The Electronic Burglar by Space Patrol

Summary

Relic Radio Sci-Fi: "The Electronic Burglar" (Space Patrol)

Aired: May 11, 2026
Podcast: Relic Radio Sci-Fi
Host: RelicRadio.com
Episode: "The Electronic Burglar" (originally Space Patrol)

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode of "Space Patrol," Commander Buzz Corey and Cadet Happy investigate a baffling high-tech burglary at the Marist Design and Development Company. The story rapidly escalates from a routine security case to a desperate struggle for survival in the Martian desert. Listeners experience old-school sci-fi charm, inventive gadgets, intrigue, and the unshakable morality of golden-age heroes—along with the ever-memorable dynamic between Commander Corey and his trusty sidekick.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Mysterious Martian Mishap (00:01–01:30)

• Opening Scene: Corey and Happy, stranded 100 miles from the nearest city on a Martian desert, encounter poisonous lichens that threaten to suffocate them.
• Quote:
  • "Something's wrong with my throat, Commander. It feels tight, hard to breathe." (Cadet Happy, 01:08)
  • "Every time you take a step, the plants shoot out spores poisoning the atmosphere." (Commander Corey, 01:15)

2. The Burglary at Marist Company (02:55–05:37)

• Setup: Security at the Marist vault has been breached by a sophisticated thief who bypasses advanced alarms and melts through the vault's endurium door.
• Suspicion: Corey suspects an inside job but credits the integrity of Marist executives.
• Key Clue: Fragments of glasses found inside the vault hint at the culprit.
• Quote:
  • "Whoever did this job was extremely familiar with your operations." (Commander Corey, 04:09)
  • "The only sign of force inside or out is at the vault door...Yet several hours too late. By the time our men got here, the metal on the endurium door had cooled." (Maris, executive, 03:23–04:02)
• Notable Detail: Stolen "analscope" plans are highly valuable, able to detect minerals deep underground.

3. The Inside Job Unfolds (07:22–08:31)

• Behind the Scenes: The real thieves, machinist Ward Stokes and accomplice Bartram/Boucher, gloat over their successful heist and ingenious use of a "robot burglar."
• The Device: The “electronic burglar” is cleverly disguised as an instrument case and is trained via a set built to duplicate the real office.
• Quote:
  • "Not even Buzz Corey would suspect this small box of being an electronic burglar." (Bartram, 07:03)
  • "The toughest part of the whole job was getting a hold of Merritt's burglar alarm key long enough to make a duplicate." (Bartram, 08:24)

4. Tracking Down the Culprits (09:00–13:54)

• Investigation: Despite brainograph tests clearing Maris and his chief engineer, suspicion falls on Stokes after linking him to both the crime scene and optical expertise.
• Discovery: Corey and Happy visit Stokes, finding a stage set identical to Maris's office and witnessing the "robot burglar" in action.
• Confrontation: The perpetrators pull weapons as Corey confronts them.
• Quote:
  • "How does that thing get started?" (Commander Corey, 12:41)
  • "A very clever machine, Stokes. So that's how the alarm system was shut off." (Corey, 13:05)
  • "That'll be enough, Corey. Get your hands up." (Bartram, 13:14)

5. Abduction & Stranded in the Martian Desert (15:34–17:59)

• Capture: Corey and Happy are overpowered and taken, along with Boucher, to a Martian hideout.
• Escape Attempt: Tied up and guarded, they plot an escape by exploiting Martian conditions—overheating the room to fog up the guard's glasses.
• Quote:
  • "If we can work loose before the ship lands, we might be able to fight our way out of this mess." (Corey, 15:55)
  • "When Boucher comes into this heated room, I have a hunch he'll have some trouble with his glasses...." (Corey, 18:13)

6. Survival on the Martian Desert (20:01–22:36)

• Crossing the Desert: With minimal supplies, the group attempts a trek across poisonous lichen fields toward a distant relay tower.
• Danger: The plant spores cause respiratory distress, threatening to paralyze their breathing.
• Decision: They decide to try to trigger a rescue by misaligning the relay tower’s power beam, risking technical consequences for their own lifesaving.
• Quote:
  • "If we keep inhaling them, they'll paralyze our breathing muscles. We'll suffocate." (Corey, 21:03)
  • "If we were to turn those wheels, it would interrupt the power beam...They'd have to send somebody out to investigate." (Corey, 22:14–22:25)

