Now what is he talking about? Then I get the drift.
I say, "Look. So Dad will be on Earth before we get back. What difference does that make?"
"You can't let him arrive and find you missing."
Well I admit to a qualm at the thought of Dad let loose on Earth without me, but after all Uncle Charlie is a born Terrie and can keep him in line; Hell he is old enough to look after himself anyway.
"You met my Dad," I point out. "You think J. X. Lee would want any daughter of his backing out on a job so as to hold his hand? I can send him a letter saying I am off on a job or a Test or whatever I please and hold everything till I get back; what are you doing about people's families on Earth already?"
M'Clare says we were all selected as having families not on Earth at present, and I must go back.
I say like Hell I will.
He says he is my official guardian and responsible for me.
I say he is just as responsible for everyone else on this ship.
I spent years and years trying to think up a remark would really get home to M'Clare; well I have done it now.