Alien Virus

Alien Virus by John Rackham This science fiction story opens with inventor Dr. Sven Norden presenting revolutionary technology to gathered scientists. Norden describes his discovery that his famous "Norden pile" (a magnesium-fission reactor used in spacecraft) broadcasts microwave power, previously undetected. He has developed the "Z-wave" system—transceivers that receive this broadcast power for long-distance two-way communication without separate power sources. Norden demonstrates by successfully contacting technician Tom Zennar twenty-five miles away and attempts to reach Governor Clarke on Mars, transmitting 160 million miles. However, Commodore Gale interrupts with urgent news: Mars has lost all radio contact for eight hours and Canal City's radar beacon has stopped transmitting, violating interspace law. Gale urges Norden to join a transport to Mars immediately. The story breaks off as Norden departs.