X Minus One 55-04-24 001 No Contact

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio Summary

Episode: X Minus One 55-04-24 001 No Contact
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "No Contact," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a gripping science fiction narrative. The story delves into humanity's daring attempts to breach the enigmatic Galactic Barrier, an invisible obstacle that has thwarted space exploration for years. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, character developments, and pivotal moments.

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Setting and Background

The year is 1987, a pivotal time in human space exploration. After a decade of unsuccessful missions attempting to penetrate the Great Galactic Barrier, Captain Donald Thorson leads the sixth expedition aboard the rocket Star Cloud. The Galactic Barrier, dubbed the "wrecker of spaceships," has been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of five exploratory ships. Determined to succeed where others have failed, Captain Thorson and his crew set their sights on the distant planet Volta.

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Main Characters

• Captain Donald Thorson: The seasoned and resolute leader of the Star Cloud mission.
• Lieutenant Collier: The newly assigned navigator, trained for oversized tasks at the Naval Academy, and son of a former space explorer.
• Dr. Louis Smithson: The ship's physician and morale officer, struggling with space blues.
• Charlie: A mysterious stowaway with hidden motives, later revealed as an alien agent from Volta.
• Colonel Harrison: Ground Control Operator overseeing the mission from Earth.

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Plot Summary

Takeoff Preparations

The episode begins with the Star Cloud on the brink of takeoff. Tensions run high as Captain Thorson coordinates with his crew and Ground Control:

• [03:05] Captain Thorson instructs Lieutenant Collier to take over navigation.
• [04:12] Final countdown sequences create an atmosphere of anticipation.
• [04:34] An unexpected delay occurs when Ground Control detects a stowaway aboard the Star Cloud.

Discovery of the Stowaway

The presence of Charlie, the stowaway, introduces immediate conflict:

• [04:37] Captain Thorson grapples with the implications of the unauthorized passenger.
• [05:09] Charlie reveals his desire to assist, citing his extensive experience with space radio operations.
• [05:16] A heated exchange ensues as Charlie insists on staying aboard despite regulations.

Notable Quote:

"If you put a man like me on and off, I'll be getting you bedtime stories from Mars."
— Charlie [05:44]

Cliffhanger at the Barrier

As the Star Cloud approaches the Galactic Barrier, the crew faces technical challenges and psychological strains:

• [07:03] Lieutenant Collier successfully recalibrates the ship's course after a minor deflection caused by the stowaway's presence.
• [10:04] Captain Thorson discusses theories about the Galactic Barrier with Dr. Smithson, showcasing differing viewpoints on its nature.

Notable Quote:

"All I know is that five ships have gone into it and none of them have come back out."
— Captain Thorson [09:33]

The Reveal of the Alien Invasion

Tensions escalate as Charlie's true identity is unveiled:

• [20:03] Lieutenant Collier admits, "I am an agent of the Voltan government," shocking Captain Thorson and the crew.
• The revelation leads to a mutiny, with Voltans taking control of the Star Cloud.

Notable Quote:

"We've had agents operating on Earth since 1945."
— Lieutenant Collier [21:32]

Attempt to Communicate with Earth

Amidst the turmoil, Captain Thorson endeavors to warn Earth about the impending Voltan invasion:

• [25:00] Amidst chaos, Thorson desperately communicates with Charlie, emphasizing the threat:

  "They're planning to invade you. Posing as humans, you can detect them by space blues."
  — Captain Thorson [25:00]

Mutiny and Invasion

The Voltans swiftly overtake the Star Cloud, leading to the downfall of Captain Thorson and his loyal crew:

• [23:16] Lieutenant Collier declares the crew as his men, revealing that previous missions were controlled by Voltans.
• [24:57] Dr. Smithson, impacted by space blues, provides a covert message back to Earth about the Voltan fifth column.

Notable Quote:

"If you had a busy schedule, it's important to maximize your downtime."
— Charlie [22:34]

Final Transmission and Conclusion

As the Star Cloud succumbs to Voltan control, Captain Thorson makes a final plea to Earth:

• [26:16] Thorson urgently warns Earth about the Voltan threat:

  "They have a fifth column on Earth. They're planning to invade you."
  — Captain Thorson [26:16]

The episode concludes with the ominous success of the Star Cloud mission, setting the stage for future conflicts between humanity and the Voltan invaders.

