The Outer Limit by Beyond Tomorrow

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Outer Limit" by Relic Radio Sci-Fi

Podcast Information:

• Title: Relic Radio Sci-Fi (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Description: Relic Radio Science Fiction presents classic and original old-time radio stories from sci-fi's greatest writers, featuring shows like Dimension X, X Minus 1, 2000 Plus, Beyond Tomorrow, and more. Journey through space and time as envisioned by authors of bygone eras.
• Episode: The Outer Limit by Beyond Tomorrow
• Release Date: November 4, 2024

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Introduction

"The Outer Limit," adapted from Graham Doer's original story, is a thrilling science fiction tale that delves into the perilous boundaries of human ambition and extraterrestrial intervention. Set against the backdrop of an experimental rocket jet aircraft, the story explores themes of technological advancement, human resilience, and the cosmic consequences of Earth's military pursuits.

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Characters

• Bill Westfall: Pilot of the experimental RJX1 rocket jet aircraft.
• Colonel: Commanding officer overseeing the RJX1 mission.
• Major Hargrove: Deputy commander handling mission logistics and communications.
• Captain Zeglon: Alien commander from the Galactic Guard who communicates with Bill.
• Control Tower Operator: Provides ground support and communication with Bill during the flight.

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Plot Overview

Preparation and Launch ([00:01] - [10:43])

The episode begins with intense preparations for the maiden flight of the RJX1, an experimental rocket jet aircraft designed to push the boundaries of space exploration. Colonel and Major Hargrove brief Bill Westfall and his team, emphasizing the significance and risks of the mission. Notably, the RJX1 is equipped with eight rocket engines, marking a significant technological leap aimed at exploring uncharted regions of space at unprecedented speeds.

Colonel: "It's an eight rocket ship... designed to take man into areas of space that have never been explored before..." ([02:08])

As the launch sequence commences, the team monitors critical parameters such as weather conditions, rocket fuel levels, and communication channels. Despite some concerns regarding fuel limitations and the untested capacity at maximum fuel usage, Bill remains resolute.

Bill Westfall: "I'm gonna fly that baby higher and faster than anybody ever did before." ([04:46])

The Journey and Encounter ([10:41] - [22:21])

Upon successful launch, Bill ascends rapidly, reaching altitudes and speeds beyond conventional aviation records. At approximately 40,000 feet, the RJX1 propels Bill into the realm of outer space. Moments later, Bill experiences a surreal phenomenon—a spinning flying disc approaches him, emitting a force that disrupts his control over the aircraft. This encounter culminates in a telepathic communication with Captain Zeglon of the Galactic Guard.

Captain Zeglon: "We have flung ourselves 10,000 miles into space. What do you say to that, Earthman?" ([19:23])

Zeglon warns Bill of Earth's reckless use of atomic and hydrogen bombs, emphasizing that humanity's actions threaten universal harmony. He explains that the Galactic Council has initiated a quarantine around Earth, using a force screen to prevent further accumulation of atomic dust, which could lead to Earth's destruction.

Captain Zeglon: "If you continue to make atom bombs and hydrogen bombs... it would upset the balance of the entire universe." ([22:14])

Bill is instructed to return to Earth with this dire warning, highlighting that Earth's militaristic endeavors could result in catastrophic consequences not just for the planet but for the universe at large.

Return and Skepticism ([22:39] - [28:32])

Upon returning, Bill finds his communication with Earth fraught with disbelief and skepticism. He attempts to relay the alien warning to Colonel and Major Hargrove, but his story is met with doubt, leading to psychological strain and disbelief among his superiors. The Colonel grapples with the inconsistency of the mission parameters, particularly regarding fuel reserves, hinting at possible underlying mysteries or manipulations within the mission.

Bill Westfall: "They said the earth would explode. They said it was the end for it." ([26:13])

Major Hargrove suggests that Bill's experiences might be delusions, while the Colonel remains conflicted about the veracity of Bill's account, especially considering the unexplained fuel longevity.

