From the main control desk of the radio lab, Ron Barron looked out across the runways of Crocker Air Base. Beyond the windows, the atmosphere was hazy with the dust of the hot, dry afternoon and the unceasing activity of planes taking off and landing. Near the control tower a big DC-6 waited, its engines idling while a jet fighter slipped out of the sky and skimmed the runway.
A voice sounded abruptly in the phones on Ron’s head. “XED-140 calling Ron Barron.”
Ron picked up the mike from the desk. “Ron Barron to XED-140. I hear you, General.”
“We’re ready for take-off now. As soon as we clear the field I’ll switch on the IVP carrier. Are you ready for it?”
“Receiver and telemetering dummies are on,” said Ron. “Everything’s ready on this end.”
“Fine. Give me a description as soon as fai