7. Rescue & Final Showdown (23:41–25:14)

• Rescue: A power commission ship responds and lands, rescuing the group.
• Wrap-Up: Corey and Happy head for Lowell City, where they capture Stokes and the fence, Sark, in the act of trading the stolen designs.
• Quote:
  • "Commander, look—it's an atmosphere ship and it's headed right for us." (Cadet Happy, 23:41)
  • "All right, Stokes, you had enough? ...How did you get out of the desert?" (Cadet Happy, 25:01–25:13)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Every time you take a step, the plants shoot out spores poisoning the atmosphere." (Commander Corey, 01:15)
• "Not even Buzz Corey would suspect this small box of being an electronic burglar." (Bartram, 07:03)
• "If we were to turn those wheels, it would interrupt the power beam...They'd have to send somebody out to investigate." (Corey, 22:14–22:25)
• "Let's relax...Ah, you got the heater? I told you Space Patrolmen were hearty souls accustomed to cold." (Corey, 18:39)
• Showdown: The clever use of the Martian environment (fogged glasses) to turn the tables on their captors is classic Space Patrol ingenuity.

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Important Timestamps

• 00:01–01:30: Opening stranded on Martian desert; poisonous lichens introduced.
• 02:55–04:34: Burglary at Marist vault recounted.
• 05:37–08:31: Discovery of glasses fragments and thieves' backstage plot.
• 09:26–12:11: Visit to Stokes; discovery of stage set office and robot burglar in action.
• 13:54–15:34: Corey and Happy captured at gunpoint.
• 16:58–18:54: In Martian hideout; escape by fogging glasses.
• 19:53–20:58: Venture across poisonous lichen desert.
• 22:36–23:41: Fiddling with relay tower, and rescue.
• 24:30–25:13: Final confrontation with Stokes and recovery of the stolen plans.

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Episode Tone & Style

• Language: Straightforward, sincere, optimistic, and briskly paced—a classic 1950s heroic sci-fi radio vibe.
• Atmosphere: Adventurous, occasionally tense, but always with a tone of problem-solving and moral rectitude.

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Next Week's Preview (26:43–27:17)

Teaser: Buzz and Happy face engineered sun mirrors wielded as weapons on a Venusian food farm.

• "Happy, don't look at those reflectors. They'll blind you." (Corey, 27:04)
• Danger escalates as villains close in with deadly heat beams.

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This episode delivers the signature Space Patrol mix of clever plot mechanics, suspense, and optimistic heroics, painting a vintage picture of how sci-fi radio imagined interplanetary justice and technological intrigue.

Transcript

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Relic radio. This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old Time Radio Science fiction stories from relicradio.com.

[Cadet Happy]

Wheatjacks, Rice Jacks and Good Hot Wilson Present Space Pitfall

[Narrator]

I Adventure in the wild vast reaches of space. Missions of daring in the name of interplanetary justice. Travel into the future with Buzz Corey, Commander in Chief of the space platform. In today's transcribed adventure, Buzz and Happy are stranded on The Martian desert, 100

[Commander Buzz Corey]

miles from the nearest city.

[Narrator]

They've just come to an expanse of tiny green plants carpeting the desert for miles.

[Cadet Happy]

Something's wrong with my throat, Commander. It feels tight, hard to breathe.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Mine's the same way, Happy.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

It couldn't be the dust coming up from the ground.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

No, it comes from the plant. Every time you take a step, the plants shoot out spores poisoning the atmosphere.

[Cadet Happy]

It's getting worse, Commander.

[Narrator]

What's still worse?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

These are poisonous lich poison.

[Narrator]

What are we going to do with it?

[Cadet Happy]

We can't go back.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

As we go on, these plant spores will paralyze our breathing muscles.

[Narrator]

We'll suffocate. We'll be back in just a moment with today's Space Patrol story. The Electronic Burglar say you want to have some fun, gang?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Well, listen to this jet cycle.

[Narrator]

There's nothing in the tank but ordinary fuel. And here's the result. Just a putt, putt. That's all it is with ordinary fuel. But pour in some super fuel.

[Cadet Happy]

Wow.

