E c tubb, p.5
E C Tubb, page 5
“You think that I’m a fool, Gregson?”
“No, but the suggestion is ridiculous. “
“Is it? Would you be surprised to learn that that very thing happened some forty years ago?” He stared at the dark-haired man sitting opposite. “That, of course, would be before your time, but what has happened once could easily happen again. “
“I’m sorry, “ said Gregson quietly. “I keep forgetting that you are old!”
There was contempt in the way he said it but, beneath that contempt, was a sick envy and the basic cause of his dislike for the Captain. Quentin was old, at least thirteenth generation but, because he was the Captain and because it was essential to have at least one man who could take a long-term view of the Ship and its purpose, the captains were always allowed to grow old.
“I’ll ignore that remark, “ said Quentin quietly, “because I know what activated it. But at the same time I must ask you to remember who and what I am. I am the Captain, you are only the chief of psych-police. “ The inference was obvious and Gregson bit his lips as he fought down his rage. Quentin picked up a thin, almost transparent sheet of paper from the table, glanced at it for a moment, then looked at the others.
“There was a Barb raid on the farming section of sector four, “ he said flatly. “As yet the news hasn’t been allowed to disseminate and I trust that the occurrence will be kept as secret as possible. “ He looked at Gregson. “That is your job. “
“When did this raid take place?”
“Just before I called you-while you were asleep. “ The taunt was unjustified and both Gregson and the Captain knew it. “It was a small raid, three men and a woman, but it proves that the Barb menace isn’t to be ignored as you gentlemen, “ Quentin looked at Conway, “have recommended. “
“I still recommend it, “ said Conway. “The Barbs are only a few discontented people who managed to evade elimination, and as they are all barren, they will eventually die out from either starvation or natural death. “
“Is that correct Henderley?”
“Broadly, yes. “ The medical officer cleared his throat as he answered the Captain. “They are sterile, of course- everyone is over twenty-five-and they were old to begin with. Food, naturally, is their biggest problem. I have based my recommendation for the policy of ignoring them, on the twin factors of starvation and cannibalism. “ He shrugged. “They are hungry-so they must eat. We guard the messes -so they are forced to eat each other. That leads to mutual fear and, eventually, mutual destruction. “
“The psychological factors also lead me to agree with the existing policy, “ said Conway importantly. “Conditioned as they are to Ship procedure, their sense of guilt at betraying their own will lead to mental unrest and illogical behavior patterns. This of course will tend to disrupt their precarious social structure... if they have one, which I doubt. “
“They raided sector four, “ reminded Quentin. “That shows that they have learned to work together. “
“To a limited degree, “ admitted Conway, “but to me it is a sign that Henderley’s summary of our policy is working. “ He glanced towards Gregson. “Do you agree?”
“They should be exterminated, “ said Gregson flatly. He spoke again before the others could protest. “I know all the arguments for and against and I know that we can’t conduct a full-scale search and massacre in No-Weight without betraying the existence of the Barbs to the people. “ He shrugged. “I don’t determine the policy of the Ship, I Only carry it out, but I say that they should be exterminated. “
“Easier said than done, “ commented Quentin dryly. “Have you any suggestions as to how they could be eliminated without betraying their existence to the people?”
“Poisoned food? We could allow them to steal some yeast loaded with toxins or something. Henderley would know about that. “
“Impracticable, “ snapped the medical officer. “To begin with they would be suspicious of any food left for them to find. For another it would be waste. “ He snorted. “Your suggestion is ridiculous!”
“No suggestion is ridiculous, “ said Quentin sharply. He looked at Gregson. “Have you any others?”
“No. As I told you, I have nothing to do with policy. I only carry out your orders. “
“I see. “ Quentin looked again at the papers on his table. “As you feel like that, Gregson, there is no apparent reason for me to keep you longer away from your duties. I’ll notify you as to my decisions later. “ He looked up in dismissal and Gregson felt his cheeks begin to burn in rage.
