The Vital Factor by X Minus One

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Vital Factor" by X Minus One

Podcast Information:

• Title: Relic Radio Sci-Fi (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: The Vital Factor by X Minus One
• Release Date: June 2, 2025

Overview: "The Vital Factor" is a riveting science fiction narrative from the esteemed series X Minus One, brought to life by Relic Radio Sci-Fi. Adapted for radio by Howard Rodman and originally penned by Nelson Bond, this episode delves deep into themes of ambition, power, and the ethical boundaries of scientific pursuit. Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era innovation, the story introduces listeners to the enigmatic Wayne Crowder, a man whose relentless drive to conquer space leads to unforeseen consequences.

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1. Introduction to Wayne Crowder

The episode opens with a portrayal of Wayne Crowder, a formidable entrepreneur renowned for his array of practical products. The narrator sets the stage:

"[02:40] ... Crowder was described as a man of ice and stone and ink and steel. No warmth, his blood and a heart to pump, not feel, human emotion."

Crowder's detached nature is emphasized by his reliance on technology to manage his enterprise, highlighting his lack of personal interaction and emotional depth.

2. The Bold Announcement

In a decisive move, Crowder summons his engineering team with a singular mission:

"[03:01] Wayne Crowder: ... I want you to build me a spaceship. ... I am going to be the man who gives space flight to mankind."
"[07:08] Wayne Crowder: It is."

Despite the engineers' skepticism about current technological limitations, Crowder's unwavering determination sets the narrative in motion.

3. Ruthless Decision-Making

Crowder's authoritarian leadership style becomes evident as he dismisses objections regarding the spaceship's feasibility:

"[03:20] Engineer Phillips: ... Without success. ... Mr. Crowder, you see."
"[03:50] Wayne Crowder: ... Phillips. You're fired. ... We use money. We don't let expense provide a rationalization for not beginning a project."

His refusal to consider practical constraints and his readiness to terminate key personnel underscore his single-minded pursuit of his ambitious goal.

4. Focused Obsession and Public Declaration

Crowder streamlines his efforts by eliminating distractions and focusing solely on his spaceship project, dubbed "Crowder's Folly":

"[07:56] Wayne Crowder: ... Crowdus Folly. ... what they think of me."
"[09:04] Wayne Crowder: ... Every time I open that door, they surge in like a tidal wave."

His public announcement aims to galvanize support and secure funding, reflecting his understanding of the power of media and public perception.

5. Engineers' Struggles and Setbacks

The engineering team faces significant challenges in developing a viable propulsion system. An atomic fission motor test ends disastrously:

"[11:55] Wayne Crowder: What happened? The generator blew out. ... What? Kind of accomplished."
"[12:01] Wayne Crowder: ... I have no further responsibility."

Crowder's reaction to failure—disregarding the engineers' concerns and maintaining his course despite setbacks—highlights his relentless nature.

6. The Arrival of Mr. Wilkins

A pivotal moment occurs when Mr. Wilkins, an unassuming yet brilliant electronics expert, presents himself as the solution to Crowder's propulsion dilemma:

"[13:47] Mr. Wilkins: ... I can power that ship you want. ... My motor requires a different sort of vessel."
"[14:25] Wayne Crowder: ... That's an honest answer. ... That's another answer."

Wilkins's demonstration of a counter-gravity motor by making a piece of metal float astonishes Crowder, convincing him to invest entirely in Wilkins's technology.

7. Transformation and Betrayal

As the spaceship, now redesigned based on Wilkins's counter-gravity concept, nears completion, Crowder's obsession intensifies. During the launch sequence, tensions escalate between Crowder and Wilkins:

"[25:04] Wayne Crowder: ... I made this possible, Wilkins. Don't you ever forget that. My capital. My forcefulness."
"[27:58] Engineer Phillips: Home. ... You are out of your mind."

Wilkins asserts control over the spaceship, revealing his true identity as a Martian—a being with intentions contrasting sharply with Crowder's ambitions.

8. Climactic Conclusion

The confrontation culminates in Wilkins overpowering Crowder, successfully commandeering the spaceship to embark on a journey beyond Earth:

"[28:42] ... This is only the beginning. ... Your modern dreaming would have died unborn except for me. I made this possible, Wilkins."
"[27:04] Mr. Wilkins: No."

