His first words took Hodak's challenge.
"You will know, Hodak." His voice was soft, and carried the gravity of authority.
His eyes moved from one to the other.
"What I say here applies to all of you," he said. "I will not answer all of your questions, but you will be told all you need to know at this time."
He stepped down toward them from the dais, halting inside the curve of the first row of seats.
"I am Ram Xindral," he said, "your orientation lecturer, your trainer and, should you need one, your counselor. I am also your Control. Take specific note of the term 'control'. It has only one meaning: you are in a prison, but from here on take no orders from prison staff. You take your orders only from me; I am not 'prison' staff."
"What the hell!"
Hodak again, bouncing up, down, up again. Adari, her mouth open in surprise and alarm, also stood, paused, and moved to stand beside Hodak. Zolan remained seated, his hooded eyes on Xindral. Kumiko shifted position slightly and stared vacantly at the deck. Myra remained motionless, her face also closed. Brad, brows drawn into a frown, crossed his arms, waiting.
"Hah! This sure as hell isn't the standard orientation lecture for new inmates." Adari's jeering laugh burst from her in a sardonic cascade.
"No, Adari, it isn't," Ram said with a smile, "but hear me out."