Cencom

"All haste, all haste," she snarled in impotent revolt to her sister ship, the 822, on the private ship-to-ship band on which not even Cencom could eavesdrop.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

So pleasant were her meditations that it seemed no time at all before she had to request landing instructions from Cencom.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

She tried to rouse Cencom on the tight beam, cursing at that delay because she was so worried about not reaching Kira on the contact.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

An urgent beep from Cencom and then Railly was on the line, bellowing.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

"I can promise you company," Cencom grudgingly admitted and cut off.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

"I think," commented Kira dryly, "you'd better see what Cencom has to say about our landing there."

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

After lift, Kira made a careful check on all circuits in the nursery, confirmed her findings with Helva's remote monitors and informed Cencom that they were clear of Regulus and driving toward Talitha.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

Helva increased power in the tight beam, desperately trying to raise Cencom over the volcanic interferences.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

Cencom exclaimed, surprised out of its formal voice.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969

"Where is Kira?" and Helva could swear Cencom sounded contrite.

the ship who sang McCaffrey, Anne, 1926- 1969