The ensuing silence was broken smoothly by Secretary General Douglas himself. "And a good job, too, Captain.  Your advice will be weighed, and be assured that we will not do anything hastily.  If this man, or man-Martian, Smith, needs a few days to get adjusted, I'm sure that science can wait - so take it easy, Pete.  Let's table this part of the discussion, gentlemen, and get on to other matters.  Captain van Tromp is tired."