Colonel: "How did he keep that plane in the air for 10 hours? For 10 hours, Major, when he had fuel to last him only 10 minutes?" ([28:56])

The episode concludes with unresolved tensions, leaving listeners contemplating the intersection of human ambition, technological advancement, and the ethical implications of military power on a cosmic scale.

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

1. Mission Briefing:

   Colonel: "It's an eight rocket ship... designed to take man into areas of space that have never been explored before..." ([02:08])

2. Pilot's Resolve:

   Bill Westfall: "I'm gonna fly that baby higher and faster than anybody ever did before." ([04:46])

3. Alien Communication:

   Captain Zeglon: "We have flung ourselves 10,000 miles into space. What do you say to that, Earthman?" ([19:23])

4. Galactic Warning:

   Captain Zeglon: "If you continue to make atom bombs and hydrogen bombs... it would upset the balance of the entire universe." ([22:14])

5. Skeptical Reception:

   Bill Westfall: "They said the earth would explode. They said it was the end for it." ([26:13])

   Colonel: "How did he keep that plane in the air for 10 hours? For 10 hours, Major, when he had fuel to last him only 10 minutes?" ([28:56])

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Insights and Themes

• Human Ambition vs. Cosmic Balance: The episode juxtaposes human technological advancements, particularly in aerospace engineering, against the broader implications these advancements have on universal harmony and sustainability.

• Isolation and Communication Breakdown: Bill's extraterrestrial encounter and subsequent inability to convince his superiors reflect themes of isolation, the challenges of communicating unprecedented experiences, and institutional skepticism.

• Ethical Responsibility: The Galactic Guard's intervention underscores the ethical responsibility of civilizations to prevent their actions from causing widespread harm, emphasizing the need for restraint in technological and military developments.

• Psychological Strain of Isolation: Bill's return to Earth and the disbelief he faces highlight the psychological toll of extraordinary experiences and the human tendency to dismiss anomalies that defy conventional understanding.

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Conclusion

"The Outer Limit" masterfully blends high-stakes aerospace adventure with profound philosophical questions about humanity's place in the universe and the moral obligations that come with technological prowess. Through Bill Westfall's journey, listeners are invited to ponder the far-reaching consequences of human actions and the delicate balance between exploration and preservation. This episode not only entertains but also serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that accompany progress.

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Notable Production Credits:

• Produced and Directed by: William N. Robeson
• Adaptation for Radio by: Morton Fine and David Friedman
• Starring: Frank Lovejoy (Bill Westfall), Charles McGraw (Colonel), Jeff Corey (Major Donaldson)
• Music Arranged and Conducted by: Del Castillo

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Listen Again For those eager to revisit this gripping tale or explore more adventures in time and space, tune in next week for another episode of Relic Radio Sci-Fi's "Beyond Tomorrow." Visit relicradio.com to access thousands of free stories spanning horror, strange tales, science fiction, and crime.

Transcript

[Bill Westfall]

Relic Radio.

[Narrator]

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

[Announcer]

Now for tonight's story. Let's go beyond tomorrow. Are you afraid to face tomorrow or whatever may lie beyond tomorrow? Do you think you're up to spending a weekend on the moon or entertaining house guests from Mars? Can you and your children adjust us to the strange new wonderful world that is being wrought in the test tubes and cyclotrons of science? Beyond Tomorrow. Beyond Tomorrow. A new program of probabilities drawn from the vast library of science fiction where anything is possible and possibly may happen to you tonight. Based on a famous story, the Outer Limit by Graham Doer. The tale of a pilot of an experimental jet rocket aircraft about to be hurled 40 miles out from the Earth's surface into the limitless boundaries of space. And there to receive the most terrible warning in the history of man.

[Colonel]

0 -25. 0 -25.

[Bill Westfall]

Settle down.

[Colonel]

Settle down, man. Okay, Colonel. Yes, sir.

[Major Hargrove]

All of you will want to know.

