*
Galen Jones, Qarim Abdul-Jabaar, Speed-Metal and the punk avatar of Higher Than The Sun also waited for him as he arrived back on board. Three medical avatars set to work, disentangling him from his damaged suit to tend to his wounds.
Galen Jones spoke first, ignoring his injuries.
‘What’s happening Mackenzie? Have you disabled Isiur or not? Why are we going into Grey Space in such a hurry?’
Stabs of pain cut through him as the medics worked to stabilise his wounds. Instead of replying he looked across at the punk avatar.
‘I want us to be the last to leave. I want to be absolutely sure the ... process we initiated on Isiur takes place. The rest of the fleet leaves now. Keep us manoeuvring out of danger until we see that it’s started, then jump immediately. These orders are irrevocable.’
‘OK,’ replied the avatar.
He turned to the Million Star Council Delegates. He felt very, very tired, still in considerable pain, but it had to be done.
‘If you will go to the Conference Room, I will explain everything that has taken place.’
He indicated the doorway to them. There was a pause. He could see that Galen Jones wanted to argue, still had much to say. Then they moved, filing out one at a time.