Perfect Answer

By L. J. STECHER, JR.
Illustrated by DICK FRANCIS
Getting there may be half the fun ... but it is also all of a society's chance of survival!
As one god to another—let's go home, Jack Bates said.
Bill Farnum raised a space-gloved hand in negligent acknowledgment to a hastily kneeling native, and shook his head at Bates. Let's try Deneb—it's almost in line on the way back—and then we can call it quits.
But I want to get back and start making some profit out of this. The Galaxy is full of Homo sapiens . We've hit the jackpot first trip out. Let's hurry on home and cash in.
We need more information. This is too much of a good thing—it doesn't make sense. I know there isn't much chance of finding anything out by stopping at one more solar system. But it won't delay us more than a few weeks, and it won't hurt to try.
Yeah, said Bates. But what's in it for us? And what if we find an inhabited planet? You know the chances are about two to one that we will. That'll make thirteen we've found on this trip. Why risk bad luck?
You're no more superstitious than I am, said Farnum. You just want to get back Earthside. I'll tell you what. We'll toss a coin for it.
Bates gestured futilely toward his coverall pocket, and then remembered he was wearing a spacesuit as a precaution against possible contamination from the natives.
And we'll use one of my coins this time, said Farnum, noticing the automatic motion. I want to have a chance.
The coin dropped in Farnum's favor, and their two-man scout ship hurled itself into space.