Partygoers whirl as slender blocks of color in her vision.

"I'm envious. I've traveled plenty, but rarely do I get a taste of the locals. It's offload then on-board. You're lucky if you get a bite to eat planetside." A lopsided smile and close-call on two left feet. But Ripley refuses to fall, and her dance partner is apt to catch her anyway.

"You'd be sorely disappointed if you knew how many dances I've missed out on."