Chapter 11 Summary

Jeri explains to Thorby that Grandmother (Chief Officer) traded Mata to the El Lido (in spite of Mata's importance to the ship as a gifted fire-controlman) because Mata had expressed romantic interest in Thorby. Free Trader customs forbid people from marrying within their own moiety, or family unit.

Since Mata is of no blood relation to Thorby, she asks Grandmother if she can be adopted into another moiety. Grandmother, fearful of a scandal, immediately trades Mata to the only other Free Trader ship in port at Losian.

Thorby has never given thought to the idea of marriage to Mata, and has been completely oblivious to her interest in him. However, he isn't opposed to the idea of marrying her either, and he misses her presence.

Thorby decides to confide in Dr. Mader, only to discover that she is also preparing to depart on...