"_The Senate Advisory Committee for Astronautics began hearing testimony this morning in an effort to determine the fate of satellite '58 Beta. Mr. Claude Wamboldt, leader of the CCSB (Citizens' Committee to Save Beta), testified that the cost of retrieving Beta from orbit would be trivial compared to its value as an object of precious historical significance. He suggested the Smithsonian Institution as an appropriate site for the exhibit. At the same time the incumbent Senator from Mr. Wamboldt's district filed a bill in the Senate which would add a complete wing to the Smithsonian to house this satellite and other similar historic objects. In later testimony Mr. Orville Larkin, leader of the unnamed committee representing those in opposition to the CCSB stated that his group felt that to snatch Beta from orbit at this moment of its greatest glory would be contrary to natural law and that he and his supporters would never concede to any plan to save it._" Jordan raised his head and stared over the fax sheet at Clements. "Am I going out of my mind, or did this really happen?" "It sure did ... and is," said Clements. "Later on, I am told, Wamboldt threw a chair at Larkin, and the committee recessed after declaring both men in contempt." Jordan shook his head. "Why didn't somebody tell me about this?" "I sent you a ten page memo about it last week," objected Clements, somewhat aggrieved. "Gave you the whole story with extrapolations." "Memo! You know I never read memos! I ought to fire you ... I would if I could ... you ... you 'appointee.'" Clements shook his head warningly. "Better not, chief. You'll need me for the briefing." "Briefing? What briefing?" "_The_ briefing. You're scheduled to testify before the committee tomorrow afternoon at three." * * * * * _Senator Darius:_ Mr. Jordan, will you please state whether or not there is a satellite body known as '58 Beta? _Mr. Jordan:_ Yes, sir, there is. _Senator D:_ Will you describe its present orbit? _Mr. J:_ I'd be glad to, Senator. It now has a perigee slightly below 110 miles and an apogee of about 400 miles. The last perigee occurred 400 miles last of the Seychelles Islands about 35 minutes ago. Roughly its present position is about 250 miles above Manus Island. _Senator D:_ When do you expect it to enter the atmosphere for the final plunge to its death? _Mr. J:_ (bridling) Well, Senator, we in the Secretariat don't usually refer to such an occurrence in exactly those terms. It's really just a problem in celestial mechanics to us, and ... _Senator D:_ (glaring) Your administrative assistant testified a few moments ago, sir, that '58 Beta has had a life of 185 years. Will you kindly explain to the committee how anything which has had a life can end in anything but death?