The inner fuse cavity was intact, sealed with dark, hardened marine grease around the threads.

“Is the booster charge still live?” Kenneth asked.

“There’s an old picric acid main charge inside,” I said, getting back up and wiping my thumb on my sleeve.

“The salt water never got through the inner seal.”

“Base Range Control put out an emergency clearance order,” Kenneth said.

“They’ve booked our squad to neutralize it right here.”

“When’s the detonation window?” I asked.

Kenneth looked at his clipboard.