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In "The Cold Equations" by Tom Godwin, what does Commander Delhart suggest that Barton do about the stowaway?

In Tom Godwin's short story "The Cold Equations," Commander Delhart gives commands rather than suggestions just as any commander of a ship or interstellar cruiser would. However, he shows the utmost compassion while giving commands and granting permission.His first command is that Barton follow through with the regulationof ejecting the stowaway. Upon learning that the stowaway is an innocent girl, he quickly understands that Barton contacted him to see if anything could be...

In Tom Godwin's short story "The Cold Equations," Commander Delhart gives commands rather than suggestions just as any commander of a ship or interstellar cruiser would. However, he shows the utmost compassion while giving commands and granting permission.

His first command is that Barton follow through with the regulation of ejecting the stowaway. Upon learning that the stowaway is an innocent girl, he quickly understands that Barton contacted him to see if anything could be done for her. But, since the Stardust cannot afford to make any unscheduled stops and the colonists absolutely need their medical supplies that are about to be delivered by Barton, Commander Delhart must give the following sad answer:



I'm sorry--I can do nothing. This cruiser must maintain its schedule; the life of not one person but the lives of many depend on it.



He then orders Barton to "go through with it."


After Barton gives an incomplete report of Marilyn's execution to Ship's Records, Commander Delhart deduces it is because Barton is going to reduce the speed at which he decelerates to .10 in order to keep her on the ship as long as possible. Despite the fact that it is against regulations for an EDS pilot to change course or deceleration speed, Commander Delhart once again shows compassion by agreeing with Barton's decision and feeding the data to the computer. Commander Delhart then returns with the command that Barton can remain at .10 until 19:10, allowing Marilyn 57 minutes on board. After again showing compassion for Marilyn's plight, Commander Delhart concludes his command with the following words:



[Y]ou will not deviate from these new instructions. You will complete your report at nineteen ten.



Hence, though Commander Delhart must order Barton to eject Marilyn in order to fulfill his emergency mission, Commander Delhart gives his orders while showing as much compassion as humanly possible under the circumstances.

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