e, chief. But, believe me, a lot of people have made up their
minds about this thing. Some want to let it burn up. Some want to
retrieve it and stash it in a museum. Either way it's a decision we're
not going to reach in this office."

Jordan tossed down the rest of his lemonade.

"I'd like to know why not," he snapped, almost bristling.

"Well, frankly this thing is moving pretty fast." Clements fished a
facsimile sheet out of his jacket pocket. "Everybody's getting into the
act." He handed the sheet across the desk. "Read this; it'll bring you
up to date."

Jordan stared at the sheet.

"_Senate Committee Probes Beta,_" ran the lead, followed by,

"_The Senate Advisory Committee for Astronautics began hearing
testimony this morning in an effort to determine the fate of
satellite '58 Beta. Mr. Claude Wamboldt, leader of the CCSB
(Citizens' Committee to Save Beta), testified that the cost of
retrieving Beta from orbit would be trivial compared to its value as
an object of precious historical significance. He suggested the
Smithsonian Institution as an appropriate site for the exhibit. At
the same time the incumbent Senator from Mr. Wamboldt's district
filed a bill in the Senate which would add a complete wing to the
Smithsonian to house this satellite and other similar historic
objects. In later testimony Mr. Orville Larkin, leader of the unnamed
committee representing those in opposition to the CCSB stated that
his group felt that to snatch Beta from orbit at this moment of its
greatest glory would be contrary to natural law and that he and his
supporters would never concede to any plan to save it._"

Jordan raised his head and stared over the fax sheet at Clements. "Am I
going out of my mind, or did this really happen?"

"It sure did ... and is," said Clements. "Later on, I am told, Wamboldt
threw a chair at Larkin, and the committee recessed after declaring both
men in contempt."

Jordan shook his head.

"Why didn't somebody tell me about this?"

"I sent you a ten page memo about it last week," objected Clements,
somewhat aggrieved. "Gave you the whole story with extrapolations."

"Memo! You know I never read memos! I ought to fire you ... I would if I
could ... you ... you 'appointee.'"

Clements shook his head warningly. "Better not, chief. You'll need me
for the briefing."

"Briefing? What briefing?"

"_The_ briefing. You're scheduled to testify before