Read The Man-Kzin Wars 01 for Free Online Page B

over the old, trampled ground again? I am simply a realist. Ships, equipment, trained crews are in the shortest supply. We need them closer to home, to build up interstellar commerce and industry. Once we have that base, that productivity, yes, then of course we go forward. But we will go cautiously, if I have anything to say about it. Was not the kzin invasion a deadly enough surprise? Who knows what dangers, mortal dangers, a reckless would-be galaxy trotter may stir up?" Saxtorph sighed. “ Y ou're right, this has gotten to be boringly familiar territory. I'll spare you my argument about how dangerous ignorance can be. The point is, I never put in for anything much. For a voyage as long as we intend, we need adequate supplies, and our insurance carrier insists we carry double spares of vital gear. The money Professor Tregennis wangled out of his university for the charter won't stretch to it. So we all rendezvoused here to apply for a government donation of stuff sitting in the warehouses .
    “ I t just might buy you a scientific revolution. ”
    He had rehashed this with malice, to repay Markham for the latter's own repetition. It failed to get the man's goat. Instead, the answer was, mildly, I saw it as my duty to persuade the Commission to deny your request. Please believe there was no personal motive. I wish you well." Saxtorph grinned, blew a smoke ring, and said, “ T hanks. Want to come wave goodbye? Because we are going. “
    Markham took him off guard with a nod. I know. Stefan Brozik has offered you a grant. ”
    “ H ub?" Saxtorph grabbed his pipe just before it landed in his lap, He recovered his wits. “ D id you have the hyperwave monitored for messages to members of our party?" His voice roughened. “ S ir, I resent that." “ I t was not illegal. I was ... more concerned than you think." Markham leaned forward. “ L isten. A man does not necessarily like doing what duty commands. Did you imagine I don't regret choking off great adventures, that I do not myself long for the age of discovery that must come? In my heart I feel a certain gratitude toward Brozik. He has released me. “ N ow, since you are inevitably going, it would be pointless to continue refusing you what you want. That can only delay, not stop you. Better to cooperate, win back your goodwill, and in return have some influence on your actions. I will contact my colleagues. There should be no difficulty in getting a reversal of our decision. ”
    Saxtorph sagged back in his chair. “ J udas ... priest. “
    “ T here are conditions," Markham told him. “ I f you are to be spared a long time idle here, prudent men must be spared nightmares about what grief you might bring, on us all by some blunder. Excuse my blunt language. You are amateurs. ”
    “ E very explorer is an amateur. By definition. ”
    “ Y ou are undermanned. ”
    “ I wouldn't say so. Captain; computerman; two pilots, who're also experienced rockjacks and planetsiders; quartermaster. Everybody competent in a slew of other specialties. And, this trip, two scientists, the prof and his student. What would anybody else do? ”
    “ F or one thing," Markham said crisply, "he would counsel proper caution and point out where this was not being exercised. He would keep official policy in your minds. The condition of your obtaining what you need immediately is this. You shall take along a man who will have officer status-" “ H ey, wait a minute. I'm the skipper, my wife's the mate as well as the computerman, and the rest have shaken down into a damn good team. I don't aim to shake it back up again. ”
    “ Y ou needn't," Markham assured him. “ T his man will be basically an observer and advisor. He should prove useful in several additional capacities. In the event of ... disaster to the regular officers, he can take command, bring the ship back, and be an impartial witness at the inquiry." “ M -m-m." Saxtorph frowned, rubbed his chin, pondered. “ M aybe. It'll be a