Wilkins's actions serve as a stark commentary on the perils of unchecked ambition and the ethical responsibilities of those who wield great power.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Wayne Crowder on Ambition:
  "[16:19] Wayne Crowder: ... I want to be the master not only of one world, but of worlds."

• Engineer Phillips on Innovation:
  "[19:37] Engineer Phillips: ... It will be of great benefit to mankind, sir. Your name will go down."

• Mr. Wilkins on Sentimentality:
  "[27:47] Mr. Wilkins: ... i wanted to go home."

• Crowder's Final Declaration:
  "[25:51] Wayne Crowder: ... This is a triumph of power and ambition and sentiment."

Conclusion: "The Vital Factor" masterfully weaves a tale that explores the intersection of human ambition and the unforeseen consequences of technological advancement. Through the character of Wayne Crowder, listeners are invited to reflect on the ethical dimensions of leadership and the innate human desires that drive progress. The episode culminates in a thought-provoking climax that challenges perceptions of power, control, and the true meaning of conquest.

For those who haven't experienced this compelling narrative, "The Vital Factor" offers a timeless exploration of ambition's double-edged sword, making it a standout episode in the X Minus One series.

Transcript

[Wayne Crowder]

Relic Radio.

[Relic Radio Announcer]

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

[Narrator]

Countdown for Blast Off. X/5. 4. 3.

[Mr. Wilkins]

2.

[Narrator]

X minus 1. Fire. From the far horizons of the unknown. Come transcribed 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 in cooperation with street and Smith Publishers of Astounding Science Fiction, presents the X minus one. Tonight's story, the Vital Factor by Nelson Bond. I doubt that anywhere on Earth there's a man or woman or a child who doesn't know the name Wayne Crowder. I doubt whether there's a human being who hasn't at one time or another used one of the Crowder products, the can opener or the razor blade. Or the patented tooth powder dispenser. Or the Crowder improved slideless fastener. In the magazines which write about men of business, Crowder was described as a man of ice and stone and ink and steel. No warmth, his blood and a heart to pump, not feel, human emotion. And he built a battery of buttons into his desk so that when he wanted something, all he ever had to do was press a button. And like genies springing out of the bottle, the proper personnel would come running.

[Wayne Crowder]

Yes, Mr. Crowder? Get me my engineers. Yes, sir. Right away, Mr. Crowder.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Here.

[Wayne Crowder]

Your engineers. All right, close the door and get out. Now, gentlemen. Sit down. Gentlemen. I want you to build me a spaceship.

[Engineer Phillips]

A spaceship, sir?

[Wayne Crowder]

That's right. I've decided that I am going to be the man who gives space flight to mankind. Any questions, sir?

[Engineer Phillips]

We can design such a ship. That part isn't too hard. Yes, but we've no way of providing the motor to power such a ship.

[Wayne Crowder]

When the ship's ready to fly, there'll be a motor.

[Engineer Phillips]

Sir, I don't like to contradict you, but you can't go ahead of the total technology of a historical period. It's like asking somebody in 1600 to build the internal combustion engine. You see, scientists have been searching for a motive power for spaceships for decades now. Without success. You'll have a ship. But we can't lift that ship from the Earth's surface. That is, not to the point of free flight. At any rate, Mr. Crowder, you see.

[Wayne Crowder]

You'Ll be spending millions of dollars, hundreds of millions, perhaps for nothing. What's your name? Phillips. You're fired. Go down to the cashier and draw your pay and get out. What, sir? Get out. Nobody who Works for me. Thinks of how much something costs. We use money. We don't let expense provide a rationalization for not beginning a project. All right, Phillips. I give you permission to leave right now. Any other comments?

[Engineer Phillips]

The ship will be built, of course. Mr. Crowder, the fact still remains we can't power it.

[Wayne Crowder]

You design the ship. I'll find the motor for you.

[Engineer Phillips]

Where, sir?

[Wayne Crowder]

I don't know. But somewhere in the world is a man who does know the secret. I want that motor. And I'll root out the man who has the theory which will let us build it.