“Are you suggesting that I am not fit to sit in Council?”
“I suggest nothing-except that you are undoubtedly a busy man. “ There was mockery in the way Quentin stared at the officer, mockery and a hint of something else, something cold and calculating. Gregson saw it, guessed what was happening, and restrained himself in time.
“I must remind you that I have but five officers to control a thousand times their number, “ he said quietly. “We have no weapons and must operate by stealth. I suggest that you gentlemen consider that in any plans you may choose to make. “ He stepped away from the table. “I will appreciate an early decision. “
“A moment. “ Quentin fumbled among his papers, his thin hands a startling contrast to the youthful ones of the other men, and found a scrap of paper covered with close-set typescript. “This belongs in your department. “
“What is it?” Gregson glanced down the paper, frowning as he followed the unfamiliar words, his lips moving with the unaccustomed exercise of reading. “Is it important?”
“No. “ Quentin took the sheet and scanned it with experienced eyes. “An electronic engineer requests a personal interview with “reference to Psycho. “ The Captain shrugged. “He refuses to state the nature of his business and remains so vague as to be almost incomprehensible.”
“Psycho?” Gregson stepped forward and took the paper, thrusting it into the top of his shorts. “Something wrong?”
“Not that I know of, “ said Conway sharply. He was jealous of his position as chief of Psycho. He looked at the Captain. “Why wasn’t I informed of this?”
“You will be. “ promised Gregson calmly. “Just as soon as I’ve interviewed the man and decided whether he’s psychotic or sincere. “
“That’s for me to decide. “
“No. The psych-police are the ones to handle it, and besides, “ Gregson allowed himself the luxury of sarcasm, “you must be far too busy to bother with such trivial complaints. “ He glanced from Conway’s angry face to the calm one of the Captain. “You want me to handle this?”
“Naturally, “ snapped Quentin impatiently. “I’ve quite enough to do now that the Barbs have taken to raiding without worrying about some low-grade worker who probably thinks that he can improve on the builders. Paper should never have been wasted on forwarding his request; there are proper channels in case of need. “
“May I see the request?” Conway half-rose, his hand extended, then sat back as the chief of psych-police stepped towards the door. “Gregson! Didn’t you hear me? I want to see that request.”
“You heard what the Captain said, Conway. “ Gregson paused by the door, his eyes insolent as he looked at the psychologist. “Must I remind you again that I am a busy man?” He smiled. “I’ll leave you gentlemen to discuss the Barbs while I attend to my duties. “
He left them staring at the closing door.
CHAPTER SIX
SUSAN CHUCKLED as she missed the medicine ball and watched it roll heavily into a corner. “One up for you, Jay-but it isn’t fair, you’ve more muscle than I have. “
“Have I?” Jay smiled down at her, his admiration for her trim perfection apparent in his eyes. “Want to try something else then?”
“Yes. “ She looked thoughtfully at him, trying not to admire his youthful grace. “Let me see now, you’re in ventilation and that means you spend a lot of time up in low-gravity. “ She smiled. “I know! Let’s play dueling!”
“No. “
“Why not? We can wear masks and jackets and use foils, or the practice knives if you prefer them. “ She smiled at his hesitation. “Come on, Jay. At least I don’t want to try any bare handed stuff with you-I wouldn’t stand a chance. “
“I wouldn’t say that, “ he said, meeting her mood, then sobered again as he stared at her. “Why do you want to play at dueling?”
“Why?” She shrugged. “Why not? At least it may come in handy one day when I’m an old, unwanted woman. I may even have to fight a newcomer for my boy-friend. “ She stepped closer to him. “Will you be my boy-friend, Jay?”
“Stop it!” he said harshly. “You don’t know what you’re saying. “
“Oh yes I do, Jay. I’m not a child any more and I know all about the facts of life. Next year I get married to someone approved by Genetics. I’ll have children and we’ll live in a family unit until I’m twenty-five, or maybe longer depending on how I like my husband. Then I’m free to do as I like. “ She smiled at him, naked invitation in her soft brown eyes. “Will you wait for me, Jay?”