[Narrator]

That's just like this. Supercharged Now. Yes sir, gang. When it comes to supercharging, you need super fuel. And the same thing is true of you, especially in the morning when you haven't had a bite to eat for hours. So to really get up ahead of steam, to really get set for a lightning takeoff, you have to get supercharged.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

And here's Buzz Corey's way of doing it.

[Narrator]

He eats a good breakfast with Rice Chex or Wheat Chex, the super cereals that have to supercharge you. Bite sized Chex. Chex. The cereals that taste so good. Chex. The cereals that are so crisp, so absolutely different. So take a tip from Buzz Corey. Eat a good breakfast with a super cereal and get supercharged. The super cereals. Rice Chex, Wheat Chex. Even on the man made planet Terra

[Commander Buzz Corey]

itself, few citizens are aware of the

[Narrator]

existence of the Marist Design and Development Company. Yet from Mercury to Pluto, there's hardly a man, woman or child whose life isn't made more secure and pleasant because of the engineering. Know how in the creation of electronic

[Commander Buzz Corey]

devices by the Maris Company and so when Howard Maris reported that his terror

[Narrator]

offices had been burglarized, Commander Corey assumed personal charge of the investigation.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Right now, Buzz and Happy are standing

[Narrator]

before the damaged door of America's company

[Commander Buzz Corey]

vault, questioning the perplexed and worried executive, Howard Maris. I can't understand why the alarm system didn't work. I said it myself last night, just as I always do. How do you set it? There's a lock switch in my private office. Once that switch is set, nobody can force an entrance to the building without setting off the alarm. But what if somebody had the key to the outside doors? If they used it before regular opening time, even a key would set off the alarm. The only sign of force inside or out is at the vault door. Mr. Maris, are you positive you set the alarm switch last night? Absolutely. And the alarm did work, you know. Yes, but several hours too late. By the time our men got here, the metal on the endurium door had cooled where the automobile torch had melted it. It's the most baffling thing I've ever run into, Commander. One fact is pretty clear, Mr. Maris. Yes, what's that? Whoever did this job was extremely familiar with your operations. Are you suggesting it was an inside job? It almost had to be. Just look at what was taken. Yes, the anal scope plans, the most valuable thing in the vault.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Excuse me, sir, but what is this anal scope?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

It's a device for detecting mineral deposits hundreds of feet underground. It's 10 times more efficient than any other instrument or method. We have those plans in the hands of someone who knows their value are worth at least a million space credits.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Wow.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Oh, excuse me. Yes, Maris here. Very well. Commander, I'm wanted in my office. Would you excuse me, please, Mr. Maris? Go ahead. Thank you.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Commander, if it was an inside job,

[Commander Buzz Corey]

why did the thief have to use an atomic torch on a vault?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

He got into the building without setting off the alarm.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

The alarm didn't go off until the thief was safely away. If I didn't know Maris so well, I'd suspect him of being involved in the robbery.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Well, how about his chief engineer?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Cellar. They both agreed to a brainograph test. I think they'll pass it. They've worked with Robbie and me on top secret projects a number of times. Maris and Chella are exceptionally honest. Well, the security department men have gone over everything and haven't found a single clue. What's the next step? A brain O graph. Excuse me, sir, but have a look at this. What? On the floor of the vault here. It looks like broken glass. It is Somebody dropped his glasses. Gather it up carefully, Happy. Yes, sir.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

There's hardly anything left but slivers.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Don't cut yourself, but get all of it. Maris doesn't wear glasses. Neither does Cello. Happy, don't mention this to anyone. We'll have a checkmate on Maris employees to see who does wear glasses. Hope there are enough large pieces there to tell what the optical formula is. I've got it, sir.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

The pieces are in this piece of paper.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

All right, Hat. We'll turn it over to the lab. Goodbye, Phil Long, Maris, and thanks. Don't make that anytime now, Commander, you mentioned a brainograph test. Whenever you're ready. Fine, Mr. Maris. By the way, the man who just left, he looks familiar. Oh, that was Ward Stokes. He's a precision machinist. Does special assignments for me from time to time. Oh, sure, I remember him now. About a year ago, Major Robertson had him work in a special view scope for the security lamp. Oh, that's all I had him in mind for the animalscope job. Did you discuss it with him? Oh, no, no. I wouldn't do that until I checked the security. That's our standard policy on really important jobs. Stokes just dropped in. Pick up an instrument Casey left in my office. I see. Your man, Captain Scoville.

