"Dr. Myakovsky? This is Captain Hoban. Do you read me?"

"The atmospherics are difficult, Captain, but I am able to understand you. Please note that just a few minutes ago we launched the pods containing Norbert and Mac and the volunteers. We have them now in distant visual range."

"Excellent, Doctor. I'm glad that part of the operation is going according to plan."

With his sharpened senses, Stan caught the note of uncertainty in his captain's voice. "Is something the matter, Captain?"

"I'm afraid it is, sir. It concerns the flight recorder that we salvaged from the wreck I reported to you about. Before saying any more, let me play it for you, sir."

"Okay, go ahead," Stan said.