"I've got to see behind that panel, Brad," she said, pointing. "The master firing system controls should be concentrated there."
Brad turned and waved Rimov closer. Scarf didn't move; he got it all on his helmet intercom.
"Remove the panel," Brad said, pointing.
"Won't take my word, will you," Rimov growled.
Reaching over, he snapped several quick disconnects, slid the panel forward, reached into the recess behind, fiddled a couple of seconds, and pulled the panel forward again. It came loose, and he stepped back with it in his hands.
"Cut the power to this console," Kumiko ordered.
Rimov shrugged, moved to another console and snapped several switches. Kumiko watched closely. Rimov turned back and observed her check several lights and dials above the space from where the panel had been removed.
Satisfied, Kumiko drew off her outer glove. Her hand remained encased in translucent, skin-tight insulation. Reaching into the cavity, she withdrew a tiny black chip. Setting it down on a nearby shelf, she repeated the operation. Shortly, a dozen chips lay on the shelf.
Rimov flushed with fury as he watched Kumiko work, but remained silent.
Finally, Kumiko stepped back, pulled a plastic bag from a pocket in her suit, and dropped in the assorted parts. Looking around the room, she went to a wall cabinet, opened the door, rummaged about and withdrew still more chips.