“That’s it, Professor,” said Joe firmly. “I’m not risking my people again. We are leaving now.”
“I quite agree, Captain,” replied the professor.
That caught Joe out. He’d been expecting an argument.
“You agree?”
“Yes, Captain. We now have enough evidence to guarantee a follow up study. Whatever we are dealing with here requires careful and methodical examination. That will require more ships and more people than you have at your disposal.”
“Alright then. We’ll lay in a course to take you home.”
“Not just yet, Captain. There is one more location I’d like to visit.”
“Hang on. We’ve just agreed I have the power to veto any further exploration. You can’t tell me that wasn’t a dangerous situation.”
“Captain, that clause applies on a location-by-location basis. Once we leave t
