"No one will laugh if he reads the data I've got to present," said Jim. "Every member of our staff who knows the subject has verified that the data are correct. The conclusion is inescapable."
"I can't forbid publication, Cochran," said Hennesey, "but I think it is very unwise for you to go ahead. Very unwise."
"I'll take that risk," said Jim.
He sent the paper to the Journal of Astro-physics. At the same time he sent an announcement to the major news services.
He had expected some sensationalism in the reporting. There was more than he bargained for. Some of the headlines that followed were:
"Savant Says Moon is Messenger from Outer Space."
"Moon Will Poison Earth."
"Moon Trip—One Way only."
The reactions in the upper echelons of NASA were almost as bad—in their own way. No thought had ever been given to a need for complete decontamination of astronauts and equipment after exposure on the moon. The requirement, if admitted, would threaten the entire program in the minds of some of the engineers. Others admitted it was tough, but thought they could solve it in an extra year or so. Rumblings were heard echoing down from Congressional halls. Why hadn't the stupid scientists known in the beginning that this was necessary? Always bungling things—
In the end, it was Alan himself who came up with a proposal that kept the project from bogging down and still provided some measure of protection against the possible menace. He suggested a plastic outer suit to be fitted over the space-suit and discarded as the astronaut re-entered the space vehicle. With care, such a procedure could prevent direct contact with moondust. In the meantime, it was hoped that robot vehicles could bring back moon samples before the Apollo was sent out.