Capt. Wilkins tapped his helmet and gestured for him to swivel around. The turn was uncomfortably tight and complicated by the restraining cables. Capt. Wilkins began replacement of the air bottle.
"These protests have proved well founded," Major Winship continued. "Immediately following the detonation, Freedom 19 was called on to withstand a moderately severe shifting of the Lunar surface. No personnel were injured and there was no equipment damage."
Capt. Wilkins tapped his shoulder to indicate the new air bottle was being inserted. Another tap indicated it was seated. Major Winship flicked the appropriate chest button and nodded in appreciation.
"However," he continued, "we did experience a minor leak in the dome, which is presently being repaired."
"The Soviet Union," came the reply, "has reported the disturbance and has tendered their official apology. You want it?"
"It can wait until later. Send it by mail for all I care. Vacuum has destroyed our organic air reconditioner. We have approximately three weeks of emergency air. However, Base Gagarin reports no damage, so that, in the event we exhaust our air, we will be able to obtain the necessary replacement."
The wait of a little better than three seconds for the response gave the conversation a tone of deliberation.
A new voice came on. "We tried to contact you earlier, Major. We will be able to deliver replacements in about ten days."
"I will forward a coded report on the occurrence," Major Winship said.
"Let us hear from you again in ... about three hours. Is the leak repaired?"