[Narrator]

Talk to him.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Captain Scoville and his men will remain on duty here for a day or two. Mr. Marist checking the alarm system? Yes, Commander, I understand they won't interfere with your regular operations any more than they have to. Now, if you'll get Cheller, Happy and I will take you to headquarters for the brainograph test. Oh, Stokes, you got the case all right? Yes, walked right into Maris office. One of Cory's men gave me the one silver, but didn't even stop me. Has the case been tempered with it? It was on the floor exactly where I left it yesterday. After all, it looks just like what it's supposed to be, an instrument case. Not even Buzz Corey would suspect this small box of being an electronic burglar. And now that we've got it back here, no one will ever suspect. I see you found your spare glasses.

[Narrator]

You know, I worn glasses for 30

[Commander Buzz Corey]

years, and I never broke a pair till last night. And you never cracked his face till last night either. Oh, did you? Well, if I did, I. I wouldn't have been so awkward when I removed the protective goggles. Well, it was a small price to pay for what we've got. Yes, that reminds me. You better put that robot burglar away and help me copy the Endoscope design. Where do you want me to put the burglar? In the staging room for now. All right. This stage. That's a great piece of work, even if I do say so myself. Startling duplicate of Mer's private office. It would have to be, wouldn't it? Otherwise we couldn't have trained our mechanical helper to find the alarm switch in the real office. You know, I've made dozens of machines operated by electric eyes. But until you came along, it never

[Narrator]

occurred to me to.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Well, to. To make a machine that works for you instead of somebody else. Yes, Bartram. I guess that's it. The toughest part of the whole job was getting a hold of Merritt's burglar alarm key long enough to make a duplicate.

[Narrator]

Mary's doesn't suspect us. Corey doesn't suspect us. I'd say we pulled it off without a hitch.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

But now we better get ready to bless off of Mars. Happy? I suppose you heard the results of the brainograph test. Yes.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Maris and Scheller didn't have anything to

[Commander Buzz Corey]

do with the robbery. Not only that, but they haven't the remotest idea who might have done it. That's great. Except that it doesn't help us much. Oh, how about the fragments of glasses? The lab couldn't tell a thing. The boys did their best, but the pieces aren't big enough to indicate the optical formula.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Oh, well, maybe it wasn't a thief

[Commander Buzz Corey]

that dropped it there anyway. Maybe not. Mary says that he and Cheller are the only ones that go into the vault. We would get this clue just when our chief optical expert is in the hospital.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Dr. Pricer?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Yes, I contacted Pricer and showed him the fragments on the telescreen. He thinks he could determine the lens formula after he's out of the hospital. When will that be? 10 days. You know, I think I'll take his suggestion. Pricer says this man Stokes might be able to help us.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Stokes?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Oh, the fellow Maris was talking about. Yes. Stokes helped Pricer on some high precision optical work a while back. Pricer thinks he's great. He could well be with both Merritt

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

and Price are raving about him.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Let's pay him a visit, Happy, and see if he can put our glass jigsaw puzzle. Mr. Stokes, I imagine you're a pretty busy man, but at the moment you're the only one who can help us. I'm rather rushed, Commander, but if it's with a space patrol, I'll be glad to if I can. I have some fragments of what apparently was once a Pair of glasses. Can you determine the optical formula from these small pieces? Why, it would be rather difficult. May I ask why you want this information? By tracing the prescription we might be able to check with various opticians and find a thief. A thief? Yes. Confidentially, I'll tell you that these fragments were found in Maris vault after the burglary. You know about that, of course. Yes. That's perfectly outrageous. And this is the only clue you have so far. Well, I'm afraid I couldn't give you a very accurate analysis, Commander. I see. Well, perhaps Dr. Pricer can do it when he gets out of the hospital. However, let me examine these fragments more closely, will you? Let me take them into my lab in the next room? Of course. It won't take me long to find out if further tests will be worthwhile.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

He didn't seem very interested at first.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

A minute. It's a challenge to his ingenuity. He'll probably help us.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

All these pictures of gadgets on the walls, are these Stokes inventions?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I suppose so.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Hey, come and look at this one, sir. The picture here by the door.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

All right.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

It's a miniature view scope. No bigger than your hand.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Amazing piece of construction.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

I'd like to see the actual thing. I wonder what's in this room here, Happy.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Oh, well, I wasn't snooping, sir.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

