Analog SFF, July-August 2007 by Dell Magazine Authors

Author:Dell Magazine Authors
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction
Publisher: Dell Magazines
Published: 2010-12-15T07:07:46.344000+00:00

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PROBABILITY ZERO: THE TEST

by KYLE KIRKLAND

At precisely one hour from the start of 1860, Professor Bartholow Niblet braved the tumultuous streets of the city. Professor Niblet had been so involved in his experiments that he had forgotten the time, and on his way home from the lab at 11:00 P.M. on December 31, 1859, the professor of biology stepped around the lower class and drunken revelers, bypassed the fireworks, and dodged the scared, mewling cats that had been chased out of the alleyways. But he couldn't avoid the young man who blocked his path and held up a large brown bat.

“My word,” said the professor, drawing back, then leaning forward. “What an excellent specimen of Eptesicusfuscus!"

“But that's not all,” said the young man excitedly. “He talks!"

Professor Niblet gazed steadily at the young man. A student, perhaps? The professor didn't recognize him, but the winter break was coming to an end, and new students might have matriculated at the prestigious university. The young man's clothes and manner indicated an upper class gentleman, so the professor gave him a polite smile and turned away.

“I really do talk, you know."

The strange voice stopped Professor Niblet in his tracks. He looked back.

“Obviously,” said the bat, “I'm not from your world."

The professor glanced around. The lighting was good, for an oil lamp shone brightly twenty feet away. Nobody else seemed to notice the bat, for the crowd was merry with drink. Even the hissing, meowing cats, congregating at the corner, ignored it.

“A trick,” said the professor with a smile. He walked up to the bat and began to palpate it.

While the professor rubbed its head and body, the bat said, “Your world is in grave danger, and we wish to help. But first you must prove yourself worthy."

“We are,” stated the professor, continuing to search for a switch or seam, “quite capable of looking out for ourselves, thank you."

“Huh,” said the bat. “You've no idea what's coming your way. A bloody civil war, numerous epidemics, labor unrest ... and that's just this century. Wait until next. But we can help you to save yourselves. Ifyoupassthetest."

The professor finished his inspection with a surprising result: the bat was alive.

Then the street disappeared and Professor Niblet seemed to float in space. Galaxies shot past him. He saw the face of God. All knowledge, all things scientific and philosophical, became clear. It was all so simple. The professor reached out and touched a star.

Then the noisy, filthy city returned, and the bat, still perched on the young man's palms, stared at him. “Do you believe?"

Open-mouthed, Professor Niblet could only nod, trying in vain to hold on to some of the knowledge that lay just beyond his grasp.

“To prove yourself worthy,” said the bat, “you must complete the test. We must determine if you fit into the galactic society, which means you must be free of prejudice.” The bat stared at him. “My outward appearance, for example, must not alarm you, for you will see many different forms, if we allow you to join our society.

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