“No. “
“Why not?” She touched his arm. “You’re not married, or at least you don’t wear the banded shorts like Fred does, so what’s to stop us making an agreement when I’m of age? Don’t you like me, Jay?”
“You know damn well I like you. “
“You don’t have to swear at me then. “ She dropped her hand from his arm and stood, a sulky expression on her face, her foot tracing designs on the padded floor of the exercise room. “Is there someone else?”
“No. “
“Are you sure, Jay?” She hesitated. “If there is, well, I know that I shouldn’t say anything, but... “ She bit her lip. “Waste! Why are we talking like this?”
“No reason at all, “ he said cheerfully. “Here!” He threw her the ball. She caught it, an automatic reflex action, then flung it petulantly aside. “I don’t want to play anymore. Let’s talk. “
“All right then, “ he looked around at the crowded room. “Here?”
“No. Let’s find an unoccupied rec-room. “ Before he could protest she had seized his arm and was leading him out into the corridor and up towards the next level where the common cubicles were. The fourth one she tried was empty and she switched on the light, closing the door and swinging over the “engaged” indicator.
“There!” She sat down and smiled at him. “Now we can really be alone. “
“You’re crazy, “ he said dispassionately. He stood by the door, staring down at her, noting her flushed features, glistening eyes and moist lips. “You’re playing with fire and don’t know that you might be burned. “
“You won’t burn me, “ she said confidently. “Jay, why be so cold? You know how I feel about you. “
“I know how you think you feel, “ he corrected. He sat down, keeping well away from her, and a little muscle high on one cheek twitched as he fought to control his emotions. “Look, Susan, “ he said seriously. “You don’t want me to break the code, and you don’t want to break it either. You’re going to be married soon-why not wait until then?”
“But I’m not going to be able to marry you, “ she said irritably. “Why must you be so blind, Jay. You know what I want. “
“You want me to make love to you, “ he stated. “You’re young and healthy and it’s a perfectly natural reaction. But youthful immorality isn’t a good thing, Susan, and you know it. Time enough for that when you’ve had your children and are out of marriageable status. You know what could happen if you were to have a child before your time?”
“Genetics would be annoyed, “ she said defiantly. “So what?”
“So the child would be aborted, I’d be punished for infringing the code, and you might lose the chance of having an approved child. “ He shook his head. “No, Susan, we daren’t do it. “
He was right, of course, and both of them knew it. A strong race cannot be an immoral race, not when excess would tend to weaken the very hope of the new generation. Shame was unknown on the Ship, but indoctrination had set up a rigid code which no one in his right mind would think of transgressing. The trouble was that young people in love are seldom in their right mind.
“You talk just like father, “ Susan said bitterly. “All about what I should and should not do, but never a word about what I’d like to do. “ She turned to him, very young and very lovely. “Oh, Jay! How can you ask me to wait so long?”
“We must. “ He stood up out of reach of her outstretched hands. “What did your father say about me?”
“The usual. “ She was annoyed with him for changing the subject and, woman-like, annoyed too that he hadn’t found her attractions irresistible to logic and good sense. “He says that you’re too old for me and that I should settle down to being a good wife and mother to some young dolt I haven’t even seen yet. “
“You’ll see him soon, “ promised Jay. “You youngsters are thrown together when you near marriageable status. You might even go to another sector, or the boys be brought here. “ He smiled at her expression. “Don’t worry, you know that you’ll be able to take a choice; you won’t be limited to one. “
“But supposing they send me out of the sector!” She rose and stepped “towards him, her arms circling his neck, her lips hungry for his. “Jay! What if I don’t see you again!”
He didn’t like to think about it. He didn’t like to think about anything, not when she was so near to him and every atom of his body was crying out for her. His life was a lonely one; a marriageless, though not a celibate state was a requirement of the psych-police, and he found little interest in the casual relationships which Merrill favored so much.