I just thought.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Hey, look at this. What is it?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

For a minute I thought I'd been here before. But this is an exact duplicate of Merris private office.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

It does look like it. Same furniture arrangement, same size, same fixtures.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Maybe the same person designed the offices. And Maris is just like Stokes.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

No, I don't think so, Happy.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

What do you mean, sir?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

These walls don't reach the ceiling. This is a room built inside a larger room. Like a stage set. You're right.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Seems kind of silly.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Certainly does. Then what's that, Commander? Machinery of some kind. I don't see. It's that instrument case. The lid's opening.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Look at it, Commander. Now the whole case is moving, rolling across the floor.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I wonder what could have gotten that thing up. Now look.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

It's running a long rod up in the air.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Yes, very ingenious. A telescoping rod in sections with a key on the end of it.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Sure like to have one of those things. Looks like it's on its way to unlock something.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

To unlock a mystery. Watch it closely, Happy. Tell him you can probably figure out the optical prescription. Then in a day or two give him a fake formula. Good. Then Corey will never be able to trace you. Go tell him and get him out of here. Yes, yes, Commander. I've got good news for you, Commander. Where are you? In here. So, oh, Happy and I are watching this fantastic gadget of yours. How does that thing get started?

[Narrator]

Here, I'll shut it down. No, wait.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Let's see what it does.

[Narrator]

It's just a silly toy. I'll turn it off later still.

[Cadet Happy]

But, but Commander.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Hey, hey. It acts like it's looking for something. Now it's heading right for that little. That little dooji there on the wall there.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

The lock switch.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

It's feeling for the keyhole.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

A very clever machine, Stokes. So that's how the alarm system was shut off. What do you mean? You can't deny this room is an exact replica of Maris office.

[Narrator]

Suppose it is. Lots of officers are alike.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I see. Then of course, you won't mind taking a brainograph test. That'll be enough smoking, Corey. Get your hands off. You two cadets get their weapons. Stokes. Yes, Voucher. Keep behind them in case I have to use this ray gun. So you're Stokes partner in the burglary voucher. Hold him, Stokes. Confounded men. You should have locked the door. How did I know they'd be coming here? And that robot, how did it get started? The timing mechanism. I forgot to shut it off. So just 12 hours after the robbery, it started up again? Yes. In another three hours the robot would turn the lock switch back on, move back to its original position, withdraw its

[Narrator]

wheels and levers and become an innocent instrument case again.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Too bad folks have such a good reputation as a precision machinist or we'd never have come here. It is too bad, Corey, but I'm afraid it's too bad for you. What are we going to do with them? We can't dispose of them here on Terra. We'll take them to my lab on the Martian desert where they'll never be found.

[Narrator]

We'll be back with space Patrol in just a moment. Say gang, listen to this boy going

[Commander Buzz Corey]

to the breakfast table.

[Narrator]

He doesn't care if he ever gets there, does he? He doesn't like his breakfast cereal, that's why. No zip, no lift, no flavor. Now here's a girl. Listen to how she goes to breakfast. Uh oh, she doesn't even bother about going. Same trouble. A cereal, dull as can be. No taste, no tang, no nothing. Now here's another youngster going to breakfast. Ah, no wonder he's in a hurry. He's really going for breakfast. Because this fella does what Buzz Corey does. He has a checkerboard super cereal for breakfast every single morning. Rice Chex or Wheat Chex. The cereals with that modern bite size design for easy eating. And, boy, it's not just the size

[Commander Buzz Corey]

that makes Chex easy to eat. It's that flavor.

[Narrator]

Man, oh, man. Chex have a flavor that keeps that spoon of yours going up and down, up and down, up and down, until the cereal bowl's empty. So get the cereals that have you sprinting to the table for them. The super cereals that help to supercharge you. Rice checks. Wheat checks.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Bart and Happy have been captured by

[Narrator]

two criminals who stole designs for a valuable new mineral detection device from the

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Marist Design and Development Company vault. The thieves, Stoke and Boucher have locked

[Narrator]

a space patrolman in a compartment on

[Commander Buzz Corey]

a spaceship and are heading for a hideout on the Martian desert.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Certainly aren't taking any chances. My wrists are tight. So tight my fingers are numb.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

If we can work loose before the ship lands, we might be able to fight our way out of this mess. Happy, keep at it.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

They cut the rocket. Feel that increased gravity pull. Yes, sir. They're carrying out their original plans. That means we're landing on Mars. We've got to work fast before they can land. Unlock the compartment, Stokes. I'll keep them covered. Now, you two, on your feet. Let's check these ropes turned around.

