 How does Phil respond to Mary's concerns regarding the space mission?
Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction December 1955. Phil Conover pulled the zipper of his flight suit up the front of his long, thin body and came into the living room. Yes, I'm sure you did," she said, finishing the ritual; but her voice broke, and she turned her head away. If anything could go wrong, they wouldn't be sending me; you know that. "Mary, you know I can't back out now. "I've got to get started, Mary. I won't be here because I won't be the wife of a space pilot for the rest of my life. "I wish you had told me this a long time ago, Mary," Phil said.
 He tries to present reassuring evidence and be honest about his fears if he is not allowed to fulfill the mission
 He strives to communicate that he should not have to choose between his relationship and his lifelong passion  He lovingly teases her about her emotions, but ultimately them as unfounded and hyperbolic  He tries to present reassuring evidence and be honest about his fears if he is not allowed to fulfill the mission  He insists that she trusts in his competency and readiness for the mission at hand