 Why is the machine operator willing to risk his job by sending Eric and Nada to Venus?
When the vogue for science-fantasy altered to super science, he created the memorable super lock-picker Giles Habilula as the major attraction in a rousing trio of space operas , The Legion of Space, The Cometeers and One Against the Legion. They thrilled at the simple, romantic lives his heroes led, paid him handsome royalties, and subconsciously shared his opinion that civilization had taken all the best from the life of man. Such a thing would be impossible with radio apparatus because even with the best beam transmission, all but a tiny fraction of the power is lost, and power is required to rebuild the atoms.
 The operator is an alcoholic, and alcohol has been outlawed.
 The operator is an alcoholic, and alcohol has been outlawed.  The operator thinks he sent them to Hong Kong,  The operator is a friend of Eric's, and he owes Eric a favor.  It does not occur to him that he is risking his job to send them.