[Engineer Phillips]

How quickly do you want this done, sir?

[Wayne Crowder]

Yesterday.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Is there anything you need?

[Engineer Phillips]

We'll need a construction yard, sir. And certain machinery. And a great many materials, of course. Labor force.

[Wayne Crowder]

Get them. Send me the bills. I don't want to be bothered with minor details.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes, sir. And one more thing, sir. Phillips.

[Wayne Crowder]

Yes.

[Engineer Phillips]

We need him, sir. He's a top man on electronics. He's a vital cog in our team.

[Wayne Crowder]

I don't want Phillips working for me. That's clear. I hope who else in the country knows what he does?

[Engineer Phillips]

No one in this country, sir. There's a man in India, though.

[Wayne Crowder]

Get him.

[Engineer Phillips]

We've tried before, Mr. Crowder. He's working on an important project in his country.

[Wayne Crowder]

I'm not concerned with details. Get that man. Pay him what he wants, but get him.

[Engineer Phillips]

Sir, you don't understand. If this man quits his job, that whole project will collapse. It means the welfare of many people. Millions of people in his country. He has a high sense of patriotism.

[Wayne Crowder]

Buy that sense of patriotism, that's all. I don't want to see any of you again until you have a report of work in progress.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes.

[Wayne Crowder]

Ms. Holmes? There's a man named Phillips going to draw his pay. I want to company policemen to meet him at the cashier's office and escort him from there directly off the premises. And I want them to be emphatic about it. Yes, Mr. Crowder. And notify the newspapers, the television and the radio networks, the periodicals and the scientific journals that I'll receive the press in my office this afternoon at 3:30. I have an important announcement to make. Anyone not here at 3:30 will be barred. And the publication or company he represents will not be given any further information. Gentlemen, you can finish your drinks later. Gentlemen of the press and ladies, it's my pleasure to be able to tell you that I'm in the process of constructing a spaceship. Any questions?

[Engineer Phillips]

Did you say spaceship?

[Wayne Crowder]

That's right.

[Engineer Phillips]

That's what I thought you said.

[Wayne Crowder]

I know.

[Engineer Phillips]

The drinks weren't that strong. Mr. Crowder, is this spaceship under construction now?

[Wayne Crowder]

It is.

[Engineer Phillips]

You solved the problem of motive force, then?

[Wayne Crowder]

No, sir. What sort of.

[Engineer Phillips]

You mean you have no means of propulsion for this spaceship?

[Wayne Crowder]

That problem is not solved as yet. It will be. That's why I called you in this afternoon. I want you to announce that I have $100,000 in cash waiting for the man or woman who first brings me the basic idea for such a motor. I supply all equipment for research and construction, and I'll see that the rights of the inventor are protected and more than adequate royalties will be paid. Him or her. That's all I have to say.

[Engineer Phillips]

Now, Mr. Crowder, one more question, please.

[Wayne Crowder]

Yes?

[Engineer Phillips]

Do you have a name for this spaceship yet?

[Wayne Crowder]

No, not yet.

[Engineer Phillips]

Well, then, let me suggest one.

[Wayne Crowder]

Yes.

[Engineer Phillips]

Crowder's Folly.

[Wayne Crowder]

Quiet. All of you, quiet. What is your paper?

[Engineer Phillips]

The daily time, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Ms. Holmes, inform the company police that under no circumstances is any representative of the Daily Times ever to be allowed on company property again. Strike that paper from the list of those to be invited to future conferences.

[Narrator]

It was Crowder's Folly, but the word of what he wanted circulated to the far corners of the globe. It was known in the white ice block huts of the Eskimos and in the grass thatched villages of Central Africa, as well as places less remote. And the Crowder office became the Mecca and the heaven for the lunatic fringe of humanity. Their blueprints and scale models clogged its corridors.

[Wayne Crowder]

Told you. I don't want these people in my office till they're screened. Now get out. Get out. Every time I open that door, they surge in like a tidal wave.

[Engineer Phillips]

I have a progress report for you, sir. The ship is finished as far as we can go. Mr. Crowder. Certain additional construction can't be done now because it depends on the shape and mass of the engine, on the type of fuel, on the weight of that fuel.