[Colonel]

Why we took you one out of whatever warm bet you were in. Got a reason? The RJX1. Yeah. Yeah, that's right. The RJX1. The top, top secret experimental rocket jet aircraft. We've been babying it, nursing it, staying up nights with it for 16 months. Now this morning, Major Westfall is going to wean it. Bell is going to take her out and be her up to death. I can't impress upon you men how extraordinary this flight is. It's an eight rocket ship. That's what I said. Eight rockets. Eight rockets designed to take man into areas of space that have never been explored before and at a rate of speed to which no pilot has yet been subjected. Some of you men have already flown many times the speed of sound. So I don't have to tell you very much. No. Yes, Colonel. You'll need the F86s. You and the other three Jet Boys will be Bill's chase planes. We want observation at 35,000ft.

[Bill Westfall]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel]

Okay, here's how it plays. Pull the curtains on the map with you, Sergeant. Yes, sir. You see it circled here? Your rendezvous point. We designate it point X. It's roughly over Boulder Dam. Zero hour is 0900. Joe, you and your jets will take off at zero minus 15. You got that?

[Bill Westfall]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel]

UF86s will make conventional climbs to 30,000ft, rendezvous at point X and call into me control at 35,000ft. Right, Joe.

[Bill Westfall]

That catch it, Colonel?

[Colonel]

Oh, no, wait a minute. Not quite. Now we hear about the weather Pete. Yes, Colonel. Well, the weather is very pretty out, boys. All clear. Ceiling unlimited. Winds aloft at 10,080 miles per hour. 25,140 miles per hour. 40,150 miles per hour. Estimated temperature 45 below at 40,000ft. There's some scattered clouds. Northwest to point X at 15,000ft. Stratus at 30,000ft. 30 miles east of point X. East. We expect no change for three hours.

[Major Hargrove]

That's it, sir.

[Colonel]

Okay, Pete. Joe, you and your boys go unwrap your F86s. Have a nice time.

[Bill Westfall]

Yes.

[Colonel]

Come on, Major West.

[Bill Westfall]

Ball.

[Colonel]

Major West. Stick around.

[Major Hargrove]

I want to talk to you.

[Bill Westfall]

Okay, Hank.

[Colonel]

How you feeling, Bill?

[Bill Westfall]

Why, you worried, Hank? Don't worry.

[Colonel]

Look, Bill, you've got only 10 minutes of rocket fuel. Get rid of those jets before you fire the rockets. Fire only one rocket at a time.

[Bill Westfall]

Yeah, that's right.

[Colonel]

Now, look, I'll be listening in on the public address of control. I won't bother you until you're airborne. It'll be between you and the tower until then.

[Bill Westfall]

All right. Don't worry, Hank. I'm gonna fly that baby higher and faster than anybody ever did before. Just like you said. I'm gonna take it up and I'm gonna bring it back. And then you and I'll have din.

[Colonel]

0 minus 3, 0 minus.

[Major Donaldson]

Good morning, Colonel.

[Colonel]

Mr. Hargrove, you'll be here at the control with me.

[Major Donaldson]

It's all right with you, Colonel.

[Colonel]

I wouldn't have it any other way. You checked the communications equipment, sergeant? Oh, yes, sir. Major Westwood's been assigned a special radio frequency at 3970. Good, good. You'll take care of it, Sergeant? We don't want it to poop out or anything like that, do we? Yes. No, sir. Sir. Hargrove, I got a thing on my mind. That boy on the plane you geniuses designed. He's my best boy.

[Major Donaldson]

It's our best plane, Colonel.

[Colonel]

It better be. Now it's your turn. What do you got on your mind?

[Major Donaldson]

Everything's in proper order, Colonel. Recording equipment, the television cameras in the cockpit, everything. Every known scientific device, even some unknown.

[Colonel]

They've been very talking about a man, Hargrove. That's all I really want to get back out of this. What about the man?

[Major Donaldson]

There may be one difficulty.

[Colonel]

Tell me about it. I'd like to know the takeoff with all that load.

[Major Donaldson]

The jets, the rockets, all at maximum fuel capacity. Never been tested that way before.

[Colonel]

Go on, Mr. Hargrove.

[Major Donaldson]

Well, it's just that Major Westfall has only 6,000ft to get his ship airborne. If he accelerates from zero to 160 miles per hour in 6,000ft, he should be airborne in seven seconds.