[Narrator]

I said.

[Cadet Happy]

Turner down.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

When I say something, I mean it, Cory. I'll remember that voucher.

[Narrator]

With the little time you got left, I suggest you dwell on more pleasant memories.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Okay, the ropes are still tight. Get moving, you two. This is our little Martian hideout. Sure is a filthy little hideout. Well, maybe we'll let you clean it up before we do away with you.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Let's get some heat on.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I'm freezing.

[Narrator]

Soaks.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

You're going right back to the ship and blast off for Lowell City. You still think I should make contact with thoughts? Yes.

[Narrator]

I'll stay here and guard Cory and

[Commander Buzz Corey]

the cadets until everything is set. Leave the designs here. I'll put them in the cupboard. All right.

[Narrator]

If you find everything safe in Lowell City, then make arrangements for getting the money from Tark.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

And we'll hand over to Design. When do we get rid of Corey and the cadet? Just as soon as you get back. Nobody will ever find them out here in the desert. You better get going. Oh, I wanted to ask you a couple of things. Come out of the ship with me. Well, all right. I don't imagine you'll want to leave Corey, but we'll lock the door just in case.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Well, sir, We've got until Stokes gets

[Commander Buzz Corey]

back to get out of here. Even if we overpower Voucher, we'll need Stokes. Shift or escape. Do you see a space phone in here?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

No, sir, but maybe there's one hidden around someplace.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Happy, there's a heating control. Kick the switch with your foot. You cold, sir? No, but put it on full, quickly. Yes, there it is. Good. Now, if this room will just heat up in a hurry.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Well, there goes Stokes.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Now, when Boucher comes into this heated room, I have a hunch he'll have some trouble with his glasses. Huh? Coming in from the cold air, they'll fog up just like the windows.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Yeah, then we can rush in.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

The best we can hope they'll do is knock them down with a headlong dive until we can get our hands free. Very complicated. Ready? Yes. All right, gentlemen, now we'll just relax. Ah. You got the heater? I told you space patrolmen wear hearty souls accustomed to coals. Confound it, my glasses are okay.

[Cadet Happy]

Happy, take it off of me.

[Narrator]

He dropped his gun. Command, take it out of the way. That's it. Can you handle Voucher with your hands tight, sir? I won't have to.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

They're loose at me.

[Narrator]

All right, Boucher, let go of me. Stop struggling.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

On your feet. I'll take the gun. Happy, Boucher, untie the cadet. Wait till I get my breath. You knocked all the wind out of me. It's all right, sir. Rope from the working loose gun. Boucher, is there a spacer phone in this building? No, there was a portable set on

[Narrator]

the ship, but I forgot to bring it in.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

We'll just have to wait till Stokes returns. You get a nice surprise when he walks in that door.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Should we tie Boucher up, sir?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

That might be a good idea. They won't have to watch him so closely.

[Narrator]

Boucher, get away from that cupboard. I'll get him.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Commander.

[Narrator]

They're not there. They're gone.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

What are you talking about?

[Cadet Happy]

The anoscope design.

[Narrator]

So never put them in a cupboard.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

I saw him walk over there, double

[Commander Buzz Corey]

cross me, the dirty rat. What good would they do you if they were there?

[Narrator]

Don't you see? Stokes isn't coming back and we're stuck here.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

He's right, Happy. This puts all of us in a tough spot. Bower, how far did you say it was to the nearest city? A hundred miles.

[Narrator]

A hundred miles of desert?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

We don't have any way to call for help. We'll die out here.

[Narrator]

Only got food for two days.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Maybe we're not going to Stay here, take what food and water we can and start across the desert on foot.

[Narrator]

We could never make it. We're going to try it.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Where's the food locker? Come on, Falca, you're lagging behind. Don't make me walk anymore, please. We've got yourself into this. We're going to keep moving. All right.

[Cadet Happy]

I'll try to make it.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

That's it. Now stop blubbering and save your plants.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Hey, these green plants are all around us.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

They're lichens. In the Martian summer they turn rust colored.

[Cadet Happy]

Stop. Wait.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Now what?

