wn shortly after experiments had been conducted on
atomic and subatomic particles that grounds had at last been found by
means of which a counteraction to gravity might be set up. Early
subatomic studies showed that such a force was not only theoretically
possible, but that certain subparticles actually displayed such
tendencies. On the basis of these first discoveries, work has been going
on in the development of negative gravitational drive for at least
twenty years. As early as 1956, there were not less than fourteen such
projects under way in virtually all the leading aircraft industries of
the United States, not to mention the rest of the world. In the last few
years, at the direction of the Air Force, these projects have been
consolidated, placed under one main roof, and brought to its present
status, which is, we believe, the one of final triumph."

He glanced at General Shrove, who returned the glance unsmilingly.
"After the successful testing of several models, a full-sized craft has
been built which utilizes the new method of space drive. One such craft
has been built, and only one. This ship, if it works, is at this time
the only means by which humanity can hope to make the trips to the other
places in the solar system from which the Sun-stealers are working. It
is with this one vessel only that we can put their Sun-tap stations out
of commission.

"But I emphasize again the experimental nature of this ship. What its
capacities are and how well it will work is still a matter of
planning-book conjecture. We can prepare the ship to take off in one
week's time. I do not think, judging from what Merckmann and Clyde have
said, that we can afford to wait any longer. Another such ship cannot be
built in less than a year."

General Shrove spoke then. "It is already arranged that this A-G 17
spaceship is going to go. A volunteer crew has been selected; several of
them are in this room." He nodded briefly to Clyde and to Lockhart. "But
although these volunteers are among the best men in their fields, there
isn't one of them who couldn't be replaced by someone equally skilled in
the same field. But there is one person on Earth right now who may just
possibly be unique. This person may hold, by virtue of an experience not
shared by any other human being, a special key that will render easier
the task that this spaceship must fulfill."

He turned to Burl, who sat tingling with suspense. "You, Burl Denning,
are apparen