Things ran smoothly for Mike Montaine for a few weeks after his gallant rescue. His recuperation period ended and he went back to work happily, doubling as Cooper's lab assistant besides doing his janitorial chores. His relationship with Jeanie improved, and they became very close, almost to the point where she could easily be called his steady girl. They went out often, and she was impressed with the way he accepted the wonderful abilities being bestowed on him. Mike never bragged to all in the lab of how he'd become, though it amazed and shocked him at times. He was just the same old Mike she'd met on that fateful day he'd come to clean the lab. Larry Daniken began to secretly put Mike on a pedestal as his hero, and the two young men got along famously. Many people in the building thought they were brothers!
Jeanie began teaching Mike gymnastics, and he also took a course on the martial arts, which he loved. He was becoming very skillful and strong in his own physical makeup. He felt wonderful!
Dr. Cooper's plans were turning out very well. He still spent most of his time in the lab, but did not work as feverishly as before. One morning he called a meeting there of his close-knit staff.
"O.k, people," he began, "we know the basic problem we had with the first R.M.T.P., so our next job will be to dismantle her, see what parts we can save for the new machine, and what we'll have to order. We'll have to work as long and as hard as we can, because the brass will be asking questions if we don't show any progress soon. Please report for work the usual time, tomorrow."
Everyone in the room looked anxious to get started again, except Larry, who squirmed in his chair, knowing he'd get the most difficult part of the task. He would be the one to get the closest to the machine, and actually be the first to remove any components. No telling what would happen, he thought, but he couldn't give up.
Mike gave Larry an understanding look. Somehow he was beginning to be able to read his friend's mind. And somehow, he had the feeling everything would be fine.
When Mike arrived at the lab to see Cooper the next morning, it was beginning to look like an automobile garage. Larry was lying on he floor before the sending platform in the middle of thousands of mechanical parts! Mike went over to speak with Jeanie and Cooper. He hung around the lab for a few hours, then was called to do a cleaning job.
"Don't forget our date tonight!" he reminded Jeanie before he left.
"Don't worry," she called, "I can't wait to see the circus! I've been counting on going for months!"