To worlds unknown, p.10
To Worlds Unknown, page 10
"Rolto knew what he was doing when he refused to come with us," declared Rex, in a hard voice. "I'll never trust that scoundrel again."
Multova interrupted this line of conversation by saying that Nargil was ready to tell him why the return of the ship to Terromagna was a matter of extreme urgency.
CHAPTER XI
NARGIL SPEAKS
LOOKING at Multova, Nargil the messenger made his report.
"This is what has happened," he began, "and when I have delivered my message you will understand the reason for your urgent recall home, although it is your ship that is needed rather than you personally. A short while ago there came to Terromagna a visitor from a planet which those who live on it call Romunda. It is on the edge of the Fourth Region, in the Galaxy of Orthox, the brightest light in the constellation of the Five Trees."
"I think I know it by sight," answered Multova, to whom, as an experienced space traveller, the stars in the heavens were an open book. "We call it by another name."
"You have never been there ?"
"No"
"Few people, if any, from our Region have—or had until recently—on account of its remote position. Since you went away we have had a visitor from there and news has been exchanged. We now call the planet by the name given to it by its inhabitants, which, as I have said, is Romunda."
"What sort of world is this?"
"Very advanced in some respects; in others, backward.”
“How did they know about us?"
"For some time they have been picking up our routine radio signals and, though it took some time, they were clever enough to translate them into ciphers they understood. In that way they had come to know something about us."
"What signals are these ?" asked the Professor.
Multova explained. "For a long time now we have been transmitting a continuous message to outer space for the benefit of anyone who had receivers sensitive enough to pick the signals up. At any time now you should be receiving them on Earth. Indeed, you may already have done so, without interpreting them, or even realizing what they were."
"That could be so," agreed the Professor. "Our latest radio telescopes have picked up a lot of strange sounds from outer space. I have heard them myself. What was the purpose of these signals ?"
"There was no particular purpose. The idea was to allow other planets, with adequate receiving apparatus, to know of our existence."
"We on Earth are about to do the same thing, if in fact we have not already done so," informed the Professor. "Language is, of course, the big problem. Sounds are one thing, but to understand them is another. Even human voices are not always recognizable as such. Their pitch and tone can vary considerably."
"A high degree of scientific and technical knowledge would be necessary to receive such messages, and still more to interpret them correctly."
"Quite so," agreed the Professor.
Nargil resumed. "It seems that Romunda had been picking up our signals for some time, and having worked out the direction from which they were coming were not long in locating us. A visit to us was actually being planned when something occurred to hasten it, and resulted in a mission being dispatched forthwith."
"What happened ?"
"Disaster threatened. Peril of the first magnitude. I will endeavour to explain the position. Briefly, there is almost certainly going to be a collision which might have far-reaching effects."
"Collision between whom? Terromagna and somebody?"
"No. We ourselves, as far as we have been able to estimate, would not be involved. Within easy spaceship distance of Romunda there is a rather small planet named Parvo. Romunda and Parvo have long been on visiting terms, the good reason being, as sometimes happens, that one is able to produce what the other cannot. The people of Parvo are great cultivators and grow fruits, vegetables and herbs of medicinal and nutritive value that will not thrive on Romunda. On the other hand Parvo cannot work metals, which means they do not make spaceships or any other mechanical devices, for which reason they are glad to exchange their vegetable products for the obsolescent ships for which Romunda has no further use."
"Very sensible co-operation," put in the Professor. "Do I understand that Parvo is backward in scientific matters?"
"Apparently their civilization has developed on different lines. They are extremely clever in all forms of art. What is perhaps more important they are good people, happy, contented and entirely peaceful in their habits and outlook. Fortunately they have a very thin population, not more than a few thousand souls altogether."
"Why should that be fortunate?"
"Having been afflicted by one major disaster which killed many people, those that are left are now faced with total obliteration."
"Good gracious! How terrible!"
"You must understand that having only recently made direct contact with Romunda we don't know a great deal about either of these worlds, conversations being devoted almost entirely to the impending calamity. It seems that Parvo has a satellite, a moon of fair size. For some unaccountable reason this has got out of orbit and is now drawing slowly and steadily towards them. Already it appears twice its normal size and its phases have become erratic. This, we may suppose, results from loss of orbital velocity, which would inevitably affect its lunar cycle."
"The poor people must be terrified."
"On the contrary, knowing what must happen they have resigned themselves to it."
"But how could such a thing happen?" interposed Rex. "I was under the impression that all natural forces of the universe remain constant."
"So they are as long as there is no interference with them," answered Multova. "That is Rolto's argument against Earth. By the tremendous explosions you now make, and the missiles you too carelessly fire into space you are endangering the stability of yourselves and your moon. That becomes a threat to us; in fact, to everyone it our system. What your scientists do not appear to have grasped, unless they are deliberately closing their eyes to, the risks they are taking, is this: the balance resolved by gravity is so finely adjusted that the slightest change can have dire effects."
"Is that what the people of Parvo have been doing?"
