One of the men separated from the group and came over to Chapman. He
held out his hand and said, "My name's Eberlein. Captain of the relief
ship. I understand you're in charge here?"
Chapman nodded and shook hands. They hadn't had a captain on the First
ship. Just a pilot and crew. Eberlein looked every inch a captain, too.
Craggy face, gray hair, the firm chin of a man who was sure of himself.
"You might say I'm in charge here," Chapman said.
"Well, look, Mr. Chapman, is there any place where we can talk together
privately?"
They walked over to one corner of the bunker. "This is about as private
as we can get, captain," Chapman said. "What's on your mind?"
* * * * *
Eberlein found a packing crate and made himself comfortable. He looked
at Chapman.
"I've always wanted to meet the man who's spent more time here than
anybody else," he began.
"I'm sure you wanted to see me for more reasons than just curiosity."