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Themes and Insights

"No Contact" explores several compelling themes:

• Trust and Betrayal: The revelation of a stowaway as an alien agent underscores the fragility of trust within isolated environments.
• Isolation and Mental Health: Dr. Smithson's struggle with space blues highlights the psychological strains of space exploration.
• Human Resilience vs. Alien Intrigue: The episode juxtaposes human determination against sophisticated alien infiltration tactics.
• Communication and Miscommunication: The critical role of effective communication is emphasized, especially in high-stakes scenarios.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. "If you put a man like me on and off, I'll be getting you bedtime stories from Mars."
   — Charlie [05:44]

2. "All I know is that five ships have gone into it and none of them have come back out."
   — Captain Thorson [09:33]

3. "We've had agents operating on Earth since 1945."
   — Lieutenant Collier [21:32]

4. "They're planning to invade you. Posing as humans, you can detect them by space blues."
   — Captain Thorson [25:00]

5. "They have a fifth column on Earth. They're planning to invade you."
   — Captain Thorson [26:16]

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Conclusion

The "No Contact" episode of X Minus One masterfully weaves a narrative of suspense, betrayal, and impending doom. Through well-developed characters and a tightly plotted story, it captures the essence of classic radio dramas, offering listeners a captivating glimpse into humanity's venture into the unknown. As the Star Cloud's mission concludes with a dire warning, the episode leaves audiences eagerly anticipating the potential clash between humans and their Voltan adversaries.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Countdown for blast off. X minus 5 minus 4 minus 3 minus 2 x minus 1. Fire. From the far horizons of the unknown come tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future. Adventures in which you'll live in a million could be years on a thousand maybe worlds. The National Broadcasting Company presents X minus one. Tonight's story, no Contact. It was in the year of 1982 that spacemen first discovered the Great Galactic Barrier. In the past 10 years, Rocket traveled to the moon. And the nearer planets had become commonplace. And then men fixed their sights on a more distant star, a remote planet known as Volta. Five exploratory ships went out and none came back. Each in turn disappearing mysteriously at the same vanishing point. At an invisible wall somewhere in the vast outer reaches that became known as the wrecker of spaceships, the Galactic Reef. And yet the explorers refused to admit defeat. It was on June 2, 1987, that the rocket Star Cloud made ready for takeoff. The sixth to attempt to crack the barrier and win through to Volta.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Now hear this. Condition Green. Two minutes to blast off. Condition Green. Two minutes to blast off.

[Dr. Smithson]

Well, Lois, this is it.

[Captain Thorson]

I don't suppose you'll be needing the.

[Dr. Smithson]

Ship'S doctor up here on the bridge during blastoise?

[Captain Thorson]

I think not, Smitty. There's little chance of acceleration bends in these new overdrive ships.

[Dr. Smithson]

I'll be in my office then counting vitamin pills if you need me. It's only a few steps. Good luck, Lewis.

[Captain Thorson]

Thank you, Smitty. Lieutenant Collier. Yes, sir? You're relieved. You'd better get down to navigation control and take over. Yes, sir. Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

We've never flown together before. This is your first flight in a space vessel as big as the Star cloud?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir, but I was trained in oversized jobs at the Naval Academy.

[Captain Thorson]

Well, if you are half as good a navigator as your father was, you'll do fine.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Thank you, sir. Did you ship out with my father?

[Captain Thorson]

I served under him on one of the first rocket runs to the moon.

[Lieutenant Collier]

I see.

[Captain Thorson]

I almost went along on his last trip to the barrier. Too bad about that.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

That's all.

[Ground Control Operator]

Lieutenant Pollson.

[Captain Thorson]

Get me the ground control tower on the field. I want to talk to Colonel Harrison.

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, sir. Go ahead. Sir, I patched in the bridge speaker.

[Captain Thorson]

Colonel Harrison?

[Colonel Harrison]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

We're standing by for takeoff in 30 seconds.

[Colonel Harrison]

Good. The field is cleared of all personnel. We'll try to re establish radio contact immediately after takeoff. In any event, there'll be a 24 hour ground monitor.

[Captain Thorson]

Fine.

[Colonel Harrison]

Good luck. Hope you make it.