[Wayne Crowder]

I see. All right. Lay off everybody we don't need.

[Engineer Phillips]

I've ordered that. Mr. Crowder. Is it possible that no one will turn up with a motor?

[Wayne Crowder]

That's the one thing that's not possible. He will come. Money and determination will buy anything. Close the door on your way out.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Ms. Holmes, order the proper department to put a name on the forward end of the ship. I want letters in pure gold, one foot high. The name of the ship is Crowder's Folly. Get it done. Today.

[Narrator]

The sun came up in the morning and the sun set at night, glinting rose on the silver sheen of the hollow ship's skin as it lay in the yard, the golden letters on the prow spelled out the fury of Crowder for the world to see. A staff of 50 were employed as time went on in taking rust preventative measures to ensure the ship's well being. The staff of 50 worked in three shifts around the clock, Armed with oil cans and grease cans and other containers and sprayers of preservatives in a year crowd. The first experiment seemed ready to bear fruit, and a test was held. The atomic fission motor.

[Engineer Phillips]

In exactly 45 seconds. Now we'll hold the test, Mr. Crowder. The sound you hear is our generator's ear building up power to supply the motor by remote control. If this needle goes round to the part of the dial marked in red, there'll be an explosion. Are there any questions, sir?

[Wayne Crowder]

Proceed with the tests.

[Engineer Phillips]

Watch the needle, sir. 8,000. 8,500. 9,000. 10, 11, 12, 15. That's an overload now, sir. 18, 20. Don't know how much more it can.

[Wayne Crowder]

What happened? The generator blew out. What? Kind of accomplished.

[Engineer Phillips]

I beg your pardon, sir? The motor blew up.

[Wayne Crowder]

What are you talking about? I would have heard.

[Engineer Phillips]

You see, sir, it takes a while for the vibrations of an explosion to travel three miles, then reach through 15ft of concrete.

[Wayne Crowder]

I see. Well, there are other experiments in progress. Let me know when they're ready for testing.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Yes, sir.

[Engineer Phillips]

Mr. Crowder, the inventor of that motor had to be right with it. Of course, during the tests.

[Wayne Crowder]

He had a family. The fool knew what he was doing. He understood the danger. He was paid enough to be able to afford insurance.

[Engineer Phillips]

The cost of insurance on such a project was prohibitive, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Well, if his wife was thrifty, she saved out of what he earned this last year.

[Engineer Phillips]

His salary was relatively small, sir. Most of the money went for the research.

[Wayne Crowder]

He should have demanded an adequate salary. I haven't stated on money. The fool failed. I have no further responsibility.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes, sir. You want us to continue screening applicants?

[Wayne Crowder]

Of course. All right. Make a settlement on the widow and don't turn anyone away if he seems to have the remotest possibility of success. I'm telling you, my man will come. Money and determination will buy anything.

[Narrator]

And strangely enough, Crowder was right. Because one day there came to his office a stranger. A small man. He looked even smaller in that tremendous room. He was an unusual visitor in that he carried no briefcase fat with blueprints or formula. He was unusual in that he neither blustered coward nor deferred to his host. He was a Pleasant little stranger. Bird like of eye movement. Bright and smiling.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Mr. Crowder, my name is Wilkins. I can power that ship you want. So, of course, what I have in mind won't be anything like that meaningless huge bullet your engineers built for you. Rockets are a foolish waste of time, sir. My motor requires a different sort of vessel.

[Wayne Crowder]

Where are your plans?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Right here in my head.

[Wayne Crowder]

It so happens that I am presently supporting half a dozen people who make the same claims. None of them have been successful. What makes you think your idea will work?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Simple enough, sir. A common magnet. Electromagnetism, utilization of the force of gravity. Or its opposite. In this case, counter gravity.

[Wayne Crowder]

Thank you very much. Now, if you'll forgive me.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Now, just one moment, Mr. Crowder. There's one thing more. This.

[Wayne Crowder]

Now, I've seen pieces of metal before. Thank you.

[Mr. Wilkins]

How high from your desk would you say that I'm holding it?

[Wayne Crowder]

I'm very sorry, Mr. Wilkers. Now, do you want to leave, or do you want to be escorted out?

