John nudged my arm. "We can go out, Dave. It's all right."
This was better to think about. It was easier to follow routine, giving orders about equipment and planning.
"We go out in twos. John, you and I first. We'll stay by the ship and move fast if we spot anything. Paul, you and Carl exit in ten minutes on signal."
"What about Karen," Paul asked.
"Dr. Thiesen stays in the ship," I answered. "John, break out the ammunition. We'll lower the scout car if everything looks all right."
"I'm going too," Karen cried. She doubled her small hands into fists.
"You stay here. That's an order. I'm responsible for the safety of this ship. We don't know what's out there."
"Responsible to whom?" she said angrily.
"Every man on this ship."
"You just ordered them to go out."