Fred Hoyle by Rockets in Ursa Major

Author:Rockets in Ursa Major [Major, Rockets in Ursa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-11-20T21:46:50+00:00

The airlock doors were open, so we just walked in. I pushed a button for the lift, which took a moment or two to arrive. Sir John looked around him with interest.

There was no real comparison between the DSP 15 and this ship.

Betelgeuse, Rigel and Alcyone were in the main cabin when we emerged from the lift.

Betelgeuse switched the translator on -- he said, 'Good, you have come.'

`We're rather curious about this Essan you have,' Sir John said enthusiastically.

Ì understand that,' Betelgeuse said with a twinkle in his eye. Alcyone moved past us and vanished in the lift. Ì hope that your people are going to take the problem of evacuating the Earth seriously.'

Ì'm afraid we'll have to wait and see. They're not so rational as yourselves and until they can see, feel or hear this threat, they will look upon your information rather warily, I'm afraid,' said Sir John.

Ànd you, Sir John. What do you think?' asked Betelgeuse.

`What can I say. Your account of the galactic war convinces me the situation is very serious, but I'm not sure that the answer is to evacuate,' said Sir John. He saw the look on the other's face and added:

'Maybe I am being illogical myself.'

Alcyone reappeared from the lift with the Essan in tow. For a second or so we just stared at the creature and then laughed with relief. It was squat and badger-like, but with a round gentle face. A timid roly-poly animal looking more like a cuddly toy than a fearsome enemy.

`Betelgeuse, you mean to tell us that these creatures were attacking our fleet?' Colonel said.

`Yes, this is one of them.'

The Essan looked absolutely terrified.

`What's your name?' asked Sir John.

Alcyone spoke for it.

Ùngnee,' came a lovely singing voice.

Àre you frightened of Betelgeuse?' I asked.

Alcyone translated.

Òf nearly everything,' said the Essan.

`But why?' I asked.

`Because the Essans are peaceful people. They lived on a wonderful planet. One day the enemy appeared and a terrific battle took place. The Essans lost and were taken into slavery,' said Betelgeuse.

Àmazing. Absolutely amazing,' said Sir John.

Ìt is no different from the history of Earth. Many times peaceful nations have been conquered by aggressors and forced into servitude, or made to serve as unwilling soldiers.'

`That's true,' said Colonel.

`Sir,' said Rigel.

`Yes. What is it?'

Betelgeuse took his earphones and listened. Then, over the intercom began to come a weird sound, almost musical. Ungnee was really frightened now, and tried to hide behind Alcyone. The musical sound became more intense. Betelgeuse had a very worried look on his face, and he signaled Alcyone to remove the Essan, which she did.

The musical sound began to turn into an electronic voice with fast dot-dash notations. Betelgeuse looked at us in despair. I didn't understand at first. The fast dot-dash notation seemed meaningless, then suddenly I heard it.

`This is the Yela -- this is the Yela.'

A cold, uncontrollable shiver went straight down my spine. Anyone not believing Betelgeuse's story must surely be convinced. I looked at my colleagues. They didn't say anything, but stood motionless, listening.

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