[Cadet Happy]

I feel sick. Something's wrong with my throat.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Well, I don't feel so good myself. But we've got to keep moving.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Hold on a minute. Something strange in here.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

It's dust coming up from the ground, sir. Every time we step, a little puff

[Commander Buzz Corey]

of dust bursts up and the lichens? Happy, they're spores.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Spores?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

As tiny cells from these plants. This kind is poison. Getting into our throat lungs.

[Cadet Happy]

Let's get out of them quick.

[Narrator]

But we've got to keep on going.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Plants stretch for miles in all directions.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Except behind us.

[Cadet Happy]

Then that's.

[Narrator]

Go back.

[Cadet Happy]

We can't go back. Commander.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

These spores, what do they do?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

We keep inhaling them, they'll paralyze our breathing muscles. We'll suffocate.

[Cadet Happy]

I'm going back. I'm going back.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Come back here.

[Narrator]

Grab him.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Happy.

[Cadet Happy]

Bowker, keep your head.

[Narrator]

All this stomping around is making a worse. Stand still.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Bower, be quiet.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Look around.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Examine the terrain. If we can find a bear stretch of ground.

[Cadet Happy]

Hopeless. Was trapped. Dra.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I said be quiet. See anything happening?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

No, sir.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Except up that low hill.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Seems to be a tower of some kind.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Yes, a tower. Relay tower. There's one every 20 miles.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Maybe there's a space at the tower. If we can get there, we could call for help.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

That's worth a try. Come on, let's go. Come on, Voucher.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Just a few yards more.

[Cadet Happy]

My God, I can hardly breathe.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I don't see anything that looks like a spaceophone, Happy. Neither do I, sir.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Get some wheels and gear.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

And those are to adjust the receiving and deflect collecting coils at the top of the tower.

[Cadet Happy]

You mean we can call for help after coming all this way?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I'm afraid not.

[Cadet Happy]

Then what good is this monstrosity? Well, I'll die here under the tower.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Voucher, lie down and rest a minute. And keep quiet.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Sir, by looking at the coil, can't we tell the direction to take the Lowell City?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Yes, but it's Straight across those poison lichens. Now, wait a minute. If we were to turn those wheels, it would interrupt the power beam. The beam would miss the next relay tower. Hey. Yes.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

They'd have to send somebody out to investigate.

[Cadet Happy]

Well, then do it. Turn the wheel shut out of the power.

[Narrator]

Boucher.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Do you realize that human lives may depend on that power beam?

[Cadet Happy]

Well, what about our lives? Our lives depend on it, too. Turn it off.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

What we might do, Happy, might deflect it slightly. Just enough to register. And the instruments, the manifestation. How could we be sure we weren't

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

turning it too far?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

See that dial? It points to zero. That means it's right on the beam. The red lines on either side are the danger limits here. Let's release the holding mechanism. I will turn the wheel carefully.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

The indicator is still on zero, sir.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

The control mechanism has a high gear ratio for accurate focusing of the beam.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Now it's moving, sir. Halfway to the danger line.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

That ought to alert maintenance crew. Now we'll spin the wheel the other way, back and forth.

[Narrator]

Want me to take over again, sir?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

You must be tired.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

All right, Happy, thanks.

[Cadet Happy]

You've been doing that for half an hour and nothing happened. Turn the beam off. Clear off. That's the only way to make them pay attention. It'll be dark in a little while. Nobody will be able to see us. Commander. Commander, look.

[Narrator]

It's an atmosphere ship and it's headed right for the.

[Cadet Happy]

The power away to them. Make sure he sees us.

[Narrator]

He'll see us. Don't worry.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

It's a power commission ship all right, sir.

[Narrator]

See the big red circle on the hull? All right, Happy, he's coming in for a landing. Set the indicator back to zero.

[Cadet Happy]

There it is, sir.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

I'll lock it in place.

[Narrator]

Control secured, sir.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

All right, let's get to the ship. We've got an appointment with Stokes in Low City.

