"Nuts," Jan replied.
The Prophet took no notice of the remark. "Allah has seen fit to grant me wisdom," he said. "In a dream he has revealed to me the purpose of science."
"How very interesting."
"Science exists so that a handful of the elect can escape from this doomed planet. It was Allah's will that you should come to us this morning."
"The hell you say."
"I perceive by your uniform that you are a spacecaptain. How many men can your ship carry?"
Jan did not answer.
"It would perhaps be better for you to cooperate." The Prophet glanced meaningfully toward the African.
"It's no secret. About 100 passengers and a crew of 50."