Isaac Asimov Presents the Great SF Stories 14, 1952 (1986) by Isaac Asimov; Martin H. Greenberg

Author:Isaac Asimov; Martin H. Greenberg [Greenberg, Isaac Asimov; Martin H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-29T21:00:00+00:00

STAR TRAVELERS AID BUREAU

S.T.A. WITH US

DENTON CASSAL, FIRST COUNSELOR

Cassal sat at the control center. Every question cubicle was visible at a glance. In addition there was a special panel, direct from the spaceport, which recorded essential data about every newly arrived traveler. He could think of a few minor improvements, but he wouldn’t have time to put them into effect. He’d mention them to his assistant, a man with a fine, logical mind. Not really first-rate, of course, but well suited to his secondary position. Every member quickly rose or sank to his proper level in this organization, and this one had, without a struggle.

Business was dull. The last few ships had brought travelers who were bound for unimaginably dreary destinations, nothing he need be concerned with.

He thought about the instrument. It was the addition of power that made the difference. Dimanche plus power equaled Manche, and Manche raised the user far above the level of other men. There was little to fear.

But essentially the real value of Manche lay in this—it was a beginning. Through it, he had communicated with a ship traveling far faster than light. The only one instrument capable of that was instantaneous radio. Actually it wasn’t radio, but the old name had stuck to it.

Manche was really a very primitive model of instantaneous radio. It was crude; all first steps were. Limited in range, it was practically valueless for that purpose now. Eventually the range would be extended. Hitch a neuronic manufactured brain to a human one, add the power of a tiny atomic battery, and Manche was created.

The last step was his share of the invention. Or maybe the credit belonged to Murra Foray. If she hadn’t stolen Dimanche, it never would have been necessary to put together the new instrument.

The stem lines on his face relaxed. Murra Foray. He wondered about the marriage customs of the Huntners. He hoped marriage was a custom on Kettikat.

Cassal leaned back; officially, his mission was complete. There was no longer any need to go to Tunney 21. The scientist he was sent to bring back might as well remain there in obscure arrogance. Cassal knew he should return to Earth immediately. But the Galaxy was wide and there were lots of places to go.

Only one he was interested in, though—Kettikat, as far from the center of the Galaxy as Earth, but in the opposite direction, incredibly far away in terms of trouble and transportation. It would be difficult even for a man who had the services of Manche.

Cassal glanced at the board. Someone wanted to go to Zombo.

“Delly,” he called to his assistant. “Try 13. This may be what you want to get back to your own planet.”

Delly Mortinbras nodded gratefully and cut in.

Cassal continued scanning. There was more to it than he imagined,, though he was learning fast. It wasn’t enough to have identification, money, and a destination. The right ship might come in with standing room only. Someone had to be “persuaded” that Godolph was a cozy little place, as good as any for an unscheduled stopover.

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