"Certainly—consistent with safety."
"Consistent with reasonable safety, of course. I know you won't let yourself be taken in by all this nonsense about the imaginary dangers of hyperspace."
"What do you mean?"
"All this nonsense about the Thakura Ripples! But then, of course you're a sensible man or we wouldn't have hired you, and I'm sure you agree with me that the Star Lord can deal with anything that hyperspace has to offer."
Jasperson adjusted the set of his jacket over his plump stomach while he waited for an answer, and Captain Evans stared at him.
"Is that why you're wearing a pistol?" he said dryly. "To help the ship fight her battles?"
"This?" His face reddened as he patted his bulging pockets. "Oh, it's just a habit. I don't like being without protection; I always wear a gun in one pocket and my recorder in the other."
"You'll scarcely be in any danger on the ship, Burl. Better leave it in your cabin."
"All right. But about the Ripples—you aren't going to take them seriously, are you?"
"I wish you'd be a little more frank, Mr. Chairman. Has the Star Line suddenly lost confidence in me?"