We are creatures of conditioning, Commander. We assume that what we know is easy, and we find mysterious… — Charles Sheffield

That’s what logic says. But I say, phooey, who wants logic? Not you, and not me. We want results.

“We’re just too nosy, Commander,” he went on. “Most humans have their patience level set a little too low, and their curiosity a bit too high.”

What does one do when a madman suggests an appealing course of action? One worries—but probably goes along with it.