"You were willing to sacrifice mankind just to see the stars yourself,
Joe?"
It was Arlie Arden who came in quietly, then.
"No," said Joe, and then he looked at the two of them.
"Believe me," he said, and his voice was deep, vibrant. "I was drawn to
the ship by a power greater than any of us. I knew the terrible gamble.
For if this ship crashes before it gets back to Earth with that Venus
ore, it means the end of man.
"I knew that. Everything my mind said pointed out the consequences.
My mind said no in every possible way. But ... my mind had no chance
against the impulse that drove me aboard ship.
"Somehow I know that my presence on board this ship means the salvation
of mankind...." He shook his head at Arden whose lips were pursed to
speak.
"It's not egotism or some crack-brained idea. I couldn't rest until I
was aboard ship. I'm chosen to do something to preserve mankind, not
destroy it. It's just as if something bigger than me or you or the
universe had taken hold of me, placed me here."