It was like the faintest, winnowed chaff of sound, breathing from far,
far away. A voice speaking. To us. A voice that said:
"--can't come back ... Skipper.... Sparks will understand. Tell him ...
mass-energy ... relationships. And tell ... Diane ... I love...."
That was all. And my brain reeled beneath the import of those fading
words. Suddenly I _knew_! I didn't need to hear Cap Hanson screaming
wild orders to the sailors on the aft deck below, nor to hear their
answer.
"He's not here, sir. He cast off the auxiliary a moment or so ago."