"If you have leadership skills, then you may be needed. Eva and I don't make absolutely all the decisions. There are often situations in which the person who is on the scene at the time must make the decisions and rally others to join them. I'd be glad to know that you're ready and willing to step up."

He nodded. "It's been obvious since you arrived on the train that you take responsibility seriously. Everybody knows that, and we are all grateful for it. And as far as the team goes, I think it's flexible. If you want to do science and engineering, there'll likely be an occasion for it in the future. There has been in the past."