[Captain Thorson]

Thank you. Bridge to navigation. Control. Have Control Collier ready, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Collier]

We're ready, Captain. The course is in the integrator for takeoff at 1200 hours.

[Captain Thorson]

All right. Stand by for blastoff. Bridge to engine room. Fire up your rocket chambers. Take off at exactly 1200 hours. I'll read you off. 20 seconds. 19, 18. 17. 16. Hold it. Revoke all orders. Who turned in that alarm?

[Ground Control Operator]

Sir, we've uncovered a stowaway.

[Captain Thorson]

Stowaway? Where?

[Ground Control Operator]

Hiding in sick bay. Dr. Smithson found him.

[Captain Thorson]

Have him brought up to the bridge. Engine room. Kill your rockets and standby.

[Colonel Harrison]

Thorson, this is Colonel Harrison in ground control. What's holding you up?

[Captain Thorson]

Trouble.

[Colonel Harrison]

What's the matter with you?

[Captain Thorson]

What's the matter with you? There's a stowaway aboard. Stowaway? Yes. I thought your men were supposed to police this base. What's the matter with you?

[Colonel Harrison]

Captain, take it easy.

[Captain Thorson]

You know what this delay can do to us, don't you? One minute later. Takeoff can throw us a million miles off course. We'll have to reintegrate the whole works.

[Colonel Harrison]

Well, look, how long do you think it'll take?

[Captain Thorson]

Don't bother for me for a while. I'm busy. Stupid idiot.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Captain Carson?

[Captain Thorson]

Yes, Come in, Smitty.

[Dr. Smithson]

Here's your story.

[Captain Thorson]

Oh, Charlie.

[Charlie]

Can you use a good radio man, Skipper?

[Dr. Smithson]

Well, I see you two have met.

[Charlie]

Met, skipper? Me? Made 50 trips to the moon together, didn't we, Skipper?

[Captain Thorson]

Charlie, if you wanted to come along, why didn't you volunteer?

[Charlie]

I did, Skipper. They. They turned me down.

[Captain Thorson]

What's wrong with you?

[Charlie]

Acceleration, Benz. They said my arteries wouldn't stand another trip.

[Captain Thorson]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Charlie]

But they're wrong, Skipper. I got one more good trip in me. Listen, Skipper, you. You know that these green kids, they don't know the first thing about space radio operation.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Now, you.

[Charlie]

You put a man like me on and off. I'll be getting you bedtime stories from Mars.

[Captain Thorson]

Charlie, you know the regulations as well as I do. I can't take you, much as I'd like to.

[Charlie]

Colonel Harrison will murder me for this, and I'm sorry.

[Captain Thorson]

Charlie, I'll have you put a ground. I'll tell you what. I'll ask Harrison to put you on as ground radio contact. It'll seem as if you're right here with us.

[Charlie]

He won't do it, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Well, he'd better. I'll have him busted, the corporal, for letting you sneak aboard. Look, Charlie. Look. You better be off, Paulson.

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

I'm sending this man aground. Give him time to clear the launching platform.

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

So long, Charlie. I'm sorry.

[Charlie]

Good luck, Skip.

[Dr. Smithson]

I thought you were going to have him drawn and quartered.

[Captain Thorson]

If it had been anyone else, I would have, Smitty. But Charlie, well, he's kind of special. It's been with me since my first command when we began the regular run to the moon. And if you wanted to come along this time, well, it's only through loyalty to me.

[Dr. Smithson]

You know, Lewis, I didn't realize it before, but you're almost human.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Captain Thorson, nav control. Collier.

[Captain Thorson]

Oh, yes, Lieutenant. How badly are we fouled up? Can you recalculate the course or shall I cancel the takeoff?

[Lieutenant Collier]

I've already plotted a new course on the integrator, sir. If we take off in exactly 30 seconds, we'll need to correct for only a 1 degree deflection. I can do that before we breach the stratosphere.

[Captain Thorson]

That's quick work. Are you sure?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir. Positive, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

All right, Collier, I'm putting it in your hands. We'll blast off on your signal signal. Bridge to engine room. Prepare to blast off on navigator signal. How are we doing, Collier?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Coming on the bearing, sir. That's 4, 3, 2, 0. We've intersected the course vector.

[Captain Thorson]

Good work, Carter.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Course is corrected, sir. We're ready to go into atomic overdrive anytime you say.

