Reprieve - a short story

by S.S. Wilson

knew that many representatives now faced the same trial as he -- the time until the special meeting would be far less than that required for a round trip to and from their home worlds. They would be doing as he must do, remaining on the moon in uncomfortable, improvised quarters.

  He hoped his family would understand. And he hoped they would take some comfort in the knowledge that he would most likely be the only Coordinator in all the Study’s long history to preside over three consecutive meetings. As he drifted off to sleep, he even hoped Big Brain would survive to learn of and appreciate the sacrifice he and his fellows were making.