Randall Garrett by A World by the Tale

Author:A World by the Tale
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-02-22T12:28:39+00:00

Better and better, McLeod thought. He hadn’t expected to be able to do anything until his next royalty check arrived. But now—

He looked up at Jackson. “All right. What’s next?”

“Come with us. We’re flying to Hawaii. Get your hat and coat.”

McLeod obeyed silently. At the moment, there was nothing else he could do. As a matter of fact, there was nothing he wanted to do more.

It was no trouble at all for Professor McLeod to get an audience with the Galactic Resident, but when he was escorted in by Jackson and his squad, the whole group was halted inside the front door.

The Resident, a tall, lean being with a leathery, gray face that somehow managed to look crocodilian in spite of the fact that his head was definitely humanoid in shape, peered at them from beneath pronounced supraorbital ridges. “Is this man under arrest?” he asked in a gravelly baritone.

“Er … no,” said Jackson. “No. He is merely in protective custody.”

“He has not been convicted of any crime?”

“No sir,” Jackson said. His voice sounded as though he were unsure of himself.

“That is well,” said the Resident. “A convicted criminal cannot, of course, use the credits of society until he has become rehabilitated.” He paused. “But why protective custody?”

“There are those,” said Jackson, choosing his words with care, “who feel that Professor McLeod has brought disgrace upon the human race … er … the Terrestrial race. There is reason to believe that his life may be in danger.”

McLeod smiled wryly. What Jackson said was true, but it was carefully calculated to mislead.

“I see,” said the Resident. “It would appear to me that it would be simpler to inform the people that he has done no such thing; that, indeed, his work has conferred immense benefits upon your race. But that is your own affair. At any rate, he is in no danger here.”

He didn’t need to say anything else. Jackson knew the hint was an order and that he wouldn’t get any farther with his squad.

McLeod spoke up. “Subject to your permission, sir, I would like to have Mr. Jackson with me.”

The Galactic Resident smiled. “Of course, professor. Come in, both of you.” He turned and led the way through the inner door.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.