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A word of caution about our genetic programs When we breed for speed, we breed as well for very specific kinds of decisions Speed chops out, edits out certain kinds of reflexive choices and long-ter becomes the decision of the moment

- Jesus Lewis, The E-Clone Directive

WHEN TEMPORARY seals had closed off the breaks in the perimeter of the Redoubt, Lewis directed the careful dayside cleanup of the interior It was a long frustrating job, and they worked through the night with e The entire Redoubt stank of chlorine, so strong in some areas that they were forced to wear filters and portable breathing equip, they drenched the courtyard with chlorine several ti to touch the corpses there Even then, they rabs attached to mobile equipment

Chlorine everywhere, and the inevitable burns of both flesh and fabrics made it an even slower task

At Sub-level Four, they came on a welcome surprise: twenty-nine clones and five e chary, thirsty and terrified The cha Lewis to add fire to the chlorine for a final sterilization sweep

Leas surprised to find that the E-clones had not attacked the five crewmen Then he learned that the crewmen had sounded the alarm at the Nerve Runner attack and herded the clones into the chamber A sense of fellowship between E-clones and nor confine norave sharp orders to separate theerous task of courtyard cleanup, norular supervisory tasks

One observation particularly annoyed hi solicitous over a delicate female E-clone of the new ht brown skin and large eyes Her whole series was flawed by fragile bones, and Lewis had almost decided to abandon it - except that now she was one of his reenetic mix between hu wascareful with valuable ile the bones of this series were Ye that could be it

Leas pleased to note other more successful exaenetic , slow and costly developram The disaster here at the Redoubt had not been total

A ly clear that they had sterilized the Redoubt, and that they had a neeapon effective against Runners

"At least we’ve solved the food problee,look which Lewis did not like

"Counting E-clones, there are only fifty of us left," Illuyank said

"But we’ve saved the heart of the project," Lewis said

Too late, Lewis realized he had said too much to this perceptive aide Illuyank had proved hi correct deductions on li Colony side Murdoch would see to things there