[Captain Thorson]

All right. Stand by.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Now hear this. Now hear this. Prepare for maximum acceleration. Bridge to engine room. Kill your rockets.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Rockets out.

[Captain Thorson]

Fire up number one. Cyclotron.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Number one ready.

[Captain Thorson]

Fire up number two.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Number two ready.

[Captain Thorson]

Withdraw your dampening rods.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Mission chamber ready. Glass tubes cleared. Coal generators operating at capacity. Take it over, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Go into overdrive at the count of zero. Three seconds, Mr. Collier. Three, two, two, one, two, zero, zero. How are we doing, Collier?

[Lieutenant Collier]

On course, sir. She's running hot and true.

[Captain Thorson]

My compliments, Lieutenant. This job would have done your Father credit. And he was the best navigation officer I ever saw.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Start your gyros. Put her on robot control. All right, the bridge is yours, Mr. Collier. If you need me, I'll be in Dr. Smithson's office.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Smithson]

Lewis. I see you've got us off the ground.

[Captain Thorson]

You can thank young Collier for that. Chip off the old block.

[Dr. Smithson]

You knew his father?

[Captain Thorson]

As a matter of fact, I knew him very well. First rate space man.

[Dr. Smithson]

Is he the one?

[Captain Thorson]

Yes, yes, he was lost in the galactic barrier on the second ship we sent out to Voldemort.

[Dr. Smithson]

Lewis, just what do you think this galactic barrier is?

[Captain Thorson]

Oh, your guess is as good as mine, Doc. All I know is that five ships have gone into it and none of them have come back out.

[Dr. Smithson]

You think it's a nit? How about Mestrovic's theory? That it's a time warp in space? That the ships reach it and slip into another dimension?

[Captain Thorson]

I think that's a lot of rubbish. My theory is that the galactic barrier is nothing more than a radioactive layer of some kind.

[Dr. Smithson]

Why do you say that?

[Captain Thorson]

Well, we know that radar signals bounce off it like they were hitting an invisible glass wall. And we know that it destroys our ships and crews in some way. There's no other logical explanation.

[Dr. Smithson]

What makes you think we can get through it, Louis?

[Captain Thorson]

Because we're ready for it. The others weren't. The entire hull of this ship is completely shielded with lead. We can crack through any radioactive cloud ever detected. Besides, we're equipped with some new UHF radio devices that should enable us to maintain radio contact with Earth. Nothing can happen. Absolutely nothing.

[Dr. Smithson]

Now, who are you trying to convince?

[Captain Thorson]

Myself, I suppose.

[Dr. Smithson]

Lewis, you've had your share of glory. First skipper to reach the moon back in 1962. You could have retired. Why are you risking this trip?

[Captain Thorson]

Five ships are missing. Men like Prentice Margaretson, Young Collier's father. I'm tired of seeing good men fed into that meat chopper.

[Dr. Smithson]

Then why are we going to Boulder?

[Captain Thorson]

We haven't any choice, Smitty. We're in a race. The kind of race where men and ships are expendable.

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[Captain Thorson]

According to the interspace code, the first nation to reach Volta can claim it.

[Dr. Smithson]

Well, personally, I want no party. I'll have to play physician, morale builder and mother substitute for 112 slightly nervous men.

[Captain Thorson]

And your morale doesn't sound too good, Doug.

[Dr. Smithson]

As morale officer, I can state without fear of contradiction, it is terrible. And something tells me as we approach that galactic barrier, I'm not going to be alone.

[Captain Thorson]

Hello, Earth. Hello, Earth. Captain Thorson of the Star Cloud calling Earth.

[Charlie]

Hello, Star Cloud.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Hi, Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

Charlie. Well, I see they haven't court martialed you yet.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

No, sir.

[Charlie]

Thanks to you.

[Captain Thorson]

That's good to hear you. You can read us the funny papers on Sunday morning. All right now, how's our signal?

[Charlie]

Strong.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Clear as a bell.

[Captain Thorson]

Now, here's our log report for Colonel Harrison. You ready? Shoot. June 2, 1987. Four weeks out from Earth, running through no radiation, Operation normal. Still making our approach to the galactic barrier. That's all, Charlie. See you later.

[Charlie]

Good luck, Captain.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

I sure wish I was with you.

