome to hell, Commander Gomez.”

“Thanks,” I said dryly. “Nice place you have here.”

“Yes, finest medical facility on the planet—primarily by dint of being the only medical facility on the planet. My best advice to you, Commander, is not to ever, under any circumstances, get sick.”

What comforting words from the local physician.

Zilder was also in the hospital, putting pressure on a small wound he’d gotten when realigning one of the sensor towers. He pulled me aside and said, “You know why Dr. See-Through Skull is here? Because no decent hospital in the Federation or anywhere else would take him. I only came here today because—while my faith in the great god Ho’nig keeps me strong—this is the only place with bandages.” With that he smiled.

I smiled back, but it was difficult. The hospital is at about the level of a twenty-second-century colony hospital. They even have, believe it or not, an X-ray machine. I was half expecting to see a suture kit, but Dolahn at least has a dermal regenerator.

By the time I left the hospital, the suns had set and the day’s work was done. Sarindar looks a lot different at night. During the day, it’s one of the most beautiful sights in the galaxy. The crystalline trees and bushes stretch into the sky and shine in the sunlight. The prismatic effects are glorious. At the right angle, you can see a tremendous spectrum burst—rainbows without rain. It’s a streak of colors from red to violet flying off into the sky. I have to admit