reconnaissance shots of a mobile column.
Notice that each vehicle carries a pair of missiles, and you will
realize that they constitute an enormous threat - The Brig picked out
the marvellously pure profile of David Morgan as he leaned forward to
study the screen, and he felt a pang of sympathy and sorrow for him and
yet this was underlined by a new respect, a realignment of judgement.
The boy had proved himself to be constant, capable of embracing an ideal
and remaining loyal to it.
The improvements in design of the 'Serpent' are not certain, but it is
believed that the missile is capable of greater speeds, probably in the
order of mach 2. 5, and that the guidance system is a combination of
both infrared heat seeker and computerized radar control. Watching the
handsome young face, he wondered if Debra had not misjudged his
reserves. It was possible that he would have been capable of, no, the
Brig shook his head and groped for a cigarette. He was too young, too
greedy for life, spoiled by good looks and riches. He would not be
capable of it. Debra was right, as so often was the case. She had
chosen the correct course. She could never hold him, she must set him
free.
It is expected that the 'Serpent' is capable of engaging targets at
altitudes between 1500 it. and 75, 000 it. There was a stir amongst
the listeners, as they assessed the threat of this new weapon.
The warhead delivers a quarter of a ton of explosive and it is armed
with a proximity fuse which is set to fire if the target is passed at
range less than 150 feet.
Within these limits the 'Serpent' is lethal. The Brig was still
watching David. Ruth and he had not seen the boy at their home for many
months. He had come with Joe to spend the Sabbath evening with them
twice after the outrage. However, the atmosphere had been stiff and
artificial, everybody carefully avoiding mention of Debra's name. He
had not come again after the second time, nearly six months ago.
Evasive tactics at this stage will be the same as for
'Sam III'.
Prayer and good luck! someone interjected and that raised a laugh.
maximum-rate turn towards the missile, to screen the radiation from your
jet blasts, and attempt to force the 'Serpent' to overshoot. In the
event that the missile continues to track, you should climb into the sun
and then make another maximum-rate turn. The missile may then accept
the sun's infra-red radiation as a more tempting target And if that
doesn't work? a voice called, and another answered flippantly, Repeat
the following: 'Hear Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ' But
this time nobody laughed at the old blasphemy.
The Brig timed his departure from the briefing-room to fall in beside
David.
When are we going to see you, David? It's been a long time. 'I'm
sorry, sir. I hope Joe made my apologies Yes, of course. But why don't
you come with Joe this evening? God knows, there will be enough food
I'll be very busy tonight, sir, David declined lamely.
I understand. And as they reached the door of the O.C.'Is office the
Brig paused, Remember you are always welcome, and he turned away.