[Mr. Wilkins]

This will only take a second, sir. How high from your desk would you say that I'm holding this piece of metal?

[Wayne Crowder]

A foot and a half, I'd say.

[Mr. Wilkins]

And if I let go, then in less than a second, a fraction of a second, it should fall to your desk.

[Wayne Crowder]

Now, look. I don't want the surface of that desk marred.

[Mr. Wilkins]

What will it be? You see, I have let go of the metal. Is that right?

[Narrator]

Good Lord.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Many seconds ago, it should have crashed to the desk. Am I right?

[Wayne Crowder]

This is incredible.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Well, if you want to speak to me anymore, I'll be right outside.

[Wayne Crowder]

But it hasn't fallen.

[Mr. Wilkins]

That's right, sir. It hasn't fallen.

[Wayne Crowder]

It floats in the air.

[Mr. Wilkins]

That's right, sir. It floats in the air.

[Wayne Crowder]

How do you do it?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Why don't you call your engineers and ask them?

[Wayne Crowder]

I'll wait outside, Miss Holmes. Get me my engineers immediately. All right, Mr. Wilkins. You're quite right. The piece of metal is apparently counter gravity. And my engineers can give me no explanation.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Thank you, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Now, what do you want for my services?

[Mr. Wilkins]

You've already set the price. You build a pilot model based on this sample. No great expenditure. A hundredth of the cost of your behemoth sitting out there in your building yard. Three other things. A workshop, expert, mechanical assistance, and an answer to one question.

[Wayne Crowder]

What is your question?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Why do you want so much to build this ship?

[Wayne Crowder]

Frankly, because I love power. Because I'm ambitious. I want to be the first to conquer space because if I can do it, it'll make me greater, richer, stronger Than any man has ever been. I want to be the master not only of one world, but of worlds.

[Mr. Wilkins]

That's an honest answer. But is it the only one?

[Wayne Crowder]

You see those letters in gold on the prow of my ship? Crowdus Folly. That's what they named it. That's what they think of me. I want to cram those words down their petty little throats and let them eat mud. That's another answer.

[Mr. Wilkins]

And that's all. That is, as far as your thinking goes.

[Wayne Crowder]

What other answer is there to your question?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Is my own answer. I want to leave this planet and go elsewhere. To Mars, perhaps. Because there are strange wonders yet to be found. Because there will be scarlet sunsets over barren wastes and in the star strewn night, the thin cold air of a dying world stirring in restless sighs across the valleys, the dry canals. You may laugh out loud if you wish, Mr. Crowder. I would prefer that to the peculiar, repressed smile you are now exhibiting.

[Wayne Crowder]

You're a very lucky man, Mr. Wilkins, in that you have scientific talent. Because your talents as a poet are inferior and very sentimental. All right. You're a sentimentalist and I'm a man of action. No matter. We can work together, you and I. Your workshop will be ready by morning. I don't need to hear from you again till you have something to show me. If you need to see me, call me, day or night. I'll be available. But don't bother me with details because I probably won't understand what you're talking about anyhow. If you need money or materials or personnel, just tell my engineers. You'll get it, or I'll know the reason why. That's all.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Thank you, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Ms. Holmes. Get me my engineers.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes, Mr. Crowder.

[Wayne Crowder]

We have 50 men working on preserving that useless hulk out there in the construction yards. Lay them off. How many have deteriorated?

[Engineer Phillips]

We do that, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Let it rot. Lay them off.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

How many other employees are still working for us on the project?

[Engineer Phillips]

About 3,000, sir. Including the people working on experimental motors.

[Wayne Crowder]

Get rid of them.

[Engineer Phillips]

Sir?

[Wayne Crowder]

Get rid of them.

[Engineer Phillips]

Mr. Crowder, I never thought you'd drop this project. You were so adamant.

[Wayne Crowder]

I'm not dropping anything but deadwood. You saw what Wilkins had to offer. He's my man and the rest is junk and nonsense.

[Engineer Phillips]

Mr. Crowder, he might fail. We ought to have a minimum of protection.

[Wayne Crowder]

I say he won't fail. I know the goods when I see it. The rest is nonsense.