[Captain Thorson]

How's the morale, Smitty?

[Dr. Smithson]

The men know we're getting closer to the barrier. They're beginning to show a little tension.

[Captain Thorson]

How's their physical condition? Any sickness?

[Dr. Smithson]

About half the crew was condoned with space blues.

[Captain Thorson]

I was afraid of that. Are they bad? Same as usual.

[Dr. Smithson]

Lips and hands with a bluish cast. Eyes are sensitive to infrareds.

[Captain Thorson]

I don't know. When I first started flying these tin cans, nobody ever heard of space blues.

[Dr. Smithson]

Well, now, there's a theory. It's caused by the terrific acceleration of atomic overdrive. Change in gravity of affects the circulation.

[Captain Thorson]

Hmm. What do you think?

[Dr. Smithson]

I think it's psychosomatic. I've noticed that the same men who get space blues under tension on a ship tend to get blue coloration back on Earth when they're upset. I guess it's just an occupational disease of space napkins.

[Captain Thorson]

You think it's just nerves then?

[Dr. Smithson]

Well, young Collier's got a bad case. I think it's tension from overwork.

[Captain Thorson]

Maybe you need some vitamins, Louis.

[Dr. Smithson]

When will you realize that vitamins are not a panacea for all the troubles of mankind?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Sir, I understand that you've relieved me from duty.

[Captain Thorson]

Well, Dr. Smithson says you aren't looking very well, Collier. I'm giving you a rest, sir.

[Lieutenant Collier]

I feel perfectly able to continue.

[Captain Thorson]

Your lips are as blue as Minnetonka.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Captain, I'd like to remain at my post.

[Captain Thorson]

Don't be foolhardy, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Collier]

I'm not being foolhardy, sir. I have a special personal reason for wanting this expedition to reach Volta.

[Captain Thorson]

Your father?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

You think he might still be alive?

[Lieutenant Collier]

I have to find out what happened, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

I think I understand. Very well, Collier. Report back to duty. What's the reading policy?

[Ground Control Operator]

We're getting a plus five radar bounce now. Coming off the barrier almost as fast as we sent it out.

[Captain Thorson]

What's the interval?

[Ground Control Operator]

2 seconds. Shortening steadily this rate. We'll hit the wall in the next few minutes.

[Captain Thorson]

All right. Alert the crew. Sound general quarters.

[Ground Control Operator]

Now hear this Condition read. We are now approaching the galactic barrier. All hands to stations. All radiation detectors to be fully manned. Full security will prevail until further notice.

[Captain Thorson]

That is all, Pollison.

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

The radar bounces up to plus six. We'd better try to make final contact with Earth. Is Spark still trying to raise the base?

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, but he's not having much luck. Seems to be some interference. That's a radio room now. Yes, you've got him. Well, cut in on the bridge. Speaker. Captain will take it from here.

[Captain Thorson]

Hello, Star cloud to Earth. Can you hear me, Earth?

[Charlie]

Hello, Skipper. I can barely read you. You're getting heavy static from sunspots.

[Captain Thorson]

That's not sunspots, Charlie. We're right on top of the galactic barrier. Getting a plus. No, a plus 7 radar bounce. Expect to hit the barrier almost any second now. Good luck, Skipper. If we crack the barrier and come through still in one piece, I'll try to get back to you on the high frequency band.

[Charlie]

Gotcha, Skipper.

[Captain Thorson]

Don't worry. I'll be waiting. So long, Charlie.

[Charlie]

So long, Sky.

[Ground Control Operator]

Our cloud must be getting awfully close now, Captain. Echo's bouncing back so fast it's almost beating the signal.

[Captain Thorson]

When they go inside, hold on to your hat. That's when we run into the wall.

[Ground Control Operator]

Any second.

[Captain Thorson]

Hold on.

[Ground Control Operator]

Here goes nothing.

[Captain Thorson]

Here.

[Charlie]

It's.

[Ground Control Operator]

Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

Nothing happened.

[Ground Control Operator]

We made it. We made it, Captain. No radiation, no time warp, no nothing. The crew's gone crazy, sir.

[Charlie]

Let them.

