Read Variables from Flash OCX in a Microsoft VB project

Hi,
we use flash a fair bit in projects written in Microsoft Visual basic.
In the past everything we have done has been VB telling the movie what to do, Tplay, SetVariables etc.
Those of you that are familiar with this know that the VB commands for flsah are not the same as actionscript.
Now we find ourselves wanting to READ a variable from flash with VB.
Can we do that?
If so how?

Also any links to resources on using flash and VB together would be greatly appreciated.
I have had very little luck tracking down resources on using them together.

thanks
mark