QRM-Interplanetary

"QRM-Interplanetary" by George O. (George Oliver) Smith is a science fiction story that imagines a future reliant on fast communication between planets, telling the gripping tale of the Venus Equilateral Relay Station. Don Channing, an electronics engineer, finds his world turned upside down when the new Director, Francis Burbank, starts making bad choices to save money, putting the whole station in danger. The story follows Channing and his team as they fight against failing technology made worse by these decisions, leading to a dangerous drop in oxygen caused by a broken air purification system. Hard work and clever thinking become the station's only hope as Channing races to fix the mess, showing how important teamwork is when dealing with clueless leadership. The story wraps up with Channing stepping up to lead after Burbank is out, bringing peace and good spirits back to the station.