“All right, they’re well enough to leave and rejoin the rest of the Terrans,” the doctor was saying. “But how do you get them back to their own men safely, without the Komani stopping them?”
“We can put them on the Terran van, outside,” Sittas replied.
“And what about tomorrow, or the day after?” i “We can ask the Terrans leaving today to have their w commander keep in touch with us by tri-di. When we re ready to release more of them, they can send another vehicle, under a truce flag.”
“And you expect the Komani to honor the flag of truce?”
Sittas nodded. “They know that their own wounded are being tended here. If they do anything to disrupt our work, their own men will suffer for it.”
The doctor shrugged. “I hope you’re right. . ., Very well. I’ll tell the Terran lieutenant that we’ll have a few men for him to take back with him.”
“Good.”
As the doctor turned to find the lieutenant, Clanthas stepped up to the old priest
“You do not know me. My name is Clanthas.”
Sittas’ wrinkled face broke into a smile. “Clanthas of Katan? The merchant who organized the first protests and demonstrations against the Terrans?”
Clanthas nodded, with a rueful grin. “I did help to get the movement started; it has gone much farther than I expected.”
“Yes. But your aims and ideals were good ones, I am honored to meet you.”
“Thank you.”
“You are looking for your son, Merdon? He is not here, but he is well and happy.”
“Yes, I know. I spoke with Merdon on tri-di last night. Actually, I came here to see you, and this hospital. News of what you have done is spreading all over Shinar. You have become a national hero, Sittas.”