The Reluctant Heroes

By FRANK M. ROBINSON
Illustrated by DON SIBLEY
Pioneers have always resented their wanderlust, hated their hardships. But the future brings a new grudge—when pioneers stay put and scholars do the exploring!
The very young man sat on the edge of the sofa and looked nervous. He carefully studied his fingernails and ran his hands through his hair and picked imaginary lint off the upholstery.
I have a chance to go with the first research expedition to Venus, he said.
The older man studied the very young man thoughtfully and then leaned over to his humidor and offered him a cigaret. It's nice to have the new air units now. There was a time when we had to be very careful about things like smoking.
The very young man was annoyed.
I don't think I want to go, he blurted. I don't think I would care to spend two years there.
The older man blew a smoke ring and watched it drift toward the air exhaust vent.
You mean you would miss it here, the people you've known and grown up with, the little familiar things that have made up your life here. You're afraid the glamor would wear off and you would get to hate it on Venus.
The very young man nodded miserably. I guess that's it.
Anything else?