[Colonel]

Seven seconds. At MiG. Zero plus G?

[Major Donaldson]

Yes, Colonel. Beyond zero plus G? Well, beyond that, we. We don't know. We just don't know.

[Colonel]

Thanks. Thanks for everything, Mr. Hargrove. Sergeant. Yes, sir. Flip your switch on Major Westfall. I hear he's got a swell program. Flip them all, will you, Sergeant? Yes, sir.

[Bill Westfall]

RJX1 to tower.

[Control Tower Operator]

Any change in weather? Tower to RJX1. Barometer reading 29.7. Set your altimeter accordingly. Roger, win. 15 miles from south. Take off Runway 27. Runway 27. Got it.

[Colonel]

Zero minus one. 30.

[Control Tower Operator]

RJX1, control, over.

[Colonel]

Control. RJX1, go ahead.

[Control Tower Operator]

This is just for you, Hank. Cabin pressure okay? Oxygen pressure okay? All right.

[Colonel]

All right. Get off the dime, kid.

[Control Tower Operator]

Take a pill, Hank. You'll need it to settle your stomach.

[Colonel]

Zero minus one zero.

[Control Tower Operator]

RJX1, crew chief, over. Crew chief two. JX1, go ahead. I'm ready to fire. Hold it. Okay. All set to fire. Clear. Clear. Starting right jet.

[Bill Westfall]

Starting left jet.

[Colonel]

0 minus 32nd.

[Control Tower Operator]

Tower, RJX1.

[Colonel]

32Nd.

[Control Tower Operator]

RJX1 to Tower. Go ahead. Western Airlines conveyor reported over Ventura. Got it. Eastbound Constellation at 17,000 over Salt Lake. Roger. Western Airlines. DC4 on base. Lake at 1,000 over Burbank. The rest of the air is yours. Thank you so much.

[Colonel]

0 minus 10.

[Control Tower Operator]

RJX1 to tower. Ready for takeoff. Tower to RJX1. Claire for takeoff. 5. Good luck, Bill.

[Colonel]

4, 3, 2, 1, 0. He's rolling. He's rolling. B, B, B, E. Lift it. Lift it, Lift it.

[Control Tower Operator]

Billy.

[Colonel]

Bill made it to Ch.

[Control Tower Operator]

RJX1 to Control. RJX1, Control, come in.

[Colonel]

Control to RJX1. Go ahead.

[Control Tower Operator]

Everything's great, Hank. It's a doll, baby.

[Colonel]

Hey, you must have been kidding with that takeoff, weren't you?

[Control Tower Operator]

It took that long to get off.

[Bill Westfall]

That makes it a takeoff.

[Colonel]

How fast are you climbing, kid?

[Control Tower Operator]

1700Aminute. Air speed 550.

[Colonel]

Retract your landing gear. It'll help.

[Control Tower Operator]

Well, I'm sorry.

[Colonel]

Call me. At 20,000.

[Control Tower Operator]

Heading is 87.

[Bill Westfall]

Everything is real good.

[Control Tower Operator]

Come in, Hank.

[Colonel]

How do you feel?

[Control Tower Operator]

I like it here.

[Colonel]

Pressure okay?

[Control Tower Operator]

Okay. F86 leader to Control. F86 to Control. Command.

[Colonel]

Control to F86 leader. Go ahead.

[Control Tower Operator]

F86. Observing. RJ X1 is really tearing, Colonel. Over. Point X at 35,000.

[Colonel]

On schedule, Joe.

[Control Tower Operator]

On schedule. RJX1 to Control. RJX1 to Control. Come in.

[Colonel]

Control to RJX1. Go ahead, Bill.

[Control Tower Operator]

40,000Ft, Hank.

[Colonel]

Still a dow baby.

[Control Tower Operator]

Still is. Ready to pressurize. Can you hear me okay, Hank?

[Colonel]

Coming in fine.

[Control Tower Operator]

Pressurized. Ready to prime rocket system in five seconds. Prime. Dropping right jet. Dropping left jet. All clear.

