This is the last chapter of The Universal Good Deal, you may want to start at the beginning or go back to Chapter 29.

As soon as Barrow found out about the expedition, he immediately demanded that the Association take charge. Welles allowed this, as it had been one of her primary motives in announcing the expedition in the first place. She, of course, was already working on plans for her penal colony experiment, and she wanted a distraction for Barrow.

Barrow contacted Flinders to ask if he would come to a meeting to discuss the newly-announced space mission. Like everyone, Barrow was aware that Flinders was the best advertising mind in the nation, and he wanted nothing less than the best for the Association.

‘It sounds like you guys have this well in hand,’ said Flinders, after Barrow explained the general nature of the expedition. ‘But I’m happy to charge you some money to tell you to do what you’re already doing.’

‘Oh no, Mr Flinders,’ said Barrow. ‘We have not asked you here to provide marketing advice. We want you to lead the expedition, personally.’

‘And I thought you liked me,’ said Flinders.

‘It is a great honor,’ said Barrow.

‘It’s incredibly dangerous,’ said Flinders. ‘I mean, I realize you guys can’t say this or anything, but we all know that it’s probably going to be a clusterfuck. Lucky for you, I’m partial to clusterfucks.’

‘Does that mean you will you accept this important role?’ asked Barrow.

‘On two conditions,' said Flinders. 'I want my cousin, John Franklin, to come with me.’

‘There isn't much room on this expedition,' said Welles. 'Every ounce matters. An extra passenger is out of the question.’

‘And I'm bringing my cat,’ said Flinders.