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path, Force X probably traveled—oh, say ten miles for each mile of diameter. The surveyors can give us the exact figures. What you’re saying is that Force X covered perhaps fifty miles in less than a minute, which would require an average velocity of. . .uh. . .something in excess of three thousand miles per hour.”
    “Something like that, sir,” Karvel said with a grin.
    “And since Force X was accelerating—you say—it must have been traveling considerably faster than that when it struck you.”
    “That’s the way I have it figured.”
    Colonel Stubbins leaned back disgustedly. “If you’d been struck by anything going that fast, your present physical dimensions would be a fraction of a millimeter thick by a good many yards square.”
    “I can’t disagree with you, sir. That I survived at all is an impossibility, but what’s one more impossibility among so many?”
    “Frankly, Major, I was hoping for something better than that from you—something rational, let’s say. What would be your evaluation of Force X as a military weapon?”
    “I don’t know. Against a specific target, it would depend on how accurately it could be delivered. Against a general target, such as a population center, it would frighten me.”
    “At least there’s one point we can agree on. If Force X had started its spirals in New York City’s Times Square, we’d have a catastrophe on our hands that almost defies description. We have to decide immediately whether this U.O. was delivered here by a foreign power, and if so, why this particular area was chosen—if it was chosen. The U.O. could have been aimed at this base, but Hatch Air Force Base isn’t as important as all that. Are we being given a few days to survey the damage before we receive an ultimatum, or was the U.O. intended for a major Midwest city and sent with unbelievably bad aim? The military implications— What’s that, Rogers?”
    “We’re wasting our time,” the army colonel said. “Obviously the major can’t help us on the critical point, but ask him anyway, and let’s get out of here.”
    “Ah—yes. Major Karvel, we’re assuming that the U.O. and Force-X represent cause and effect because the U.O.’s position is the precise center of the spiral. Among other things we’d like to know whether Force X commenced the instant the U.O. arrived, and since you didn’t see the U.O. arrive I don’t suppose you can help us.”
    “No, sir. I don’t suppose so.”
    “Time, gentlemen,” Colonel Vukin said.
    Colonel Stubbins ignored him. “Have you anything else to tell us about this, Major?”
    Karvel hesitated for a moment, shook his head. “No, sir.”
    “Thank you, Major. Except for that fat tavern owner, you’re our only witness of any consequence. If you think of anything else, I want to know about it immediately.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Stubbins got to his feet, pushed his chair back, and started for the door. Sergeant Gore closed her notebook with a snap and followed him. Colonel Frazier walked over to the bed.
    He said softly, “I have a message of commendation for you from the governor. Your prompt action in getting the rescue work started saved some lives, not to mention bringing speedy aid and comfort to the injured. I also want to apologize for what I said last night. On reflection, I decided that there was no way for you to know that Force X wouldn’t reach the base, and considering the destruction you’d seen, your action in suggesting a tornado alert was entirely proper.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    “I also want to compliment you for resisting what must have been a powerful urge to wave that damned butterfly under Colonel Stubbins’s nose.”
    “Thank you, sir, but you deserve the credit. You convinced me last night that I shouldn’t wave it.”
    Frazier turned away, his facial expression enigmatic. Colonel Rogers stood waiting in the doorway. “Coming?” Frazier asked Haskins.
    Haskins shook his head. “I’ll walk