“I stress the importance of your following instructions concerning the landing on Possum Hole, Iowa on June 1, 1935, at 8:00 a.m. This will be the world’s first attempt to go back in time and return. You will be there two minutes, no more, no less.” The director’s tone became ominous. “The President of the United States and the major leaders of the free world are tuned in. As you know, the decision to do this was not unanimous.” His voice changed to a lower, and slower tone. “All you are allowed to do is step on land, pick up the designated rock from where it is located, and move it six centimeters in the direction specified. Get back into the vehicle, wait out the time and return. Even a slight deviation from these instructions could have a devastating effect on history! Is this fully understood?”
The Temponauts nodded. They had heard all this before. Wordlessly, they entered the Time Vehicle. One and one-half minutes later, the voice of Lee Scott was heard. “We’re here. Dale will step out first, then I will.” All present in the Control Room held their breath and stared at the wall screen.
Dale Gordon spoke: “That’s one small step in time, at this point in time, for all Mankind.” The wall screen zeroed in on Dale’s foot as it touched the ground and immediately went dark. Puzzled, the viewers glanced at each other. Then, the world disappeared.