Chapter 13 Summary

The Sisu trades on the planet Woolamurra, a planet just barely inside the Terran Hegemony. Woolamurra is primitive, but Thorby notes that it meets Dr. Mader's criteria: democratic, free, and human. Thorby thinks about staying here, as Dr. Mader has suggested, but he is feeling comfortable in his life on Sisu. He is looking forward to the great gathering and his performance there. He also is becoming attached to his costar, Loeen Garcia.

When the Captain and Thorby return to the ship after trading with the Woolamurrans, they learn that the Chief Officer (Grandmother) has died, and that Captain Kraussa's wife (Rhoda) has assumed the role of Chief Officer.

Chapter 13 Analysis

Woolamurra appeals to Thorby, and he considers remaining here as Dr. Mader suggested. However, by this time he is very attached to his life on Sisu, in spite of the restrictive way...