igation into the
nature of error as hard as we can. For the moment we'll forget broader
objectives, until we know the Project is safe."

Barker agreed reluctantly, feeling that they would end up as mere
personnel counselors before long. As soon as he left, Paul called
Oglethorpe.

"I've got a suggestion," he said. "Let's not get on the defensive about
this thing. Why don't you propose a Senatorial investigation of Space
Command?"

"Are you crazy? Why would we want to have them come out here and pick
our bones to pieces before making final burial?"

"We've got a story to tell them--remember? We've got Superman, that's
going to produce for the first time in the world's history a man
adequate to go into the dangers of space. And there's that little story
of yours about courage. I think that would go over with them. We'd be
out in front if we took the initiative in this instead of just waiting
until it rolled over us."

There was a long pause before Oglethorpe spoke again. "I wonder just
what you're trying to do," he said finally. "I know you don't mean a
word of what you're saying at all--"

"But I do mean it," Paul said earnestly. "I want Superman saved; you
want the Wheel. It amounts to the same thing."

"You could be right. You might even be telling the truth. I'll give it
some thought."

* * * * *

The officer in charge of the rocket crews and the take-off stand was a
young engineer-soldier named Harper. Paul had met him during the first
week at Base. His endorsement of Project Superman was enthusiastic.

After talking with Oglethorpe, Paul took a jeep over to the stand and
located Harper. The engineer was overseeing the fueling process on a big
rocket.

"Doc Medick!" Harper exclaimed. "How's your crew of head shrinkers
coming along? We're just about ready for your new breed of pilots."

"What do you mean?"

"This is the nucleus ship. She's going out in orbit tonight with the
first batch of supplies and instruments to get ready for the new Wheel.
We're going to need your men awfully fast."

"That's what I came to talk about. Can you spare a few minutes?"

"Sure." Harper led him to the office, where the whining of fueling pumps
was silenced. "What can we do for you?"

"I wanted to ask about Cummins. You knew him pretty well, didn't you?"

"Buddies. Just like that." Harper crossed his fingers.

"What went wrong, do you think? I know it's all been hashed over in the
i