Dorothy turned without another word, apparently uninterested in answering the question. James made a mental note to ask the Forerunner about the previous generations as soon as she got a chance alone. They probably didn't make one of me. It couldn't have known that there was a civilization here with a language that would need someone like me. There'd have been no point. It would be old-fashioned astronauts. She told herself that, but she didn't really believe it.