with precision instruments at five miles per second. That's 18,000
miles per hour. It was found to be flying fifty-six miles above the
earth. Two other disks, smaller types, were watched from five
observation posts on hills at the proving ground. Circling at
incredible speed, the two disks paced an Army high-altitude rocket
that had just been launched, then speeded up and swiftly outclimbed
the projectile.

Commander McLaughlin's report, giving dates and factual details, was
cleared by the Department of Defense. So was a later nation-wide
broadcast.

Then the Air Force made its routine denial.

Why was McLaughlin, a regular Navy officer subject to security
screening, permitted to give out this story? Was it an incredible
slip-up? Or was it part of some carefully thought-out plan? I believe
it was part of an elaborate program to prepare the American people for
a dramatic disclosure.

For almost a year I have watched the behind-the-scenes maneuvers of
those who guide this program. In the following chapters I have tried
to show the strange developments in our search for the answer; the
carefully misleading tips, the blind alleys we entered, the unexpected
assistance, the confidential leads, and the stunning contradictions.

It has been a complicated jigsaw puzzle. Only by seeing all parts of
this intricate picture can you begin to glimpse the reasons for this
stubbornly hidden secret.