wo
men for the fastest accomplishment. You realize, captain that you are
probably signing our death warrants--the two of us. But," he added,
glancing only casually at the display on the console, "I can
understand the need to sign that warrant, and I shall not quibble."

The intercom spoke. "This is Dr. Green, captain. There is no key on
the person of Major Elbertson. We have searched thoroughly, sir. I
understand the need is of an emergency nature. The key is not on his
person. We have taken every possible measure to arouse him, as well,
and have been unsuccessful."

Andersen flipped his switch. "Let me speak to the Hot Rod Security
officer," he said briefly.

"Chauvenseer speaking, sir," the man's voice came on.

"Do you know what the key looks like?"

"Yes, sir. It looks somewhat like a common Yale key, sir. But I've
never seen another just like it."

"There is only the one?"

"Yes, sir."

"Where would he keep it, if not on his person?"

"I don't know, sir. We came straight to the morgue--the shield area,
from the air lock. I don't believe he stopped off anywhere he could
have put it."

The captain turned to the second Security officer. "Search Elbertson's
spacesuit," he said. Then to the intercom, "Search his hammock. Search
every spot he went near. That key must be found in minutes. Commandeer
as many men as can help in the search without getting in the way."

He paused a moment, then flipped another intercom key.

"Mr. Blackhawk," he said.

The intercom warmed at the far end. "Yes sir?" Mike's voice was
relaxed.

"Is there any way to turn off Hot Rod without the Security key?"

"Why sure, captain." Mike's voice held a grin. "I could pull the power
switch."

"Pull it. Fast. Hot Rod's out of control."

Mike's hand flashed to a master switch controlling the power that fed
Hot Rod, and blessing as he did it the fallacy of engineering that had
required external power to power the mighty energy collector.

In the big balloon now happily following the wheel at the end of its
tether, the still-undamaged power-off fail-safe went into operation.
The mirror surface behind each ruby rod rotated into its shielding
position, dispersing the energy that the huge mirror directed towards
the rods, back into space.

Hot Rod was secure.

* * * * *

Mike received only one further communication from the captain.

"Mr. Blackhawk," he was asked over the intercom, "is there any w