Pondering the Alternatives

Grimly, Stacy turned to Julie and relayed the basic contents of the conversation. "So," she said at last, "what do you think we should do?"

"From everything you've said, this Smith doesn't sound like someone to be trusted."

"No," Stacy replied. "But I'm almost beginning to wonder if he isn't at least better than the alternative."

"Yes," mused Julie. "I think I'd rather be working for the US Government than to be kidnapped by... by whoever-they-were again."

"I'd rather not be working for anybody. In my opinion, this research is simply too dangerous for anyone to use." Stacy sighed. "I wish I'd never invented it. I can't help but wonder what I was thinking."

"We can't un-invent it, though," said Julie.

"I know. I'm really torn about this. And there is our own safety to consider..."

They simply stood there for a moment, lost in unpleasant thought.

1. Eventually, they agreed to work with Professor Smith, at least on a provisional basis.
2. After talking it over some more, they decided that they had a moral obligation not to cooperate with Smith.
3. Suddenly, the phone rang. Stacy frowned. "It hasn't been anywhere near an hour yet!"

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