"I mean you must concentrate on what you're doing up there if you expect to get back alive."
"When I get back we're going to explore the bombed-out cities. You promised that. It's the only reason I agreed to this."
Jason's voice stiffened. "My memory is quite as good as yours. We'll discuss the expedition after you return. Now you're using up valuable time ... and oxygen."
"Okay. I'm going outside."
Ruth's voice came back on: "Tom, remember to keep the ship's radio open, or else your suit radio won't be able to reach us. And we're all here ... Dr. Arnoldsson, Jason, the engineers ... if anything comes up, we'll be right here to help you."
Tom grinned mirthlessly. Right here: 22,500 miles away.
"Tom?"
"Yes Ruth."
"Good luck," she said. "From all of us."