Daughters of a Coral Dawn by Katherine V Forrest

Author:Katherine V Forrest [Forrest, Katherine V]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781555836627
Publisher: Alyson Publications
Published: 2002-09-01T05:00:00+00:00

Daughters of Coral Dawn

"As do I," Demeter agrees.

"I too," Diana says.

"And I," Vesta whispers.

I am not surprised. The professions of my sisters have given them a most truly profound reverence for life.

We adjourn. Some of us gather in small enclaves to

converse. Sorely troubled, I choose the isolation of a meditation room, and remain there until, an hour later, the signal is given to reconvene.

Solemnly, we gather around the crystal table.

"All of you have signified readiness to vote," Megan says expressionlessly. "Please vote now on the question: Should we assist the ship that signals distress?"

I touch my bracelet hastily; then sit tensely and watch the holographic unit. Megan also touches her bracelet and gazes at the tally gauge before her.

"Nineteen have cast ballots," she says. "One remains before I can reveal the tally."

"I." Vesta sits with a trembling hand poised over her bracelet.

"Do you require more time, Vesta? If so I will void our current vote."

"No," she whispers, and jabs at her bracelet as if it would burn her.

"Our vote tally," Megan announces, and touches the gauge.

Eight for. Twelve against. I, Minerva, am one of the twelve who have pronounced a death sentence on other human beings. ..

"Our irrevocable decision is to take no action," Megan says evenly. "One other question remains. In the unlikely event that this ship finds Maternas, shall we then assist?"

"If they find us, there will be little possibility of maintaining our concealment," Hera states.

Megan nods. "The simplest readings would reveal signs of our technology. And we could move Amelia out of orbit and conceal her only with great difficulty. Is there further debate on this question?" We remain silent. "Please signify readiness to vote." We all so signify. "Please vote now on the question: Should we assist the distressed ship if it finds Maternas?"

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