He would only have one chance.  Well, one attempt would
have to be good enough.

They would be out of contact with Earth in three days
time.  Roberts had banned all external contact for the
time being.  Her exact reasons why weren't clear, but her
intentions were.  Do everything at an official level.
Conduct a full investigation and then report back.  Kay
respected the woman's authority, but in this case didn't
agree with her reasoning.  Not that there was anything she
could do about it.

Roberts resented her not for her expertise, which was
unquestioned, but for her age.  At 29 she was the youngest
scientist ever to have taken part in such an expedition.
Roberts took exception to this, having worked her way up
to her present position over many years.  She ruled her
territory like a hawk and would let no-one get in her way.
No-one. 

Kay's Commband vibrated on her wrist: she was being
called.  Pushing off from the chair she floated to the
nearest Commlink. "Comm.  Dr Lambert here." her voice data
was routed down the network and the call connected.
"Roberts here." as usual her voice was cold and
insensitive.  "Report to C2, immediately Doctor.  Roberts