"No."
"Then how could this happen to them ?"
"From natural causes beyond control."
"Such as?"
"A barrage of meteors over a long period could change the weight of a satellite. Gasses escaping into space from suns or exploding stars could create a resistance that might slow the velocity of a satellite coming in contact with them. Loss of centrifugal force would put such a satellite at the mercy of the body having the greatest gravitational pull. In most cases this would of course be the parent body, as Earth is the parent of its moon. The chances of such a thing happening are remote but the fact that it may occur only once in a million years does not rule out the possibility. It can happen to any world at any time. Earth is a comparatively small planet. If it were to fire heavy substances into space long enough it would reduce its mass, and so lose, in however small a degree, some of its gravitation hold on its moon. That is an exaggerated example, but it may illustrate what I mean."
"In the matter of Parvo the reverse seems to be the case," resumed Nargil. "Some other body has released its hold on its satellite moon with the result that it is now falling towards its parent."
"But won't the moon become incandescent and burn itself out when it enters Parvo's atmosphere?" queried Tiger.
"An ordinary meteor would do that, of course, but a body the size of a moon would not have time to disintegrate before it came into collision with its parent. Even if it did start to burn the heat would destroy all life within its range of influence."
"So it's good-bye to Parvo."
"So it would seem."
"Can nothing save it?"
"Only another celestial accident that might put Parvo's moon back on its correct orbit. The chances of that happening are so small that they need not be considered."
"How long has this change of orbit been going on?" inquired Vargo.
"The movement was observed some time ago," replied Nargil. "At first it was thought to be a trick of light, due to some change in the density of the atmosphere, which might produce an optical illusion. When the unfortunate people of Parvo realized what was really happening they told some visiting Romundians who had already noticed the sinister irregularity of the satellite. All they could do was warn the wretched people of Parvo that their world was about to come to an end."
"How frightful!" exclaimed the Professor. "Imagine being menaced by such an appalling disaster. I wonder how the people of Earth would react if such a thing ever happened to them."
"It could happen," returned Vargo, calmly. "It would not be the first time we have seen a world disappear in a flash of flame and smoke. In fact, those who watch the skies must know it happens constantly. Is this likely to affect Romunda, Nargil ?"
"We think not. We are too far away."
Rex broke in, sadly. "The people of Parvo have absolutely no hope of salvation ?"
"None whatever. That is, they have no hope of saving their world. There is one way by which some of the people might save their lives."
"And what is that ?"
"By means of transportation to another world, another planet. There are plenty available. That has been suggested to them, although it seems unlikely that the entire population could be saved in this manner."
"What had they to say about the proposal ?" asked the Professor, looking at Nargil over his glasses.
"They realized that if some were to live there was no alternative. At first they all said they would prefer to stay and die with their homes. It was pointed out to them that while this might be a natural and noble resolution it was really rather foolish and quite unnecessary. The question then arose, who should stay and who should go. It is to the credit of every man and woman on the planet —and this will give you an idea of their character—that they all volunteered to stay so that someone else might escape the inferno. After some discussion and persuasion it was agreed that the first to go should be the children. These would be followed by the women. Then, if there was still time, as many men as possible would be taken off. The very old men, who had enjoyed a good span of life, would be the last to leave."
"Bravo!" cried the Professor. "That is as it should be with civilized people. When is this fantastic project of removal to begin?"
"It has already begun. Romunda has put every available ship to the task. To that number Parvo has put those of its ships that were spaceworthy. Now," went on Nargil, looking at Multova, "you will understand why I was sent to fetch you. Your ship is needed. Every ship engaged means a few more lives can be saved. There should still be time for us to make several journeys."
"To where are the refugees being taken ?"
"To a small uninhabited planet which has now been named Lonparvo, or, as you would say, New Parvo. Neither we nor Romunda could accommodate a new population so we had to find somewhere quickly, not too far away yet beyond the effects of the collision when it occurs."
"This seems rather like those people on Earth being taken to Lila," put in Toby.
"Yes, although that was in the nature of an accident while this is a deliberate undertaking," agreed the Professor.
"One day," said Vargo, "if your scientists go on as they are now it may be necessary to rescue some of the population of Earth."
"That's a sobering thought," murmured Toby.
"I call this a wonderful enterprise," asserted the Professor. "It is obviously better that some of these unlucky people should be saved, if it's humanly possible, than they should all perish. But first we go to Terromagna."
"Yes," confirmed Multova.
The Professor looked dubious. "Shall I be in the way during this big operation ?"
"I don't think so. I suppose you would like to be a witness of such an unusual event."
"I would certainly like to know how far it is successful.”
“Then let us say no more about it."
"Had we had time to inform the High Council of Mino of this they might have put some of their ships into the rescue work."
"We may find it necessary to call on them. We could always send a signal on the long distance radio waves."
The conversation lapsed as the ship sped on its way and everyone settled down to his own thoughts.
