The radio buzzed. Leaning forward, Albrekt turned up the volume, eagerly.
"Captain Albrekt Vebrug," called the radio. "Flanjo patrol ship Bavaria to Captain Albrekt Vebrug."
Albrekt turned a triumphant face to Carrel. But Carrel gestured at the screens. They were still empty. And the radio voice was not coming in strongly.
"Vebrug, we don't find the By Jove! on our screens," said the radio, fading a little, then getting louder. "If you get this call, Vebrug, break radio silence and reply. Do you hear this, Vebrug? Break radio silence and reply!"
Perspiration broke out on Albrekt's forehead. He could not reply. The ship's transmitter was a pile of junk.
"Vebrug, Vebrug," intoned the radio insistently. "We don't find you in orbit. If you hear this, break radio silence and reply."
Carrel rose from his seat, floating slightly upward. Albrekt, sweating, dropped his hand to his heat gun.
"We can't stay in this sector, Vebrug," whispered the radio. "Blasting back to base now. Will call every five minutes for the next two hours. If you hear this, break radio silence and reply."
The radio squawked. Then there was nothing but stellar static.
"Well, Albrekt?" said Carrel.