 Why does the general support Terry's mother's decision not to bring her son's remains back to Earth?
What could she say when the suave young man came up to her and said, "We want you to know that we're all very proud of your boy up there, ma'am, and we hope you'll do us the honor of answering a few questions." A few of the questions concerned herself: Was Terry her only child? What did she think of the new law granting star mothers top priority on any and all information relating to their sons?
 He realizes that by keeping Terry in orbit, his mother will be able to maintain a special connection with her son
 It would be too expensive to initiate a recovery mission that might be unsuccessful  The new law grants star mothers priority over what happens to a deceased son, and he must obey her wishes  He realizes that by keeping Terry in orbit, his mother will be able to maintain a special connection with her son  He must swiftly move his attention to the next explorer and, therefore, space mother