The Gern glanced at the papers. “Where is your husband?”

“He was in the X-ray room at⁠—”

“You are a Reject. Out⁠—down the corridor with the others.”

“My husband⁠—will he be a⁠—”

“ Outside! ”

It was the tone of voice that had preceded the blow in the other compartment and the Gern took a quick step toward her. She seized the two bags in one hand, not wanting to release Billy, and swung back to hurry out into the corridor. The other Gern jerked one of the bags from her hand and flung it to the floor. “Only one bag per person,” he said, and gave her an impatient shove that sent her and Billy stumbling through the doorway.