Again the thin buzz and the blast of emotion went through the room.
"Miss Tweedham," Sanderson spoke. "Come forward, please."
His voice lifted her to her feet and took her to the front of the room. "Yes? What do you want?"
His face made a smile. "Since you are new here, and not one of us, you will want to leave."
She was confused. She felt it inside her and it showed on her face.
"It is impossible to call a taxi from the space port. We do not have radio facilities. However, we can provide a thlat for you to ride, and food and water for a week. In that time you can reach the space port. It will not be a comfortable trip but it will be more comfortable than staying here."
"I—is that—"
"I'm sorry but this is the best we can offer you. Our facilities here are primitive."
"What happens if I don't want to leave?" Miss Tweedham blurted out.
"Eh?" Sanderson was startled. He looked again at this rather big woman with the pleasant, tolerant face. "Do you mean that?"