“Gentlemen,” Igor Komarov began, “this morning we lost contact with the helicopter which was sent to the source of the signal. There were two scientists and three military men in it.”
“Connection with the helicopter was lost at 12:14 local time,” said the representative of Nepal. “The interference in this quadrant is very strong now. We can’t contact the crew. In addition to that, a major cyclone has started to form in the area.”
“Do we have any more information?” the head of NASA asked.
“At 12:04 we had the last radio contact with them,” continued the Nepalese general. “They reported that some of the electronics on board are out of order, but the machine is under control. We gave permission for the operation to continue if there was no threat.”
“That’s it?”
“Communication was cut off, 10 minutes later they disappeared from radar a couple of kilometers from the point of alleged source.”
“What can we do under these circumstances?” the Russian general asked.
“We sent a rescue team on foot to the point,” the Indian general interjected. “There is a risk that the weather conditions will worsen and the detachment will not be able to get close to the point.”
“How much time do you need to get people there?” The Russian clarified.
“About eighteen hours.”
“Eighteen?” the Roscosmos chief became indignant. “Are you joking? It is very long.”
“We can’t send a helicopter there now,” said the Indian, “it’s dangerous.”
“How did we let this happen?” Jean-Jacques Dordain said in a half-whisper without a microphone.
The Russian general approached the Indian and called the Nepali. Together they began to discuss something.
“Well,” said the head of ESA looking at the discussion of the military, “let’s wait for the news from the rescue squad.”
Charles Bolden stood up from his seat and said loudly without a microphone:
“Guys, what’s going on here?”
Everyone in the audience froze and turned to him. He put his hands in the air.
“I’m the only one who doesn’t understand how the ’86 Voyager crash, the signal, and our people going missing today are related?”
“What do you suggest, Charley?” Jean-Jacques Dordain asked.
“I’m suggesting we think a minute about it. We have a situation and all we do is react, offer nothing.”
“Charles, we are waiting for offers from you too,” said Monsieur Dordain.