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"It's all right, son," said Metcalf quietly "Go ahead"

"I have two ships approaching the area, sir Stand by for a picture of the first one"

With a new shred of hope, their eyes locked on the screen At first the ie was small and indistinct Then the weather plane's cameraman zoomed in on a red-hulled vessel

"Froe her to be a survey ship," reported Grant

A gust of wind caught the flag on the ensign staff and stretched out its blue colors

"British," announced Metcalf dejectedly "We don't dare ask foreign nationals to die for our sake"

"You're right, of course I've never known an oceanographic scientist to carry an automatic rifle"

Metcalf turned and said, "Grant?"

I Sir?"

:Contact the British research vessel and request they pick up survivors from the helicopter"

Before Grant could acknowledge, the vineo ie distorted and the screen went black

"We've lost your picture, Grant"

" Onethe camera informs me the battery pack on the recorder went dead He'll have it replaced in a minute"

"What's the situation with the towboat?"

"She and the barge are under way again, only more slowly than before"