Book 3: Chapter 53: Protection
Bill
August 2230
Gamma Pavonis
Claude gave me an unbelieving look. “Come on, Bill. Do you seriously think we’ll just leave?”
I sighed and rubbed my eyes with thumb and forefinger. VR or not, it still felt good.
I was visiting Claude’s VR, which was currently a beach scene, complete with gulls, sand, and deck chairs. I was impressed with the level of detail. The breeze felt cool and smelled salty, and the sand was warm on my bare feet. The overall effect was seductive. With an effort of will, I brought myself back on task.
“I’m not trying to order you to, Claude. It’s not like I have any authority. But you were at the moot. Neil is probably right, and the Others are probably heading for Earth. We need—”
“That’s a lot of probablys.”
“With a large downside if the statement turns out to be right.” Claude was beginning to get my goat, and I delivered this statement with a glare.