"This is Space Captain Rogers to Base. Come in Base."

There was the whisper of interference, then the reply came through. "Base here. Report Rogers - what's your situation?"

Rogers adjusted the dials on his fighter's console in an attempt to get better reception. "Rogers here. II sustained damage passing through the Melconian meteor shield, but my critical systems are still working. I am now in orbit above Melconia. Awaiting your instructions."

There was silence in cabin as the information made its way back through the subetheric channels.

"Base here. You are 'go' for Operation Comet. Use the target selection we have programmed into your weapons bank."

"Rogers to Base - negative. The data banks were damaged in the approach. I do still have manual capability."

"Base here. Acknowledged, Rogers. If you can't do this, then the Earth Alliance is doomed. You're the best we've got."

For a moment Rogers felt a sense of - What? Anxiety? Panic? Fear? The fates of worlds were riding on him and his damaged spacecraft. There was no time for doubt; there was no room for error. Rogers set the controls and programmed in his attack plan. When the timer reached zero, he would act!

"This is Rogers. As you say, Base. I'd better get this right as there won't be a second chance."

"Good luck, Rogers. And God speed!"

"Thank you, Base. Rogers out."

There was nothing on the communications channel but interstellar noise. Rogers grasped the control column and stared at the countdown timer.

10 ...

9 ...

8 ...

7 ...

"Boys! Dinner! Time to stop your game and come inside!! Now!" Their mother's voice came from the kitchen.

"Aww, ma!" the boys chorussed. "Just another minute!"

"No! Now! Don't make me wait!"

The boys leapt to their feet and ran into the house, leaving their toys on the grass.