Lasseux radioed Earth and gave them a full account of the tragedy. He was told that a replacement for Lal would be on his way within a week or two.
"Now there are just four of us," he said, turning from the radio. "It will make keeping watch easier. I will team with Golovunoff for the rest of the day; you two English-speakers can work together."
They did. It was a cold, cheerless day. The little Indian had everyone's spirits.
Then Beveridge suggested, "Perhaps Lal was the one carrying the alien. When he discovered the truth he ran out into space, killing himself and the alien...?"
"No," Gregson said. "Why would he wait so long? Lal was the type to do such a thing the moment he found out. Besides, the alien wouldn't be bothered by space if it has no body."
"Damn; you're right. Just trying to cheer things, old man. Just trying...."
Suddenly the sound of a pistol-shot echoed through the chambers of the space satellite. The crewmen always carried pistols as safeguards against one another.
"You hear that?" Gregson said.