"That's the plan," Jim says, nodding. "We'll check out the planets, see if any of 'em have lifeforms or resources we could use, probably drop some probes in orbit to get some long-term data. Unless there's people already living there; then it's a whole different ballgame." If there is, Jim isn't too worried about a repeat of the last time he found such a planet. What're the odds this one will have a volcano just waiting to blow too?

God, it'd better not.

Steve's answer is vague, but understood. "Sorry to hear that." Probably for the best he's busy though. Means he's got less time for sitting around brooding uselessly. At least, that's how it tends to go for Jim.

Finished with the morsel, Zunar trots across the top of the table and flops down along Steve's arm, purring. He sounds like he could use a furry friend, and the kneazle is all too happy to oblige.