"Think it's safe to go out?" Jak asked.
"Now you listen to your mother, and don't take any chances."
"We won't," Jon told her, then answered his brother. "We'll wait an hour and see what we can see from here, then decide."
"I sure want a closer look at that plant Life." Jak's eyes glistened, and he ran to get his binoculars to see better.
"I ought to examine the hull and tubes, too, to make sure they aren't fouled or corroded," Jon told his mother.
"It's nearly time for lunch." She turned away. "At least you must stay in until after that." It was plain she was still worried, and the boys tried to reassure her and quiet her fears.
When she called they reluctantly left their vantage points at the ports and went in to eat the lunch she had prepared. Several times she had to caution them against bolting their food, as they talked eagerly of what they might find here.
Finally finished, Jon rose. "Come on, Owl," he urged, "let's go outside and give it the once-over lightly."
"Better break out our rifles first," the elder advised. "No telling what we'll run into."
"If it's dangerous enough for guns, I wish you wouldn't go." Their mother was worried again.