[Narrator]

I. I told you and the commander how you can pick up Soap and the man who's going to buy the design. They will go on my record, won't they?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Well, sure, but I'm afraid it's a

[Commander Buzz Corey]

little late now to start thinking about getting off easily. Happy, I just talked to a little city space control in the pilot's spacer phone. They're putting a guard around Stoke's ship in case he tries to blast off. Fine.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

When do we get to Lowell City?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

In a couple of minutes. We'll turn Boucher over to the spaceport guards and go after. Well, Stokes, the design seemed to be complete. They're all there, Mr. Thott. Now I'd like my money. Of course. I'm glad you and Botcher changed your minds and made a straightforward business deal. The original plan was just a precaution in case we were being followed.

[Narrator]

But everything worked out so well.

[Cadet Happy]

All right, Stokes.

[Narrator]

I'll take those plans. Get Tharp Happy.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

I'll handle Stokes.

[Cadet Happy]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Where do you think you're going?

[Cadet Happy]

All right, Stokes, you had enough? Oh, yes. Corey, let up.

[Narrator]

I've got Sarps tonight.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Keep him covered. I'll get the anal scope designed. All right, Stokes, move over next to your partner. Just tell me one thing.

[Narrator]

How did you get out of the desert?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Well, Commander, why don't we let Boucher explain that to him? It'll give them something to talk about for the next several years we're going to be spending together.

[Narrator]

We'll be back with an action preview. Of next week's exciting Space Patrol story in just a moment. Say, you want to hear something funny?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Well, listen to this.

[Narrator]

That's a word scrambler, gang. A machine that scrambles secret messages sent by Space Patrollers over the Spaceophone. Now, do you want to know what the message said?

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Well, here.

[Narrator]

I'll have it unscrambled for you. To get supercharged, eat a good breakfast with instant Ralston. That's one of the most important messages a Space Patroller ever sent.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

When you sit down to a good breakfast with good, hot Ralston. Well, boy, oh, boy, that's your day to shine for instant Ralston. Packs a wallop in every spoonful.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

It's rich whole wheat, remember?

[Narrator]

Rich whole wheat. That means it'll warm up your motor, tune up your thinker, help start off your day with a bang. Yes, that's the kind of start Buzz Cory gets. That's the kind of start you need to be a winner, just like him. So come on, Space Patrollers, get supercharged. Eat a good breakfast with good hot roasting. And now for a preview of next week's exciting Space Patrol story.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Buzz and Happy are on Venus, on a farm where food is chemically grown in large tanks. As they walk toward a building where

[Narrator]

Tonga is held captive. Huge sun mirrors atop several tall towers turn ominously toward them.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Well, the rocket commander is really getting hot all of a sudden.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Yes, waves of heat. Even for Venus, this is unusual.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Oh, my eyes. What a glare.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Happy, don't look at those reflectors. They'll blind you.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Happy or another crew member)]

Let's run for the building and get out of this sun.

[Narrator]

Happy, look out. They're focusing those sun mirrors on us. A whole battery of them. Are pointed right toward you. We can dodge them.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Run back this way.

[Cadet Happy]

Commander, they've got us surrounded by those heat beams and they're closing in.

[Narrator]

They hit us with all those at once, we're finished for good. Be sure to be with us next Saturday for the exciting story the Space Shark.

[Cadet Happy]

When Wheat Jacks, Rice Jacks and Good Hot Wilson again bring you Space Control.

[Narrator]

And now here's a message from Commander Buzz Corey.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

Here's a little riddle. What is it that is scarce, valuable and necessary yet given away free? The answer is blood, the gift of life. Yes, when grown ups give blood at the Red Cross center, they don't receive money, but they do receive the wonderful, deep felt satisfaction of knowing they helped save a life.

[Narrator]

Now, how would you like to help

[Commander Buzz Corey]

me get more people to save lives?

[Narrator]

Join my Space Patrol blood boosters.

[Commander Buzz Corey]

It's lots of fun.

[Narrator]

So how about it? Join today. Space Patrol, an original Mike Moser production, starring Ed Kemmer as Commander Corey and Lyn Osborne as Cadet Happy, was written by Lou Houston and directed by Larry Robertson. Other players were Bayla Kovacs, Ken Mayer and Norman Jolly. Dick Tufeld speaking. Now don't forget to tune in next Saturday and every Saturday when Wheatjack, Rice Jack and good hot Ralston again present

[Cadet Happy]

the new exciting Faith Football.

[Narrator]

And be sure to see another exciting Space Patrol story on your local ABC television station. Consult your local paper for time and channel. Space Patrol comes to you. Transcribed From Hollywood this is ABC Radio Network.