Publisher's Synopsis
The fourth collection of invention stories involving Damon Swift, father to young inventor Tom Swift. As before, these are separate from any Tom Swift novels.Damon begins this book with a problem. The state-sponsored space program in India has been suffering disaster after disaster. And, rather than learn from it, they keep repeating launches hoping for the best. He wrangles an invitation to come observe and sees immediately that they have a problem with sabotage. But, will they accept his suggestions... and what about the elephant?Story two has Damon back in Australia. Even though politicians and ranchers have a major problem with wild livestock, they DO NOT WANT an outsider coming in telling them how to fix the problem. So much so that Damon is kidnapped and left to die. All this over a little robotic assistance he has in mind.Story three has him returning to NASA to assist in a probe project. But as more and more of the other contractors step away citing costs, timing and other reasons, he is getting into a position where he may need to also quit because of a no-compete clause he has with the U.S. Government. The real issue is that he and Enterprises can do it better, cheaper and faster if they are allowed to go it alone.To round things out, a shot bonus story is included concerning a mysteriously-growing island north of Hawaii and who might be behind it!
