Tangle in the Dark - Kassidor

fusion in either drive could slag the other with neutrons andgamma rays. Their present course would not bring themwithin range for two more months."Now on to our next topic," Captain Kelvin M'Kintresaid. "Major Thom Husband has prepared a report on someimportant research he has been conducting. Thom, if youwould care to present your report at this time?"He walked to the front of the room, it was only a few feetbut he needed a few seconds to compose himself. He neededthe focus of Sol behind him. He needed the crowd to stayfocused toward the front, toward where they looked forauthority. He knew he couldn't be as sharp as he should be,especially in the all-important social aspects of thispresentation.He was really glad he had practiced it. It was difficult tokeep his mind on it with his hundred and ten year marriagecoming to an end. He was sure he would have nothing butcherubs from now on, he wondered if that was all he wanted.Wondered if he didn't even want that? He knew relations withcherubs were becoming more common on the ship in recentyears. It seemed like people saw less and less need to share auniverse with another soul. With a cherub there was no needto compromise, no give and take. Many stayed married, butthey had little interaction with each other.He looked out across the crew assembled for this meetingand saw so few he wanted to share space with. He would wait190