 What is the mission of the crew?
Two of the Nadine's four-man crew watched out the same ports as the planet seemed to approach. With clearance-papers in order, they could land unquestioned at any other space-port and take off again—provided the other space-port was one they had clearance for. In effect, with six people on board instead of five, the Nadine could not land anywhere for supplies. The process would be to find a planet and check its climate and relationship to other planets, and its flora and fauna against descriptions in the Directory. The emergency-kit contained antiseptics, seeds, and a weapon or two, with elaborate advice to castaways. But space-travel regulations are especially designed to prevent such escapes.
 They are rebels, regrouping to fight their government another day.
 The mission is to answer a distress signal.  The mission is to maroon Moran as punishment for murder.  They are rebels, regrouping to fight their government another day.  They are rebels, fleeing a collapsed revolt.