[Colonel]

Good luck, Bill.

[Control Tower Operator]

Firing number one. Rocket fired. Oh. Taken back. Firing number two. Rocket fired. Hey. Hey.

[Colonel]

Okay, Bill. What is it, Bill? Bill, are you receiving me? Control to RJX1. Come in. Come in, RJX1. Hello, Bill. Come in. Control to F86 leader. Control to F86 leader.

[Bill Westfall]

Come in.

[Control Tower Operator]

F86 leader to control. Go ahead.

[Colonel]

What about it, Joe?

[Control Tower Operator]

F86 observing RJX1. RJX1 at approximately 60,000ft, maintaining a heading of north northwest. I can barely make him, Colonel.

[Colonel]

Try calling.

[Control Tower Operator]

Okay. F86 leader to IJX1. F86 to IJX1. Come in. Come in, IJX1.

[Colonel]

Come in, Mr. Hargrove.

[Control Tower Operator]

F86 to RJX1.

[Colonel]

Share it with me, Mr. Hargrove. Sit here and run your fingers through your hair and come in, RJ Wait and think about it and share it with me.

[Control Tower Operator]

F86 to Ije X1. F86 lead to control. F86 lead to control. Come in.

[Colonel]

Go ahead, F86 leader.

[Control Tower Operator]

We've lost it, Colonel.

[Colonel]

Stay up there, Joe, for as long as you can.

[Major Donaldson]

What do we do now, Colonel?

[Colonel]

I just told you, Mr. Hargrove. We wait. You and me. We wait.

[Control Tower Operator]

We've lost him, Colonel.

[Bill Westfall]

You haven't lost me. I can hear you, Joe.

[Colonel]

Stay up there, Joe, for as long as you can.

[Bill Westfall]

Hello? Hello? Hello? I'll try another frequency, Joe. RJX1 to F86. Can you make me? RJ X1 to F86. Come in. Come in. No good, huh? I'll switch back to channel Charlie. I still can't get you, Joe. I'll keep sending. Firing number eight rocket fired. Oh, brother. RJX1 to all you ships at sea, to all you people anywhere. This is bill Westfall. Approaching 210,000ft. That's 40 miles straight up in the air. All you people. And that's where I am. You never saw anything like it. No clouds, a color no one ever named before. Silence. Eight rockets roaring at my tail, and I can't hear them. Their sound will never reach me at 1800 miles an hour. Silence so complete that the ticking of the clock on my instrument panel is a hammer in my brain. Silence. Otherwise, nothing. Nothing except nothing at all. Wait a minute. Yes, there Is something all right at 2:00 high. Oh, that's really something, brother. Maybe a flying disc. And this is a big one, spinning like a top. And it's coming toward me. Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Listen. Something has just happened. Something. A missile, a shot maybe through the canopy. My pressure is going down. Something is happening to me. This disc thing, it's like a magnet. I'm being pilled toward it. I've lost control of my ship. I've no control. I'm going through decompression. I'm on the verge of unconsciousness.

[Announcer]

You are listening to the Outer Limit. Starring Frank Lovejoy. In another thrilling adventure. On the exciting new science fiction series Beyond Tomorrow. In a moment, we'll return to our story. But first, CBS wishes to remind you that there's a lot of bright listening in the daytime as well as at night. Every weekday, Monday through Friday. Two of radio's top stars. Arthur Godfrey and Art Linkletter. Are heard on most of these same CBS stations. Godfrey is here for an hour and a quarter each day. With his wit and humor. In the music of the Little Godfreys. Bill Lawrence, Jeanette Davis, the Mariners, the Cordets. For a half hour each weekday, Art Linkletter is on hand with his famous house party. Art's insatiable curiosity is endless flow of questions. Bring out the most human. The funniest things about people. They flirted, fainted, bragged and fought at his mic. And come back for more. Listen to author and to Art as often as you can. Daytime on CBS. Now back to our story.

[Colonel]

He had only 10 minutes fuel. He's three hours overdue.

[Major Donaldson]

Well, that's that, Colonel.

