Prefix

My name is General Robert Harding, appointed Joint Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force in July 1977.

The following is a report on the quite extraordinary events that occurred at one of our Defence Stations (code name Station V) in September 1980, and the incredible, but disturbing, story that lies behind them; a story from which we can all perhaps learn.

Because of the unique nature of the tale that unfolds, and to avoid the rigid structure and jargon of conventional military reports, the events are described in chronological order, over a considerable period of time, using a narrative style.

My co-authors are General Stephen Raker and Lieutenant Marion Churcher, military personnel who were based at Station V at that time, and from whom most of the history behind the story was obtained.

And what a history it is.

* * *

The first two parts of our story take place on another world far removed from Earth, a world known as Epho.

It may assist the reader to know that the three major continents of Epho are in turn known as Olenland, Megapod, and Ice Tallow.

An outline map of Olenland, with which we are primarily concerned, is given on the next page.

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