“Interesting,” the commander said. “But what I meant was, why didn’t you want to tell me about this?”
Jennie shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I didn’t want it to seem like you were under any obligation to us. You have a habit of taking responsibility for everything and everybody around you, Willard, and I was afraid it would come across like we were trying to play on your generosity … or your guilt.”
“Well, this assignment has aged me a bit,” Phule said, a ghost of a smile flitting across his face. “As somebody told me not too long ago, I figure you’re both adults and capable of making your own decisions and living with the consequences. You two made the deal, and I assume you did it taking into account how much you were willing to risk against what potential losses. That makes it your business, not mine.”
The reporter smiled. “Thank you, Willard. I appreciate that.”
“Of course,” the commander added carefully, “if it turns out that you do end up in the ranks of the unemployed, I hope you won’t hesitate to let me help you find a new position. That much I’d be willing to do whether or not the story in question involved me and mine.”
“We’ll see.” Jennie grinned impishly. “We’re not dead yet.”
“Just one thing, Sydney,” Phule said, “if you don’t mind my asking. I notice you had your holo-camera gear along, and that’s fairly expensive equipment. Is it your own, or does it belong to the news service? Would you have to send it back if things went bad?”
“Oh, it’s mine,” the cameraman acknowledged. “It’s not the newest stuff available, mind you, but I’ve pieced together an adequate rig over the years. I figured that just in case the time had come for me to finally strike out on my own, I should … Excuse me, but is this someone you know, Captain? She seems to be coming this way.”