The Lifeboat

I saw a small lifeboat, intended for at most four occupants from the size of it. That was just as well. I could find cabins and enough food for four people without too much difficulty, but if it had been one of those thirty person boats from a passenger liner I'd have had no alternative but to contact the authorities for help, something I was very reluctant to do.

The boat was just drifting. Either the engines had failed, or the fuel had been exhausted. A lifeboat normally carries enough fuel for at least a week, so if it had run out then it must have left the mother ship quite some time ago.

Before moving alongside the boat and using my magnetic grapples to secure it, I tried one final time to make contact.

1. This time I was successful. A girl's face came up on the screen. She was either young or rich, depending on whether she'd had rejuvenation treatment or not. "Thank God!" she said.
2. This time I was successful. The face that came up on the screen was that of an Ibornite. That was a surprise, as they rarely leave their home planet.
3. I had no more luck than before, though. Maybe there was no-one left alive on board?
4. This time I was successful. A girl's face came up on the screen. She was very beautiful and very haughty, and didn't seem to pleased to see me.

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