Then suddenly, to the great astonishment of Bohannan, he commanded: "Bring me that champagne, in the saloon.

All of it!" The major opened wide eyes, but unquestioningly obeyed.

Could it be possible the Master, in this moment of exultation, was about to break his lifelong rule and drink a toast, in sparkling bubbles, to success thus far achieved, to the stupendous voyage now about to begin?
Wondering, Bohannan departed.

The Master gestured for Captain Alden to seat himself on one of the lockers.

Alden kept complete silence as he sat down, crossed one leg over the other and began to study the complex apparatus before him.