[Engineer Phillips]

Several of the experimenters were making much greater progress than I thought was possible. There are great Opportunities there.

[Wayne Crowder]

I'm not interested.

[Engineer Phillips]

Not only in the field of spaceships, sir. One man has a motor no bigger than a football which will drive an automobile 24 hours on 4 cents worth of fuel. It's almost finished, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

Not interested.

[Engineer Phillips]

It will be of great benefit to mankind, sir. Your name will go down.

[Wayne Crowder]

My name will go down in history for this spaceship.

[Engineer Phillips]

The profits in such a motor, sir.

[Wayne Crowder]

I have more money now than I even know how to count. And when I make my space flight, I'll have more than that. Yes, you just lay everybody off. That isn't needed. Give them two weeks pay and my thanks for a thankless job well done. That's all.

[Engineer Phillips]

Yes, sir. I'll get it done.

[Wayne Crowder]

Oh, one more thing. There's no need to let the folly rot. Dismantle it. Sell the basic materials we don't need. Salvage whatever will be useful to us. That's all. Yes, in 10 years or 20 years. Then I do the same thing. That's why you're an engineer and I'm an executive. That's why you work for me. Because when I have to, I can be ruthless with my own mistakes. When a thing has lost its usefulness to me, I get rid of it.

[Engineer Phillips]

Well, I was just thinking, Mr. Crowder. What would happen to me if my usefulness to you were over? I've worked for you 20 years now.

[Wayne Crowder]

Just don't give me any occasion to consider your usefulness terminated. That oughtn't to be too hard. What?

[Engineer Phillips]

Nothing, sir. I'll make the arrangements at once.

[Wayne Crowder]

Who are you? What do you want? I tried to stop him, sir. Speak up, man.

[Jarvisushtuli]

My name is Jarvisushtuli. I'm an electronics expert.

[Wayne Crowder]

Oh, yes, I remember. You're the Indian. Come in, Come in. Do you want me, sir? I. I can never. Never mind, Ms. Holmes. Just stay outside. Close the door behind you. Sit down majestically.

[Jarvisushtuli]

Thank you, no. I want to give you a gift before I leave.

[Wayne Crowder]

Oh, you're leaving? I thought we still needed you.

[Jarvisushtuli]

I resigned.

[Wayne Crowder]

Sorry to hear that. I'm told you're a good man.

[Jarvisushtuli]

I want you to understand what's behind this gift. I was working on a power project in my country, which would have meant a tremendous rise in the standard of living for millions of my people. I was unable to resist the money you offered.

[Wayne Crowder]

Well, had you resisted, even more money would have been forthcoming. I placed no limit on your worth. To me.

[Jarvisushtuli]

I understand. But you see, I did not come without a sense of guilt, because there was no one in my country who could take my place.

[Wayne Crowder]

I would assume that.

[Jarvisushtuli]

And now I discover that what I did was for nothing. The spaceship on which I worked is being dismantled.

[Wayne Crowder]

That's right.

[Jarvisushtuli]

So I have been corrupted by you at a whim. I think you have too much power, sir. I think you use your power for evil, selfish purposes.

[Wayne Crowder]

Selfish, yes. Evil, no. Only sentimentality is evil.

[Jarvisushtuli]

I think otherwise. And so, in order that you shall not corrupt anyone else, I have this gift for you. Here you are, sir. And just one more shot for good measure to make sure you're really dead.

[Wayne Crowder]

Good. Ms. Holmes? There's a man on his way out by the name of Job. He's used to be an engineer. He's not to be molested. He probably won't stop at the cashier, so I want to check for six months salary in advance, mailed to his home address. The man showed a certain quality of ruthlessness which is deserving of recognition. Oh, and have the chief of the company police bring me a new bulletproof vest. This one seems to have been dented in a couple of places.

[Narrator]

The new spaceship, according to Wilkins plans as executed by Crowder's engineers.

[Wayne Crowder]

Engineers.

[Narrator]

Was finished within four months. It was small. It was shaped like a disc. It gleamed brightly even in the smoky haze of an October sunset. Inside, Crowder and Mr. Wilkins, in a small cubicle at the heart of the machine, sat surrounded by many instruments of a complicated nature. Outside, huge crowds gathered to witness the test. They stirred and murmured, waiting restlessly as inside the control room of the craft, Wilkins installed the final secret part he had not revealed to those who built his driving apparatus.

