They were out of sight of the Connies now. Rip walked up the other side of the crater until his bubble was just below ground level. The chunks of thorium he had ordered thrown in to block some of the radiation made walking a little difficult.
"Santos," he said, "we're in the second crater."
"Sir, I'm beyond the first, between two crystals. Pederson is near you somewhere."
"Good. When I give the word, turn up your helmet light until they can see a pretty good glow. Keep watching them." The bubbles were equipped with lights, but they were seldom used. He outlined his plan swiftly. Both Santos and Dowst acknowledged.
Koa reported in. "We're after two more Connies near the wreck of the landing boat, sir."
"Be careful. Pederson, go help Koa. Nunez, how are things at the cave?"
"Nunez reporting, sir. Two Connies in sight, but they haven't seen us yet."
"Let me know when they spot the cave."
"Yes, sir."
"Santos, go ahead."