CHAPTER XII
ROMUNDA
REX, who had been asleep, was awakened by the slight change of velocity as the cosmic jets came into reverse thrust to produce a gradual reduction of momentum prior to entering the air belt of Terromagna. Looking through his observation porthole he saw to his surprise that they were already close, and it was not long before the wonderful panorama of the capital city could be seen in the perfect visibility of a completely smokeless atmosphere.
Once again he saw the flower-lined walks and gardens, the white buildings and the smooth flow of the traffic which he knew was noiseless. There, too, was the magnificent astradrome, the finest he had ever seen anywhere. There were only a few ships standing on it, from which he supposed that the main fleet was away on its mission of rescue. There was one, however, that attracted his attention by reason of its large size and unorthodox design. Instead of the usual flattish body which promoted the name of "flying saucer" it was deeper, dome-shaped, more in the manner of a colossal pudding basin. It was obviously a stranger, but where it had come from he had as yet no means of knowing.
The odd thought struck him that one day there would be similar astradromes on Earth. That needed no great stretch of the imagination when he recalled the great airports at home, when less than fifty years ago there was not even such a thing as an aerodrome. Earth still had some way to go to reach the Space Age, but it was catching up fast with some of the old planets where space travel was no more a novelty than a railway train on Earth.
The Grey Lady having landed, Multova made some inquiries after which he informed the party that the leader of the Romunda delegation, a man named Dominov, was at the guest-house. The big ship, at which they were gazing with admiration, was his. They would go and make themselves known to him.
One of the smooth, sleek, silent vehicles, in which Rex had previously travelled, took them to the imposing building which provided accommodation for the crews of visiting ships. There, in the main assembly hall, furnished for comfort but with maximum simplicity, they found some members of the Terromagnian government engaged in earnest conversation with men of a type Rex had never before seen. His first impression of them was admiration, for they were both tall and handsome to a degree that was almost startling. He guessed they were the visitors from Romunda.
They were all clean shaven, and unlike the Terromagnians wore their hair short. Well built, with shapely limbs, they moved with a peculiar dignity. Their skins were bronzed to a pale golden-brown. Their foreheads were rather prominent, which had the effect of making their eyes appear deep set. Their clothes were colourful and comprised a long, loose fitting jacket, of some material like velvet, over trousers that hung in folds over the knees. The dominant colour was green, with decorative collars and cuffs of pale blue or white. One wore a gold sash across his chest.
They were gathered round a map which lay on a table and this evidently provided the subject under discussion. It broke off when the new arrivals walked in. Introductions were made. The man wearing the gold sash turned out to be Dominov of Romunda, and he and his compatriots regarded the Earth party with a curiosity that was pardonable, since although, as it transpired, they knew of Earth, none had ever been there.
The discussion was resumed, and as it was conducted in a language, or languages, which Rex did not understand, he could only stand and watch. He heard Multova tell Vargo that some details of the relief expedition were being reorganized.
"Has something gone wrong ?" asked the Professor, anxiously.
"Not exactly. But there was concern about some of our crews finding their way to the planets involved, Romunda, Parvo and New Parvo. They are a great distance from here, in a region which some of our men have never visited."
"What will you do about that ?"
"The risk does not arise."
"How is that ?"
"Because the Romunda ships are able to keep them together so that it would be impossible for them to stray. As I believe I told you, the Romunda ships are far in advance even of ours. They are equipped with a magnetic flux generated by forces within the cosmosphere. As long as the captain of the leading ship knows where he is he can, by switching on this power, attract other ships to him. Far from a following ship getting off its course it would be impossible for it to go in any direction except the one imposed on it. The question arose because the device has a limited range; but it has now been worked out that it will cover the greatest distance likely to be involved in the rescue operations. But I must go back. I will tell you about the final arrangements when they have been settled." Multova rejoined the conference.
When he came back, some time later, it was to say that decisions had been reached and a start would be made for the scene of operations the next morning. In the meantime they would rest, have a meal, and prepare themselves for the journey.
Dawn the following day found them on the astradrome, where many ships had now assembled. The Romundian supercraft was still there, and Multova informed them that at Dominov's invitation they would travel with him, the other ships following at close intervals. The crew of the big ship, which included, Rex noticed, some of the gentlemen he had seen at the conference table, was already standing by, so as there was no reason for delay Multova led the way to the entrance doors. Dominov beckoned them in and indicated the seats they were to take.
For a little while Rex could only stare at the spacious luxury of the interior, compared with which the Professor's Spacemaster, in which he had made his first flight, was as a dinghy to a transatlantic liner. The controls and vast instrument panels were things to marvel at, yet the furnishings, while not over-elaborate, provided every possible comfort. The massive doors closed without a sound, and had Rex not been looking out of a window and seen the ground dropping away below he would not have known they were off. There was no noise, no fuss, no vibration. The duty watch stood at their posts like statues, eyes on the flashing, multi-coloured instrument dials in front of them. There was no sensation of discomfort, no pressure on the body, no singing in the ears. In fact, the great ship might have been a balloon suspended stationary in space.