[Colonel]

But wait some more, Mr. Hargrove.

[Major Donaldson]

There's no point to it. May I make a suggestion, Colonel?

[Colonel]

What?

[Major Donaldson]

Give it up. Make your report to Washington.

[Colonel]

What about you, Mr. Hargrove?

[Major Donaldson]

To be frank with you, Colonel. In another 16 months there'll be another plane. The RJX2 in the army will give us another man to fly it.

[Colonel]

Not till we're certain about this man, and we're not certain.

[Major Donaldson]

What do you propose to do?

[Colonel]

The things that are in the manual. We'll organize search parties and put spotter planes up in the air. Maybe Bill came down in the ocean. We'll call the Navy in.

[Major Donaldson]

Colonel, if the RJX one came down on the ocean, it would sink in three minutes. You know it had no life preserver equipment on it.

[Colonel]

The added weight of the ocean call an avian.

[Major Donaldson]

Whatever you say, Colonel. My guess.

[Colonel]

What's your guess, Mr. Hargrove.

[Major Donaldson]

My guess is that sometime, somewhere, on some beach or in some field, someone will pick up a piece of torn metal. That someone will be holding what's left of the RJX1.

[Colonel]

Control.

[Captain Zeglon]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel]

I am Zeglon.

[Bill Westfall]

You're aboard the space patrol ship S2J3. Am I in communication with you? Can you understand me?

[Major Hargrove]

Are we in contact? Can you understand now what I am saying to you?

[Bill Westfall]

Yes, yes, yes, I can understand you, Earth man.

[Major Hargrove]

Your brain is in turmoil, is it not? It has great difficulty in accepting what you see.

[Bill Westfall]

Yeah. Yes, that's right.

[Major Hargrove]

Accepted. What you see here exists.

[Bill Westfall]

All this.

[Colonel]

This exists.

[Captain Zeglon]

It exists, Earthman. The spaceship you're on exists. Those jet dynamos you see before you exist jet dynamos driven by the harnessed power of a thousand suns. Listen, Earth man. Listen to them. Do you know what happened as you listened, Earthman? We have flung ourselves 10,000 miles into space. What do you say to that, Earthman?

[Bill Westfall]

Why, I don't know what to say.

[Captain Zeglon]

It's beyond the conception of your Earth brain. Then conceive this. Try to move, Earth man. You're not bound in any way. Try to move. Don't change. Impossible for you to move. There's a screen of force aimed at you. Now it's turned off. You may move about, Earthman. Proceed, Zeglon.

[Major Hargrove]

Yes, Commander. Earthman, I perceive that your intellect now accepts the fact you are aboard space patrol ship S2J3. I am Captain Zeglon of the Galactic Guard.

[Bill Westfall]

Galactic. Galactic Guard?

[Major Hargrove]

The Guardian of the Galaxy. The Guardian of the Universes. The instrument the Brotherhood of Worlds has set up in defense against such a civilization as yours. What puzzles you, Earth man?

[Bill Westfall]

Well, I. Well, I can't see you. I can feel that you're here, but I can't see you.

[Major Hargrove]

There is no necessity for you to see us. It is sufficient that we communicate with each other.

[Bill Westfall]

Yes, but talking to you is. Well, it's not like talking, it's. Well, it's as if it were all happening inside my brain.

[Major Hargrove]

It is. That is how I'm reaching you, by telepathy. Do you remember what happened to you before you blacked out?

[Bill Westfall]

Yes, I think so. There was a sharp sound, like a bullet hitting the canopy.

[Major Hargrove]

It was not a bullet. It was a ray. It was necessary to stop your flight. We have so much to tell you.

[Bill Westfall]

But first, tell me about my ship. Is it lost?

[Major Hargrove]

No. It is such a crude little ship.

[Bill Westfall]

Crude?

[Major Hargrove]

Easy for us to repair. It will be returned to you, and you will return to Earth. Because you are the Earth's only hope of survival.

[Bill Westfall]

Hope of survival? What do you mean?

