Well... shouldn't they send a second expedition then?

Sigh. Yes. They should.

(Yay!)

That sounds like a great tactical decision. Is everyone that came before coming this time around too?

It might not be a reasonable idea to waste that many people there now that they know what's there and how to deal with it.

Fair enough. Temperance will volunteer though.

As does the resident Airist.

Well, not everyone is that willing to go back down there.

Sadde is indecisive.

Isra hugs him. "It is entirely reasonable not wanting to come after the last time."

"I know, but—it's not quite that."

"What is it then?"

"Nnnnot sure it's the best thing I could be doing with my time?"

"Ah, I see," Isra squeezes. "Do you want help deciding then?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, what would the alternatives and the desires behind them be?"

"Going down there, desire being mainly—well, being with you, let's get that out there—and curiosity? And staying here—strategising, helping plan and organise resources."

"Aw." Isra nuzzles Sadde's neck. "Well, can you guess the weight of each impulse?"

"Pretty evenly matched? But—I think the latter is probably what's. Erm. Objectively better for me to be doing. Curiosity is a purely, er... selfish desire."

"Doing things for your own sake doesn't have to carry the negative connotations of the word selfish. See how I'm here with you instead of back home. One could argue there are selfish elements to following a safe path."

"But I mean, it's selfish in that it's just about me. I won't be aggregating anything, by going with my curiosity."

"Do you think the contribution that you would provide is significant enough that you can't indulge your curiosity?"

"...yeah, actually, I'm pretty good at strategy and plans."

"And after thinking about these things, what do you want to do?"

"I want," he says, and blushes a bit, "to have sex with you and then stay here and strategise."

"I approve of this decision!" Isra says kissing Sadde.