It’s January 1938. . . For two years, Pan American’s magnificent Martin M-130 flying boats have been safely and routinely carrying passengers from San Francisco to Hong Kong. It’s a trip considered by many to be a fairytale ride through the deserted Pacific islands equipped with luxury hotels and dining facilities. However, the corporate expansion continues. New Zealand will be the stepping stone to Australia and Singapore. The Martins can’t be spared. The shorter-range Sikorsky aircraft will have to be used.