The general thought his position was strong enough that he could be as insulting as he wanted. He was very nearly right. "First we'd like to know what you want." "Our terms haven't changed a bit. Turn around and go back." Judd smiled broadly, an official wolfish expression. "We don't insist you return to the same orbit. In fact it might be better if you moved the asteroid closer to Earth." Where the Medicouncil could keep a perpetual watch. And where they would swing through the heavens forever in sight of Earth but never a part of it. "Naturally we don't accept," said Docchi. "However we don't reject negotiations completely. There are some of us who might go back for one reason or another--homesickness mostly. If you're willing we can make arrangements to transfer them to your ship." "Ah, trouble," said the general gravely, trying to conceal his delight. "And I think I know where the trouble is. We came fully prepared for every emergency that we--or you--might meet. The Medicouncil is very thorough." The picture of Maureen crouched in a darkened room, whimpering through clenched teeth that she didn't want ever to see anyone. The tautness as one set of muscles extended her hand toward the door and another set tore it away. And there were other images, vague now, but in time they could become threatening. The Medicouncil _had_ foreseen this; there were biologicals on the ship to cure Maureen. Docchi's face twitched and he hoped the general didn't notice. "I haven't checked to see how many are willing to go with you. I will, if it's satisfactory." "Don't bother," said the general. "In case you weren't listening, I didn't say that we're a cozy little group of altruists, just anxious as hell to take over your responsibilities. The biologicals are here. You'll get them when we land a crew to make sure you do go back. My orders are very plain. We want all of you--or none." "You know what we'll say," said Docchi. "None of us, of course." The letdown was less than he expected. He'd half known the conditions; it was consistent with all the attitudes toward accidentals--once human but now not quite. It was a typical way to ease their conscience--load the ship with every medical supply--and then refuse those in need unless they all came back. "We're getting along quite nicely without your help," he continued, and if it was less true than he liked, it was more so than the general realized. "One thing, Judd, don't try to land _without_ our consent." "So you still think we're stupid," said the general affably, at ease in the situation. _He didn't expect us to surrender_, thought Docchi. _Then why had he asked?_ "We won't attempt to land until you cooperate. You will. Sooner or later you will." "I hardly think so. We decided that a long time ago."