Arrin asked his favor. “Would you call Pastor Willis on New Earth and—” He paused, struggling with the dual desires to send the colony an apology and to deny them the satisfaction of having one. His better self won out. “Ask him to tell everyone—,” he paused, swallowed hard, finding it difficult to say such personal things in front of judgmental Ron. “Tell them I’m sorry and I wish—” He looked out the small window in the door for a moment and then shook his head, regretting his moment of weakness. “Never mind. Just tell Pastor Willis I’m all right. He tends to worry about me, although I’m unworthy of his concern.”

“I’d be glad to.”

Arrin nodded once in acknowledgement. “If you’ll supply me with a...

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