[Captain Thorson]

They've earned it. Doc, can you break out a few bottles of snake bite serum for medicinal purposes? I sure can, Lois. This calls for a celebration. How's your morale now? It couldn't be better. How's yours? Couldn't be better. What the.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Condition red. Condition red radiation, detectives. Condition red radiation, Detective.

[Dr. Smithson]

Holy mackerel. Look at the needle on that indicator.

[Captain Thorson]

Mollison. Mollison. Yes, I see it, Captain.

[Ground Control Operator]

Picking Radiation like crazy.

[Captain Thorson]

What's it like?

[Ground Control Operator]

That's a strong impulse.

[Captain Thorson]

What kind?

[Ground Control Operator]

I don't know. It's too long for a cosmic ray. Too short for uhf. Whatever it is, sir, the ship is lousy.

[Captain Thorson]

Well, track it down, triangulate it and make it fast. I want a directional fix. Yes, sir. Engine room.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

We're picking up radioactivity. Is the fish in chambers?

[Lieutenant Pollison]

No leak here, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Check your gauges.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Nothing here, Captain. Must be coming from outside.

[Captain Thorson]

Damage control, is our lead shield leaking radiation? We'll keep at it. Bollison, how are you doing?

[Ground Control Operator]

I've got to fix the captain.

[Captain Thorson]

Well, what is it?

[Ground Control Operator]

I'll have to recheck my figures.

[Captain Thorson]

Now, hurry it up.

[Ground Control Operator]

Angle is correct.

[Captain Thorson]

But I. Come on, man. For Pete's sake, where's the radiation coming from?

[Dr. Smithson]

Surgeon?

[Ground Control Operator]

It's coming from inside the ship.

[Captain Thorson]

That's impossible.

[Dr. Smithson]

No, sir.

[Ground Control Operator]

I've checked it twice.

[Captain Thorson]

Well, it's got to be the engines then.

[Ground Control Operator]

If it is, sir, we're finished.

[Captain Thorson]

Engine room.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

That radiation must be in the overdrive pile.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

No, sir. It isn't here, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Are you certain?

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

All right, keep checking. There's only one thing left to do. Paulison, get a Geiger counter. We're gonna start combing this ship inch by inch. Yes, sir. All right, turn it on.

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Charlie]

All right.

[Ground Control Operator]

Ready, Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

We'll check the atomic guns first. Come on. We'll cut through the officer's quarters here to ordinance. I'll turn here.

[Ground Control Operator]

Wait a minute, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Huh? What is it?

[Ground Control Operator]

The signal's weaker now.

[Captain Thorson]

Yeah. Let's go back. Hold it. Hold it. Seems strongest right about here.

[Ground Control Operator]

Doesn't make sense.

[Captain Thorson]

Whose cabin is this?

[Ground Control Operator]

Lieutenant Collier's.

[Captain Thorson]

Collier?

[Ground Control Operator]

Oh, he's down in that control, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Oh. I'll try the door.

[Ground Control Operator]

It's not locked, sir. It's in here. All right. Listen to that. Counter strongest over here.

[Captain Thorson]

Open that wall cabinet.

[Ground Control Operator]

It's locked.

[Lieutenant Collier]

I'll smash it.

[Captain Thorson]

Shut off that Geiger counter. Now. What do you make of this, Paulson?

[Ground Control Operator]

It looks like some sort of portable transmitter, sir. Must be foreign manufacture. I don't recognize the calibration symbols at all. I've never seen anything like it.

[Captain Thorson]

Which raises a small question. What is Lieutenant Collier doing with a transmitter in his cabin?

[Ground Control Operator]

I don't know, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Well, I intend to find out. Paulison, get down to nav control and bring Collier up to the bridge on the double.

[Ground Control Operator]

Well, hadn't we better find some way to shut this thing off first?

[Captain Thorson]

I know a way. Lieutenant Collier, I'm Going to ask a few simple questions, and I want a few simple answers.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

What were you doing with a transmitter in your cabin?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Transmitter, Captain?

[Captain Thorson]

Oh, you know nothing about it.

[Lieutenant Collier]

No, sir, I don't.

[Captain Thorson]

Do you recognize these calibration symbols?

[Lieutenant Collier]

No, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Can you think of how it might have been placed in your cabin without your knowing it?

[Lieutenant Collier]

No, sir. Unless someone came in while I was on duty.

[Captain Thorson]

Would that have been possible?

