morrow leaned back in the control chair, pressed tired fingers to his temples. he could not remember when he had slept.

the first rocket from white sands had brought power to adjust the orbit. this one was on the mark.

the next three brought the senate investigating committee.

but that didn't matter, really. kevin was happy, and he was waiting.

the control room door banged open. mark kramer's grin was like a flash of warm sunlight.

"hi, commander," he said, "wait'll you see the marvelous pictures i got."

outside the moonbeam rode gently at anchor, tethered with new safety lines.

the end