Mars.
Because the Mars Module's air circulation equipment had malfunctioned, the three astronauts had been forced to stay inside the Return Capsule.
Fortunately, the Return Capsule held enough supplies for a two-month interplanetary journey.
Aside from being a little cramped, it had no other real drawbacks.
"Calling Pathfinder. Pathfinder, please respond!"
Professor Chris's voice suddenly came over the radio inside the Return Capsule.
Andrew, who had been sitting silently with his head bowed, suddenly lit up at the call!
He snatched up the radio and replied excitedly, "Pathfinder receiving! Pathfinder receiving!"
Then came another long wait.
Just as the three astronauts were growing anxious, the radio crackled to life again.
"Everyone, I have some unfortunate news."
"The United States has abandoned your rescue mission. They've even forbidden us from sending a distress message to Xia Country."
The three astronauts' expressions changed dramatically!
"How could this happen?!" Bruno's breathing quickened, his pupils widening. "Damn it, have they abandoned us?!"
Andrew stared grimly at the radio before him. When he noticed its active indicator light, he froze briefly, then hurriedly cut off Bruno's complaints. "Quiet, Bruno!"
"The professor hasn't finished!"
After dozens of seconds of silence, Professor Chris's voice sounded again.
But compared with before, his voice was especially faint and muffled this time.
"Andrew, if you want to return to Earth, your only option is to send a distress message to Black Lady Two yourselves!"
"We can't send any messages to Xia Country right now. Everything depends on you!"
"Tell Black Lady Two that, if possible, Xia Country should make this public. With pressure from public opinion, things will be easier for you when you return..."
"I have to leave the Houston Ground Control Center. Remember, do not reply to this transmission!"
The radio's active indicator light went out.
A deathly