[Lieutenant Collier]

I suppose so. If someone had a key.

[Captain Thorson]

I found your cabin door unlocked.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Well, I meant a key to the wall cabinet.

[Captain Thorson]

I didn't say the wall cabinet.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Well, I.

[Captain Thorson]

You what, Lieutenant? How could you have known it was in the wall cabinet?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Well, I just assumed, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Lieutenant Collier, I find it hard to believe you would lie. Having known and respected your father. Having observed the way you handle your job. However, I intend to get to the root of this thing. May I have your wristwatch, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Sir?

[Captain Thorson]

Your wristwatch.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Paulison, turn on that Geiger counter.

[Charlie]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Hold this. Watch next to it.

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

That's all, Lieutenant. If you hadn't any close contact with that transmitter, how do you explain the radioactivity of this watch?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Can I? I don't, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

I think you'd better. To whom were you sending those signals?

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Condition Red.

[Lieutenant Collier]

There's your answer, Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

What is this, Collier?

[Lieutenant Pollison]

Alien spaceship approach. Alien spaceship approach.

[Captain Thorson]

Collier, who's aboard that ship? All right, now talk.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Very well, Captain. My mission seems completed.

[Captain Thorson]

Your mission? Are you admitting that you're an agent of a foreign power?

[Lieutenant Collier]

I am.

[Captain Thorson]

Sorry.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Stating it.

[Captain Thorson]

What nation?

[Lieutenant Collier]

No nation, Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

What?

[Lieutenant Collier]

I am an agent of the Voltan government.

[Captain Thorson]

Oh, what?

[Lieutenant Collier]

The government of the planet of Volta.

[Captain Thorson]

You're crazy.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Are you so stupid, Captain? Did you think your people are the only ones who can invade another planet?

[Captain Thorson]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Collier]

We've had agents operating on Earth since 1945.

[Captain Thorson]

I don't believe you.

[Lieutenant Collier]

What do you think happened to those five ships, Captain? Where do you suppose we got our information? Your language, your culture, family, background, appearance.

[Captain Thorson]

You look like.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Like Commander Collier. Well, is that so surprising, Captain? You see, Captain, we had a living model.

[Captain Thorson]

I ought to kill you.

[Lieutenant Collier]

That would be very foolish, Captain. I would advise you to surrender without delayed.

[Captain Thorson]

Ship now coming into ordinance range. I'll deal with you later, Collier. Pollican.

[Ground Control Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Thorson]

Put this man in irons. Take him away.

[Ground Control Operator]

Don't worry, sir. We'll take good care of him.

[Charlie]

Carpenter, Robinson.

[Captain Thorson]

Gunnery.

[Colonel Harrison]

Gunnery. Richardson.

[Captain Thorson]

What's the range?

[Colonel Harrison]

10,000 meters. They're closing fast.

[Captain Thorson]

Put your guns on radar. Tracking.

[Colonel Harrison]

Tracking. Coming on the bearing.

[Captain Thorson]

Fire. Fire. Richardson. Richardson, did you hear me? Fire. What's the matter down there? Did you hear me? Richardson, answer me.

[Lieutenant Collier]

It's no use to shout. Captain Collier.

[Captain Thorson]

How did you get loose? Where's Paulison?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Lieutenant Paulison is dead.

[Captain Thorson]

All stations. Lieutenant Collier has escaped. Seizing men.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Don't waste your breath. Your men can't hear you. Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

What?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Those still alive are my men. No, Captain. Every ship that has ever left Earth was controlled by a Voltan crew.

[Captain Thorson]

That's impossible. Those were handpicked men.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Handpicked by us.

[Captain Thorson]

I don't believe you.

[Lieutenant Collier]

No? Then why not call for help?

[Captain Thorson]

Carpenter, Robinson, Haley. Report.

[Lieutenant Collier]

You see, Captain Cap.

[Captain Thorson]

Carpenter. Robinson, Haley.

[Lieutenant Collier]

It's quite useless, Captain. I would advise you to sit very quietly and do nothing.

[Captain Thorson]

Very well, Collier. You've beaten us. What now?

[Lieutenant Collier]

The ship will be taken to Volta for, shall we say, further experimentation.

[Captain Thorson]

I see. Of course, there's one thing you hadn't counted on.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Dust. What is that? Captain.

