There was a wait during which everyone seemed to be holding their breath.
"I guess it's over," said Major Winship, getting to his feet. "Wait a bit more, there may be an after-shock." He switched once again to the emergency channel.
"Is Pinov," came the supremely relaxed voice. "Help?"
Major Winship whinnied in disgust. "Nyet!" he snarled. To the other Americans: "Our comrades seem unconcerned."
"Tough."
They began to get the static for the first time. It crackled and snapped in their speakers. They made sounds of disapproval at each other. For a minute or two, static blanked out the communications completely. It then abated to something in excess of normal.
"Well," Lt. Chandler commented, "even though we didn't build this thing to withstand a moonquake, it seems to have stood up all right."
"I guess I was just—" Major Winship began. "Oh, hell! We're losing pressure. Where's the markers?"
"By the lug cabinet."
"Got 'em," Major Winship said a moment later.