“I agree, son,” the elder scientist nodded. “You apparently need the intense solar radiation you’ll get above the earth’s atmosphere to provide you with an unlimited source of power.”
Mr, Swift broke off as the telephone rang. He lifted the receiver, spoke for a few minutes, then hung up with a chuckle.
EXCITING PLANS 45
“Better fit a dinner party this evening into your schedule,” he told Tom. “That was Sandy. She has invited Phyl and wants you to bring Bud and Ted.”
“We’ll be there,” Tom promised, grinning.
Phyllis Newton was Tom’s favorite date. A pretty brunette, she was the daughter of “Uncle Ned” Newton, stanch and long-time friend of Mr. Swift. He was now manager of the Swift Construction Company. In their youth the two men had struggled side by side through many exciting adventures when Tom Sr. was first startling the world with his advanced scientific achievements.
That evening, the dining-room table in the Swift home looked unusually attractive, with flowers, silver, fine china, and candles. As Tom held his mother’s chair, he asked, “Did I forget somebody’s birthday?”
Sandy laughed. “No, but this is a special occasion.”
“What are we celebrating?” Bud asked.
“Well,” said Sandy, “Phyl and I decided to drum up a little excitement. You boys have all the fun on these space flights. Why not take us along? You could teach me to pilot the Challenger, Tom!”
“And I could be her back-seat driver!” added Phyl, her brown eyes twinkling.
The Challenger, Tom’s amazing new spaceship powered by repelatron drive, had already successfully orbited the moon.
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