“Let’s get your name,” Wes Norris put in.
“Kessler-Jeremy Kessler,” the shaven-headed man told him. “I’m an engineer and physicist.”
“You’re a member of the gang?”
“I was a member. Once I talk, I’ll need protection from their vengeance.”
“You’ll get it,” the FBI man assured him.
“Group Q is now engaged in space communications research,” Kessler began, “to help them carry out rocket and missile espionage.”
“For what country?” Chief Slater asked. Ul
142 3-D TELEJECTOR
“They have no national loyalty. Group Q sells its information to the highest bidder.”
“And the Green Orb diner setup was part of their espionage activities?” Tom inquired.
Kessler nodded. “Flamm is one of the gang’s top men. That revolving sign to pick up telemetered data was his idea. The diner made a good place to eavesdrop on your rocket crews.”
After the Green Orb had appeared in the sky, the prisoner went on, Flamm had decided to change the name of the diners as an excuse to erect the green sign balloon. As Tom had suspected, the balloon contained a TV camera.
Kessler also explained that Klaus Sturko had joined the gang after escaping from prison. They had tried to kidnap Sturko from the hospital, fearing that Tom might identify him and become suspicious about the sign.
“Now let’s get to the interesting part,” Tom prodded. “Does Group Q have some special interest in the real Green Orb?”
The prisoner stared at Tom as if a ghost had risen through the floor. “I don’t know how you guessed that, but I’m glad you did. It may help you believe what I’m going to tell you.”