[Wayne Crowder]

Well, Wilkins, what's holding us up?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Nothing new. Oh. Sentiment, perhaps. A wish to look once more on Earth's familiar scenes.

[Wayne Crowder]

Yeah.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Now the screening is removed. Look. Look at the people out there.

[Wayne Crowder]

Never mind looking out there. Let's leave that thing closed. You're a sentimental fool. Or are you afraid? Or did you decide at the last minute that your invention would work?

[Mr. Wilkins]

It will work. Sit down, Mr. Crowder. Thank you. Do me a favor. When I press this button, will you please press the button on the arm of the chair in which you're seated? I'll tell you when.

[Wayne Crowder]

Turn on your motor. I want to hear its roar and feel its tug as we cut loose from Earth's gravity and fly outward into space. That might be a moment in which I'd share your sentimentality.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Press your button now, sir. Thank you.

[Wayne Crowder]

Yeah. Wilkins, I'm beginning to distrust you. If this is all a hoax, when are we going to take off? You said it. Five sharp and it's two minutes after five now. Well, do we move or don't we?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Mr. Crowder, we're already moving. The button you pushed was to nullify the effects of acceleration. If you don't mind, sir, I'd like to open the screen again now. Care to look? See for yourself.

[Wayne Crowder]

Wilkins. We're in space. Look down at the Earth. How far we've come. Ice no bigger than a toy balloon. No. A dime. No. A firefly. Man. Man. Wilkins. You've done it. Yes. I swore to be the first man to conquer space, and I've done it. It's a triumph of power and ambition and sentiment. Last sentiment. Your modern dreaming would have died unborn except for me. I made this possible, Wilkins. Don't you ever forget that. My capital. My forcefulness.

[Engineer Phillips]

My will.

[Wayne Crowder]

Look out there. Space. Stars that never were seen from Earth. This is only the beginning. We'll build a larger model. One great enough to hold a hundred men, a thousand, and cargo besides. Whoever wants to leave Earth this moment must come to me. I am the master of the planet. All right, Wilkins. Turn back now.

[Mr. Wilkins]

No.

[Wayne Crowder]

I said turn back.

[Mr. Wilkins]

No.

[Wayne Crowder]

Well, we proved the ship can fly. Now. Now, turn back. I want to start work at once in preparation for the long flights to come.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Not so. We will go on.

[Wayne Crowder]

What are you doing, defying me? I'll break your puny little body into pieces.

[Mr. Wilkins]

Can you control this ship, Mr. Crowder? Would you like to be stranded out here in space, just adrift in space without control? Would you like that?

[Wayne Crowder]

Turn back?

[Mr. Wilkins]

No.

[Wayne Crowder]

What's the matter with you? Are you out of your mind?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Oh, I am a sentimentalist, Mr. Crowder. Your money and ambition paved the way.

[Engineer Phillips]

Way, that's true.

[Mr. Wilkins]

But sentiment was the vital factor that sent me to you. Sentiment, Sir? You see, Mr. Crowder, I wanted to go home.

[Wayne Crowder]

Home.

[Engineer Phillips]

Home.

[Wayne Crowder]

You are out of your mind.

[Mr. Wilkins]

You will forgive me if I remove these primitive cl.

[Wayne Crowder]

Who are you?

[Mr. Wilkins]

Oh, it's all right, Mr. Crowder. I hold no special malice toward you. There's no need to be so terrified because you've had your first close look at a Martian.

[Narrator]

You have just heard X minus 1. Presented by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with street and Smith Publishers of Astounding Science Fiction. Tonight, by transcription, X minus one has brought you the Vital Factor by Nelson Bond, as adapted for radio by Howard Rodman. Featured in the cast were Joe DeSantis, Guy Sorrell, John McGovern, Rant Richards, Louis Van Rutten, Richard Hamilton and Florence Williams. Your announcer, Fred Collins. X minus one was directed by Daniel Sutter and is an NBC Radio Network production.

[Relic Radio Announcer]

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