Spinneret

"True," Meredith nodded. "But on the other hand we aren't limited to Astra and Earth anymore, either."

Carmen frowned … and, slowly, a look of astonishment spread across her face.

"You mean … Spi

"Why not? Surely the Spi

"And what if Spi

"We could," he nodded. "Or we could search the region around Spi

Behind them came the roar of the repulsers, and Meredith looked out the hovercraft window as the UN shuttle arced overhead. Going back to Earth … and Meredith chuckled.

"What's fu

He shook his head. "I'd almost forgotten … but one of my most hopeful goals for the whole Astra project was that it would earn me a brigadier general's star. I guess, instead, I'll have to settle for a few of the real thing."