Vosnesensky took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, like a man trying to control his temper. “We are not robots, but we are responsible to higher authority. The purpose of this mission is to start the exploration of Mars. If we displease those in charge, there will be no more missions and the exploration will end.”
Jamie squatted down on his heels, one arm on the back of Vosnesensky’s chair to steady himself. Forcing himself to sound more reasonable he said, “Mikhail, as far as I’m concerned all the politicians on Earth can take a flying leap into the Grand Canyon. What makes you think they’re going to authorize more missions to Mars, no matter how obedient we are? We’re here, now. Now’s the time to find out as much about this world as we can. The more knowledge we acquire now, the harder it’ll be for them to deny us follow-up missions after we return.”
“You are skating on thin ice, Jamie.”