"Yes, sir."
"And report at once as soon as you establish contact."
"Yes, sir."
The captain turned on his heel and left. Isaac Trigg, the director,
prepared to follow when Matt said: "Just a minute, Isaac. I'm coming
with you."
The director paused, allowing Matt Magoffin to come abreast of him.
"What do you make of it, Matt?" he asked.
"I don't know." Matt shook his head.
For two long years, between favorable oppositions with Earth, the
expedition had been searching the airless, waterless wastes of Mars for
any evidence of life. And had arrived at the disappointing conclusion
that not only was Mars devoid of life, but that the ruddy planet never
had supported life in any form.
But during the two years they had been in daily two-way communication
with Earth. Not once had they lost contact. Now that they were almost
returned....