Download the Book - Islam and Science Fiction

my words sounded awkward and unconvincing, even to me.
"This is very interesting, Mr. Olmstead, but I do not think you will
succeed," he said finally in his formal, heavily accented English.
"With your support I can. I need everyone on the station."
"To the contrary," he pointed out. "You do not need me. I cannot
carry out an execution without a legal witness."
"We all have to stand together," I said desperately, aware that we
treated Kahlifa like an outcast. He didn't owe us anything. "Look," I
tried, "This is an injustice. Surely you don't want to see an innocent
man die."
He shrugged.
"Inshallah. God is just. If He wills, the boy will not die."
"So it's not our problem?!" I glared at him with open fury, but he
just shrugged again.
"I'm sure the consortium appreciates your loyalty," I told him
bitterly, and started to get up.
"Mr. Olmstead, have you talked to Pajit?"
I stopped, suddenly speechless. Hell, I hadn't even thought about
it. And right now that kid was waiting to face his second execution.
Shit.
"I will," I managed finally. I tried to think of something more to
say but couldn't.
Kahlifa had turned his attention back to the chess game, and he
added in a mild, almost absent tone:
"I wonder who are you doing this for? A boy you do not know?
Or yourself?"
I felt a sudden violent urge to hit him, and just barely held my self
control.
"I'm not the one who's going to die!" I snapped, and strode out
into the corridor, where I stood leaning against the bulkhead, shaking.
Jesus, I'd fucked that up. I'd said all the wrong things and then
nearly assaulted another crew member. If I had, Geir would ship me
down on the next shuttle.
And maybe he should, maybe I was cracking up. I'd seen guys
come apart in the station before. Despite all the screenings, there's
always a few who can't take it. But this was my fifth tour. I should be
fine. I just needed more sleep. Adjusting to the station always takes a
week or two. Then I'd be OK
I took lots of long deep breaths, then straightened up and headed
for Solitary on Level 2, my stomach churning queasily with guilt.
Kahlifa had been right, damn him. I had to talk to the kid.
At close range Pajit was a skinny mongrel, all eyes and elbows
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