[Major Hargrove]

I will show you. What you see on this screen before you is a panorama of your own universe, far greater in scope than an Earthman has ever seen before. Observe. Observe where the line is pointing. Planet 3, Star 5, Galaxy C, Sector K. Is.

[Bill Westfall]

Is that the Earth?

[Major Hargrove]

No. That dot, that speck you see revolving in the vastness is your sun, a star whose surfaces 12,000 times that of your Earth. Your Earth is not even visible here.

[Bill Westfall]

How did you know we even existed?

[Major Hargrove]

That was our problem. We first became aware of your planet when we found atomic dust in the upper atmosphere. We traced it to your Earth.

[Bill Westfall]

It was that important to you?

[Major Hargrove]

Quite. We determined that you were setting off atomic bombs. That's why the Galactic Council has quarantined you.

[Bill Westfall]

Quarantined? I don't understand.

[Colonel]

How.

[Bill Westfall]

How are we quarantined?

[Major Hargrove]

We have sealed off your planet from the rest of space. We have surrounded it with a force screen. When that screen has accumulated enough particles of atomic dust, your Earth will explode. Your civilization, you, all life, will disappear forever.

[Captain Zeglon]

Listen to me, Earthman. Listen. We've had our own wars, wars that almost destroyed our civilization. But we have finally outlawed war throughout space, including Earth. Now, listen carefully, Earthman. If you continue to make atom bombs and hydrogen bombs, each many times more powerful than the last, and if you start making war with them, exploding them, it would upset the balance of the entire universe. Throw all space into chaos. This, of course, we cannot allow. And the force screen with which we have surrounded the Earth will prevent it by exploding the Earth itself. Remember then, Earthman, if you start an atomic war, the Earth will at once be completely destroyed. Warn them, Earthman.

[Major Hargrove]

Yes, Commander. Earthman, you will rise from your seat and open that door. Descend those stairs, Earthman. You will now enter the chamber to your left. There's your ship. Get into it, Earthman. Are you ready?

[Bill Westfall]

Yes, I'm ready. While we were communicating, the patrol ship.

[Major Hargrove]

Has returned to where we picked you up, and now you will be propelled toward Earth.

[Bill Westfall]

Close your canopy. Open aperture.

[Control Tower Operator]

Warn them, Earth man.

[Colonel]

Warn them.

[Bill Westfall]

Fire. RJX1 to tower. RJX1 to tower. Come in. RJX1 to tower. Come in, Tower.

[Control Tower Operator]

Tower. The funny man. You loaded, kid? How did you get in on this frequency?

[Bill Westfall]

Listen. This is RJX1. RJX1 coming in for landing. Give me landing instructions.

[Control Tower Operator]

Tower, the funny man. Impossible that you're. RJX1. He's 10 hours overdue. Get away from the area. Area cleared. For bomber practice approaches.

[Bill Westfall]

This is Major Westfall and RJX1. Come on, kid, give me landing instructions. I have no fuel. I'm gliding.

[Control Tower Operator]

What? Hey, hey. Yeah, I see you now, Major. Wait a minute. I'll restrict the area. Okay, RJX1, go ahead.

[Bill Westfall]

Approximately six miles north of field. Clear area for 10 miles being cleared.

[Control Tower Operator]

What's your altitude?

[Bill Westfall]

10,000. Estimate six minutes to land.

[Control Tower Operator]

Tower to RJX1, you are clear to land, Runway nine. Wind east, southeast 15.

[Bill Westfall]

Roger. Coming down. Hi, Hank.

[Colonel]

Bill.

[Control Tower Operator]

Bill, what happened?

[Bill Westfall]

Hank, you won't believe it, but you've got to. I know you won't believe it. It'll knock you over.

[Colonel]

Just take it easy, Bill.

[Bill Westfall]

Sergeant.

[Colonel]

Yes, sir.

[Bill Westfall]

Have the ship gone over by Geiger counter for radioactivity and seal it.

[Control Tower Operator]

What?

[Bill Westfall]

Oh, yes. Hank, you better mount a 24 hour guard on it.

[Colonel]

Look, what did you run into?

