“I apologize for not being able to file my reports—until a few days ago, my equipment was lost and I had no way of communicating with the probe. I recently received replacements, and should be able to make regular reports back to you, and be able to exchange brief messages. I have been living for these many months completely submerged in the native society, learning the language as I struggle to survive. Upon my arrival, I was stripped of all my machinery and left to fend for myself.