One hundred ninety-nine is convinced that our craft has been sighted from the planet. He passes among us as we mass by the large window, gathered together to share the landing. “Dignity,” he says, “the important thing is that we greet them with dignity. Remember, we have participated in the most important mission in the history of our people. We have met adversity but we are returning with our own ship and we are safe. We must show them that we are no longer captives. We will walk out of here with our heads high. After all, we have no disgrace. We have no shame.”

“Do you know,” says Nala, who has become rather smug in a horrible way since the planet was sighted, “do you want to know something one ninety-nine? You talk too much.”

He has no reply. The ship moves nearer. Now we think we can detect the outlines of cities. Females giggle with excitement and point to various areas. I try to hold Nala but she moves away from me. I pursue her, wanting to touch, wanting to share the imminence of return with her but she backs away shaking her head. “Stop it,” she says, “stop it. Don’t touch me.”

“Why not?” I say. More and more I have the feeling that I do not understand events. “What is the trouble?”

“I don’t want you to touch me. That is all over, you fool. Now get away from me before I do something to you.”

I back from her slowly. The others who have been watching this scene murmur and then turn politely away. I find that I no longer want to watch the approach and return to the room I have shared with Nala. I half expect her to follow me but she does not. None of them follow me.

The ship grinds into circling orbit with a clanging jolt and then begins to spin. Faster and faster. I am dizzied and cry with terror but slowly the spinning ceases as we lock into orbit. The ship seems motionless. I can hear relays cutting off all up and down the line as power goes out of the ship. Safety devices go on. The ship moans.