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“I watched the dive on TV,” Casey said “Too bad you lost contact with the surface just when things started to get really interesting”

“Interesting isn’t the word for it,” Kane said “But it’s nothing compared to the craziness about the lab Any news?”

The lieutenant shook his head

“We’re still trying to make contact,” he said, “but there has been no response”

“Could it simply be a foul-up in the communications system?”

Casey glanced over at Coombs

“We have reason to believe that there is more involved than a systems failure,” Casey said

“YouDr Kane up to date on the details as we know them, Lieutenant Casey,” Coombs said

The lieutenant nodded, opened a folder, and pulled out several sheets of paper

“We’ve pieced together a scenario based on witness statements The situation has been confused, and reports are still co in, but here’s e have so far Yesterday, at approxiainst the Proud Mary, the lab’s support-and-security ship”

Kane shook his head in disbelief

“A missile? That can’t be true!”

“I’m afraid it is true, Max The missile hit the ship on the port side No one was killed, but at least a dozen were injured The Mary is a tough old gal She stayed afloat and got off a Mayday The Navy cruiser Concord showed up within hours and rescued the survivors Repeated attempts were made to contact the Locker No reply”

“Maybe the blast daested

“Negative The cruiser checked out the buoy and found it undaed”