And he was in love with Susan.
The speakers saved him. They crackled into life and a voice, cold and emotionless, repeated his code number over and over again, sounding in every room for every sector, demanding and urgent.
“X112... X112... X112... “
“That’s my number. “ Jay hesitated a moment; then, his indoctrination overcoming his natural desires, gently unfolded her arms from about his neck. “I must go, Susan. They want me to report in immediately. “
“Must you?” She clung to him again. “Don’t go yet, Jay. “
“I must. “ He moved away from her. “That’s my emergency call. Something’s wrong and they want me. “
“Waste!” She stepped back, her eyes hungry as they searched his face. “Can’t they do without you just for this once?”
“They wouldn’t be calling me if they could. “ He held out his hand. “Goodbye, Susan. “
“Goodbye?” She frowned and, stepping close to him, gripped his arm so hard that her fingers dug into his flesh. “Do you love me, Jay?”
“I must report in. “ He moved towards the door, then hesitated as she dragged at his arm.
“I asked you a question, Jay. Do you love me?”
He didn’t answer. He stared at her, afraid to say the words which came so naturally to his lips for fear of what they could bring, and yet more afraid to lie. He swallowed, shook off her arm and stepped out into the corridor, leaving the door of the rec-room swinging wide.
The call was, as he expected, from headquarters and the public voice fell into silence as he contacted the desk.
“West reporting. What’s the trouble?”
“No trouble, “ said Carter, the officer on stand-by duty. “Gregson wants you. Routine job I think, but you’d better get back fast-he’s flaming. “
“Let him flame, “ snapped Jay disrespectfully. “I’ll be there as soon as I can and not a second before. “ He heard Carter chuckle as he hung up the receiver. The trip up to low-gravity didn’t take long and his red, ventilation engineer’s shorts passed by through the guarded doors towards No-Weight. This was a part of the Ship which was little used. The circumference was too small for spacious rooms, and the gravity too low for real comfort. Here were the stores, the huge water containers, the massive ventilation pipes and power conduits. They lay all around the odd, no-man’s-land of No-Weight, the central axis which in effect was a hollow tube filled with a tangled mass of girders and stanchions, struts and braces, the pivot of the Ship around which the rest swung.
Jay passed quickly down a long corridor running parallel to No-Weight, kicking with practiced ease at the metal walls as he glided along, careful not to impart too high a velocity to his body. Men had died through failing to take that precaution. They had forgotten that, while they were apparently weightless, they still had mass. Mass has inertia and inertia had caused splintered bones and crushed skulls as bodies, moving too fast, had collided against the unyielding structure of the Ship.
Before leaving the communicating tube, Jay reversed his shorts and, dressed again in his official uniform, passed the guard and moved down into sector three. Rapidly he made his way down the levels, past the gardens, the farms, the residential cubicles, along the com-tube and into P. P. headquarters.
Gregson was waiting for him when he arrived.
The chief looked up from his desk as Jay entered, gestured to a seat, and continued to leaf through a batch of reports. He read slowly, biting his lips with impatience as he scanned the thin, erasable plastic sheets. “Why can’t they put this stuff on audible tape?” he asked no one in particular.
Jay shrugged, not answering and guessing that Gregson didn’t really want a reply. “You sent for me?”
“Yes. What kept you so long?”
“I was in sector five on unofficial duty. “
“I know. Merrill called in and reported seeing you. “ Gregson stared at the young man. “He seemed worried, said something about a young girl you took to a rec-room. “
“Did he?” Jay shifted a little beneath Gregson’s stare, half-annoyed at himself for feeling a sense of guilt.
“Merrill wants to mind his own business. “
“It is his business. As official officer of the sector, it’s his duty to safeguard the young. How serious is it, West?”
“Not serious at all. Forget it. “
“You certain about that? Sometimes these things get out of hand and you know the penalties for breaking the code when it comes to a thing like that. “
