"This is Mrs. Harkins," Colin said. "General Banning."
"Thank you for coming, Mrs. Harkins," the general said. "I hope this isn't too difficult for you." He took her small hand in his own.
Martha Harkins smiled faintly. "A service wife gets used to just about everything, general."
"Unfortunately true. If you'll come with me, I'll introduce you to your technician. Has Dr. Meany explained what we want you to do?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Good."
"Just one thing, Mrs. Harkins," Colin put in. "This may take some time. It may be we'll want you to cut a tape with a request to leave the ship, if we can't get any response from live voice. Repetition is the important thing, and the sound of your voice."
"All right. I'll do whatever you say." She turned away briefly, but not before Colin saw the beginnings of tears in her eyes.
Banning led her over to the radio console, saw her seated and instructed in the use of the equipment, and returned to Colin.
"What do you think?" he said.