"All of the machinery for applying and removing suits is in the B-Ring," she explains. "Test subjects are never meant to be in this part of the station, unless they are particularly tantalizing and require private examination."

"And I don't have any in mind, Mr Childermass," she says, looking at him. "Beta may have to do for now, for lack of better options. An Alpha wouldn't be in a sector like this very often."

"But that doesn't mean we can't strive for better later. The Mother has a secret stash,and I'd like to get into it."