The Solar Sea by David Lee Summers Page A

at the comment and Myra's laughter. He took a sip of coffee.
    Myra put her hands on her knees and leaned forward. “I'm still waiting to hear how I can help you. I'm a cetacean biologist...."
    "Who minored in organic chemistry,” finished Pilot. “You have the knowledge we need to find the biological compounds we're looking for, and perhaps more importantly, the two of you have demonstrated that you make an excellent team."
    "Plus we've been studying whales that are talking to ‘the keepers of the rings,'” said Myra with more than a little sarcasm.
    "Exactly,” said Pilot, unfazed.
    "Well, I hate to burst your bubble.... “Myra stood quickly and gasped as her stomach rumbled. She sat down again, looking deflated. “Fact is, we don't know if our translation is right. Even if it is, it's only speculation that the message is meant for someone at Saturn. It could easily be coincidence that the whales altered their song at the same time as Quinn's announcement. Other things were happening around the world at the same time."
    "I know that.” Pilot's eyes narrowed and he sat the coffee cup down. His voice was suddenly icy. “Don't lecture me like a child until you hear me out.” He hopped off the desk, then sat in the chair and folded his hands. “I propose that your colleagues—Dr. Cristof and Dr. Harmer—come to work for Quinn Corp. They'll have access to a ship and all the computers, equipment, and other resources they need to continue the research you started. Your team will have better funding and facilities than they do now.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You see, I'm betting they're right and if these ring keepers are from Titan—or anywhere else in the Saturn system—you will hold the key to communicating with that life."
    "What if they're wrong?” asked Myra, quietly.
    "Then I still have an excellent biosciences and communication team and Quinn Corp still benefits from Harmer and Cristof's research."
    Myra sat back and closed her eyes. If the whales really were talking to someone on Saturn, she wanted more than anything to know who that was and why. “There's one other problem.” Sorely tempted as she was, reality battled with curiosity. “What makes you think I'm cut out to be an astronaut?"
    "You should have seen her on the flight up here.” Lisa nudged her boss’ arm.
    Pilot shook his head and sighed. “I want the people in charge of biosciences and communications to be experts. I want you to be able to talk to whom or whatever we find. I think you two are the best qualified to do that."
    "So why not bring Cristof and Harmer up here and leave us behind on Earth?” asked Myra.
    "Neither of them are audio technicians and neither of them have a background in biochemistry. Even if there is no one at Saturn for you to talk to, I still need people who can help me achieve the primary mission goals.” Pilot grinned wryly. “Besides, Harmer's a landlubber and I gather Cristof prefers his office to a boat. The two of you are used to spending time at sea and we're going on a voyage through the biggest sea of them all. If you think you're having trouble with null gravity, think how it would be for them."
    "I'll have to think about it.” Myra chewed on her lip for a moment. “I think I could use that coffee now ... or better yet, something a little stronger."
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Chapter 8
    Assembly
    Jonathan Jefferson sent his resignation to Martin-Intelsoft the morning after he met with Pilot. He was told he could go back to Earth to retrieve anything he needed from his house. “I have my toothbrush and some spare underwear,” he replied. “Will you be providing me with a uniform?"
    "You'll have everything you need,” said Pilot. “We'll allow the crew to wear civilian clothes off-duty, but we have coveralls, coats, boots, and so forth that we recommend for on-duty wear."
    "Is there a weight allowance?"
    Pilot quoted a figure. “Still, we can be quite flexible. A few kilos one way