Solbidyum Wars Saga 4: Too Late for Earth by Dale C. Musser Page B

opportunity has presented itself for them to take an active role in the planets' government without appearing as a hostile threat. Most of the population on the surface sees them taking over the government as a positive step and not a threatening one.  People see them as fair and impartial, and a stabilizing force, those that object to their presence are the same ones who have been suppressing others, and the citizens are glad to see them go.”
    “Do you think the androids will still want to leave and establish their own world as you promised to help them find?”  Kerabac said looking at me.
    “I don’t know, perhaps we’ll find out more when Andy gets here.”
    “Speaking of which,” Kerabac began, “I need to see to arrangements for his arrival, I’m still not sure just how much I trust him or any of the android’s, and I will feel more secure once he is off the ship again.”
    For all their concerns, Commodore Stonbersa, Kerabac and Marranalis had, and all the precautions and security actions they put in place, Andy’s visit proved them to be of unnecessary.  The Commodore was present with Kala and me to welcome Andy’s shuttle when it arrived, and I greeted Andy with a warm, “Welcome aboard Andy, it’s good to see you again.”  Typically it would have been either the Commodores or Captain Kerabac’s place to greet Andy first, but under the circumstances, I felt it better that I make the first overture.”
    “It is good to see you again also, my friend.”  Andy responded.  I noted a slight emphasis on my friend , and I recalled that Andy had reacted with surprise when I had called him “my friend” on the surface of Goo’Waddle during the battle. It seemed to have some impact and major significance with him, as the normal greeting for me would have been as First Citizen, which was used for anyone other than very close associates and friends.
    “I was surprised that you allowed me to visit you here on your ship,” Andy continued.  “I calculated that your crew would have warned you away from having me aboard your ship, lest I steal your technology-- or the ship itself.”  I noted Stonbersa reddened slightly at Andy’s words, but he maintained his composure.
    “In truth Andy they did, but I overrode them, though they did ask that I restrict you from certain areas of the ship.”  I answered.  I figured there was no use lying about it; I suspected that Andy could read even the most subtle of body Languages with humans, as well as hear the beating of the crew's' hearts and changes in their breathing, lying to him would only serve to destroy any trust in us he might have.
    Andy nodded, but his expression didn’t change.  “So are we to meet here in the hanger?”
    “No, not at all.” I began, “we’ll meet in my study.  “The only areas on the ship that will be restricted will be the bridge and the engineering sections.”
    As we started to move deep into the ship ,we were unexpectedly startled when Jenira came running down the hall and threw her arms around Andy, hugging him tightly.  Andy showed no emotion, but looked at Jenira cautiously.
    “I think Jenira is trying to thank you for saving her life,” Kala explained.  Jenira nodded and laid her head against Andy’s chest and hugged him again.
    “Thanks are not required,” Andy said as Jenira looked up into his face, then he added, “but your gesture is appreciated.”
    “Okay Jenira, you need to let go of Andy so he and Tibby can talk,” Kala prompted, “they have lots of business to discuss.”  Jenira stared up at Andy, who stood passively looking down at her, and then she slowly stepped back, waved, and headed down the passageway toward one of the gyms.
    “I fear I fail to understand all the different levels of human behavior.”  Andy said, “Intellectually I understand the basis for her actions, but the emotional aspects of her behavior are strange to me.”
    “You’re not alone there; I too fail to