Out of respect for the man beside her, she held back a sneer about God. The almighty father was either asleep at the wheel or overthrown. Of course he was, she thought bitterly.

"That's what's unfair," she said, looking back to him. "Not everyone's build to be a leader, but I think it's terrible that you don't - well, I suppose didn't - have a choice. And I know, I know that man's flawed and I'm sure we've misinterpreted and mis-structured the will of God at least from here to Alpha Centauri, but...I just can't help thinking that it's wrong. That you didn't get any choice in the matter."

She looked down at her lap, her heart beating more strongly than it did a moment ago. River forced herself to focus on her breathing, trying to push away dark memories. The slimy voice of Madame Kovarian echoed in her mind: "These are your owners. You never really escaped us, Melody Pond..."

"I-I'm sorry, I know this is your...people you're talking about. But perhaps we should change the subject before I say something regrettable."