Who's On First Author:William F. Buckley, Jr. Blackford Oakes (Blacky) a young, irresistible CIA operative, risks his neck-literally-to carry out a mission to kidnap a man and a woman who can help the United States be first in the satellite race. His life is complicated by Dwight D. Eisenhower; the US Navy; a KGB area chief; and Sally, who loves him, hates his work.