An orderly came in with an envelope for Costain, who opened it and handed the paper to Erwin. To Walraven, Costain said, "It's a cablegram from North Ireland. Ragan is back."
Erwin was still gripping the paper in his hand when he walked with Costain out of the hospital into the bright airiness of a spring day. He glared at the warm, blue sky.
"We'll find a way," Erwin said. "We've proved that we can put men on Mars. With the right conditioning, we can keep them there."
"You're a dedicated and resolute man, Coordinator," Costain said. "Do you really suppose that any amount of conditioning could fit you to do what those boys failed at?"
The long moment of considering that passed before Erwin answered left a fine sheen of sweat on his face.
"No," Erwin said.