Wade felt a sudden twitch in his shoulder. "You said the crater was red."
"Yes, sir. A bright red. I thought it was strange. It was as if something spilled out of the ship when she hit."
Wade and the Secretary exchanged glances.
"It was a marking dye so you could pick up the location of the ship," Wade said too quickly.
Allen twisted his head as the sound of many voices pierced the quiet room. Someone cheered loudly. Allen shifted his large frame.
"How was she lying?" Wade asked.
Allen brought his attention back to the two men. It was obvious, he was becoming annoyed. "Down tail-first. The nose section looked intact. That's what makes me believe she took on a wobble at the last second. The nose should have been buried out of sight."
Another cheer forced its way into the room. Suddenly Allen burst out. "Tell me, Colonel. How's Tomer these days. You remember, that little guy who quit on you just before the training ended."
The words had the effect the big man had hoped for. Boeman came out of the chair. His face was a vivid white. "You ..." he began.
The Secretary moved quickly. He was between the two men before Wade could continue. "That's all for now Captain Ackerson," he said, "or should I say Mister Ackerson. Your papers have been processed as you wished. You're a civilian, after sixty days terminal leave, of course."