[Captain Thorson]

Carpenter, are you in there? Lieutenant Carpenter? They can't all be dead. There must be one alive. Smitty. Dr. Smithson.

[Dr. Smithson]

Smitty.

[Captain Thorson]

Smitty. What have they done to him? Dirty. Don't talk.

[Dr. Smithson]

I must lean. Lean closer. There's not much time. Louis. Space blues.

[Captain Thorson]

Space blues. What is it, Smitty? What are you trying to tell me?

[Dr. Smithson]

All men with space blues. Voltans.

[Captain Thorson]

Let me help you.

[Dr. Smithson]

Oh, Lewis. Get message back to Earth. Voltan, fifth column. Watch out for space.

[Captain Thorson]

Smitty.

[Charlie]

Smitty.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Captain Thorson, you can't hide from us now. Come back to the bridge and surrender. All my men will come and get you.

[Captain Thorson]

Hello? Hello? Star Cloud calling Earth. Please, God, let me get through before it's too late.

[Lieutenant Collier]

Hello?

[Captain Thorson]

Starcloud to Earth. Come in, please. Come in, please. Hello? Hello? Star Cloud to Earth. Captain Thorson calling Charlie. Come in, please. Hurry.

[Charlie]

Hello? Oh, hello.

[Captain Thorson]

Can you hear me, Charlie?

[Charlie]

Skipper, is that you?

[Captain Thorson]

Are you getting my signal?

[Charlie]

It's coming in a little louder now, Skip. Keep sending.

[Ground Control Operator]

God.

[Captain Thorson]

Now, look, Charlie, listen to me. Not much time. Get word to Colonel Harrison. Crew mutinied. Most of crew members. Fultons. What? Fultons.

[Charlie]

Spell that.

[Captain Thorson]

V, O, L. That's right. They're from the planet Volta.

[Charlie]

Skipper. Skipper, are you all right?

[Captain Thorson]

Charlie, this is serious. They'll be here any second. Now, listen. They have a fifth column on Earth. They're planning to invade you.

[Dr. Smithson]

You mean it?

[Captain Thorson]

Of course I mean it. Tell Harrison. Posing as humans, you can detect them by space brews. You got that? Only Fultons get. Space Blue. Charlie. Did you hear me?

[Charlie]

Space Blue. I get you.

[Captain Thorson]

They're breaking in. Charlie. I'm depending on you. Warn everybody. Captain, They've opened the door. So long, Charlie. Tell Captain.

[Charlie]

Captain Thorson.

[Captain Thorson]

Hello? Hello?

[Lieutenant Collier]

Star cloud.

[Colonel Harrison]

What's the trouble, Sergeant?

[Charlie]

I was just trying to raise a star cloud, Colonel.

[Lieutenant Pollison]

I.

[Dr. Smithson]

Had.

[Colonel Harrison]

Any luck?

[Charlie]

No, sir. No contact.

[Colonel Harrison]

No contact, eh?

[Charlie]

No, sir.

[Colonel Harrison]

Nearly an hour since they hit the galactic barrier. I don't understand why they haven't tried to get a message back.

[Charlie]

No, sir. Neither do I. Oh, all right.

[Colonel Harrison]

I'll take over for a while.

[Charlie]

Yes, you. You do that, sir. It's all yours.

[Captain Thorson]

Right.

[Colonel Harrison]

Oh, and Charlie, you better go out and get yourself some coffee. You look a little blue around the gill.

[Narrator]

Tonight. X minus one has brought you no contact. Written by George Lefferts from an original story of leopards and Ernest Kinoy. Featured in the cast were Louis Van Ruden as Captain Donald Bucca as Collier, Wendell Holmes as Charlie and Bill Griffiths, Bill Smith, Matt Crowley and Ken Williams. Your announcer, Don Pardo. X minus one was directed by Fred Way and is the transcribed NBC Radio Network production.

[Captain Thorson]

And now, next week.

[Narrator]

When you want to take over a world, you naturally look for its weak point. Some way to catch its people off guard. We live in a world where everybody loves a parade. A world of press agents and publicity stunts. But who would ever dream that invaders from outer space would take advantage of that weakness and actually hire a press agent to advertise their coming? Who would believe it was anything but just another publicity gag? At least not until the terrible moment when it was already too late. The moment of X minus one.

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