The heavy alphatrons began to fill the space between the fore stations with alpha particles. Circling in ever-decreasing spirals, the particles set up a super-powerful magnetic field parallel to the axis of the lens. As they reached the center of the lens, the alpha particles lost velocity and with their lost speed, they also lost their effect. They died out, and to all effects, disappeared. The space between the electro-gravitic warp and the magneto-gravitic warp decreased as the fore warp thickened, and then with a sickening swell on the part of the stations themselves, the center of the fore warp touched the center of the aft warp. Cohesion took place, and the fore warp, not completely formed, snapped back against the electro-gravitic warp, drawing the fore stations back a few miles with it. Their mass made them pass the point of balance, and then the overly-convex surface exerted pressure against the stations, and they moved forward into damped oscillation. The oscillation continued for four long, slow swings, and then McBride decided that they were stable enough for continued action. "Doc," he yelled. "Get Carlson, take the surface flitter, and keep an eye on him while he keeps an eye on the lens!" Out across the fore surface of the magneto-gravitic warp went the surface flitter. Out across the firm surface of warped space went the flitter, running on the way of magnetic power where pseudo-gravity was made at will. It ran across the lens to the center, and Carlson seated himself in a stiff chair and put his head against a niche in the hard back. Before his mouth a microphone was placed, and every bit of motion was stopped in the flitter. Even the doctor sat quiet in order that he would not disturb Carlson's perfect balance. "We're thick on the 5 edge," he said, and McBride turned and spoke to Station 5. "Decrease alphatron output," he said. "Now about one quarter that amount on 6." The adjustments were made, and Carlson's perfect balance told him whether or not the optical axis of the lens was correct by its pull upon the semicircular canals of his inner ear. A half hour passed, during which the power output of the various stations were adjusted, and after each adjustment, there was a period of waiting as the new output demanded a new positioning of the station to meet the curve of the lens. Then Carlson said, in a tired voice: "Mac, they're O.K., I think. Circle 'em!" "How's he, Doc?" asked McBride. "O.K., but weak. He'll last another fifteen minutes." "Make him rest for that time. We'll need him then." McBride gave the signal, and the three rings began to rotate; the fore and aft rings going clockwise and the center ring moving in the opposite direction. Then, fifteen minutes later, when the rings had gained their orbital velocity, Carlson resumed his post.