"Of course. Tell them why, Taaleeb."
The Sirian said, "Because, as your friend captain says, we must allow a margin for error. Your sun may explode a day or two or three before the predicted time. Even if it does not, we wish to see your world as much as possible before its death."
Fox and Garcia started to enter the airlock.
"Wait," said Lieutenant Washington. "I don't think I like this."
Captain Torkel's heart pounded. This may be it, he thought. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean, these Sirians will be heroes to humanity, won't they?"
"I suppose so."
"And they'll return here with our race, or what's left of it, in twelve years?"
"Yes, God willing."