[Bill Westfall]

Plenty. Listen to me, Hank. They said the earth would explode. They said it was the end for it.

[Colonel]

They said that? Come on, let's go over to my office.

[Bill Westfall]

You gotta believe me.

[Colonel]

Read it like an order. Bill, my office. I want Major Donaldson to look at you.

[Bill Westfall]

The psychiatrist. Hank, you've got to listen to me.

[Colonel]

Come over to the office.

[Bill Westfall]

Well, that's the story, Major Donaldson.

[Colonel]

I see.

[Bill Westfall]

Look, Hank, you believe it, don't you?

[Colonel]

Well, Major, what do you think?

[Major Hargrove]

I'm not sure. Bill. These men from Mars.

[Bill Westfall]

I didn't say they were from Mars. You hear me say anything about men from Mars?

[Major Hargrove]

No, you didn't.

[Bill Westfall]

All I'm trying to tell you is this. Whoever those people were, they knew all about us. Everything. And they warned me. Our atomic bombs are a danger to the universe. One more and we're going to be the juiciest galactic fourth of July of all time. Explode. Finish. Gone. Like that. How do you like it?

[Major Hargrove]

All right, Bill, roll up your sleeve.

[Bill Westfall]

Oh, now, forget it, Major. All I need is a couple of drinks.

[Colonel]

Sorry, Bill. Sorry. Not right now.

[Control Tower Operator]

Let the Major give you a hype off.

[Bill Westfall]

Now look, I got a drink coming. A lot of drinks later.

[Major Hargrove]

Come on, build a sleeve.

[Colonel]

You heard him, Bill.

[Bill Westfall]

All right. Yes, all right. If it's an order, go ahead.

[Control Tower Operator]

There.

[Major Hargrove]

You'll be okay in a few hours.

[Bill Westfall]

I'm okay now.

[Major Hargrove]

Sure. We'll leave you here, Bill. It's all right if Bill sleeps in here, isn't it, Colonel?

[Control Tower Operator]

Sure.

[Major Hargrove]

Yeah.

[Bill Westfall]

Well, maybe you'll believe me tomorrow. You'd better.

[Colonel]

Come on, Major. He'll be okay by himself, Major.

[Major Hargrove]

He's been under a strain, but he'll sleep a Long time. You better explain it to his wife somehow. I'll talk to him tomorrow.

[Colonel]

Tough.

[Major Hargrove]

I've heard he's one of the best.

[Colonel]

He's the best. A combination of nerve and loyalty and lightning reflexes that comes once in 10 million times. What about it, Major? How does Bill look to you?

[Major Hargrove]

I can't tell yet. Maybe a week, six months, six years. I'll need a whole lot of time with him before I can tell.

[Colonel]

I see. Well, we'd better get some sleep, too.

[Major Hargrove]

Right. And don't worry, Colonel, he's a strong boy. Best nerds I've seen. I'd say things will be all right. Delusions like Bills latched onto. Well, delusions like this, Major. Yes, Colonel.

[Colonel]

Major, when you make your charts for Bill, diagnose him and treat him and do all the things you have to. When you do that, Major, consider this.

[Major Hargrove]

Yes?

[Colonel]

How did he keep that plane in the air for 10 hours? For 10 hours, Major, when he had fuel to last him only 10 minutes?

[Announcer]

Tonight's story, the Outer Limit by Graham Doerr was produced and directed by William N. Robeson. The adaptation for radio by Morton Fine and David Friedman starred Frank Lovejoy. Featured in the cast were Charles McGraw as the Colonel and Jeff Corey as Major Donaldson. Special music was arranged and conducted by Del Castillo. Listen again at this same time next week to another exciting adventure in time and space. A story about you in the future you beyond tomorrow.

[Narrator]

That's the show for this week, but don't forget, there are thousands more like it at relicradio.com horror, strange tales, science fiction, crime, all available for free. If you'd like to donate to Relic Radio and help keep it all free, you can do that through the website as well. Visit donate. Relicradio.com to find out more and to see the special downloadable sets that are available. My thanks to those who have donated and thanks for listening today. Talk to you again next week.