The resulting clatter did not distract Tatiana from the monitor that displayed the tarp flapping loosely in the wind.“Damn,” Komarov cursed. The faintly foul smell of rehydrated eggs filled the compartment. He took a sip of his coffee and nearly burned his mouth. “I’ll radio Kaliningrad and inform them we are going out for an emergency EVA to secure the tarp.”“Shouldn’t we wait till the storm has passed?” Tatiana asked. “I’m worried about dust buildup in the engine manifolds.” “We’re not supposed to leave the lander during a local storm,” she said. “It’s a safety violation.”“Unless it is an emergency,” Komarov replied. “And I consider this an emergency. The dust could interfere with the operation of the engines.”“I agree,” Tatiana conceded. She still felt it would be better to wait. The storm was only supposed to last another twelve hours.“Meet me in the airlock,” Komarov said. “I’ll inform Takashi.”Komarov found the scientist bent over a microscope in the laboratory, which was a multipurpose compartment, much too small, that also served as the crew quarters.
