The Best of Raymond Z. Gallun by Raymond Z. Gallun

Author:Raymond Z. Gallun [Gallun, Raymond Z.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-01T23:00:00+00:00

The scientist was pounding control keys less furiously now. “I think I understand it all at last,” he said. “The spheres are really spaceships, manned by Paxtonians as small, almost, as microbes. They were the cause of all our troubles.”

“But they are miniatures of the ancients, who were countless times their size!” Kerny burst out. “Why should that be?”

Rolf shrugged. “Simple,” he breathed. “Simple and marvelous. It is a solution to the problem of shortages, which probably has seldom been thought of. When the world of which Paxtonia was a part broke up, ages ago, a number of its inhabitants survived here. They built the stone domes, in which water and air could be sealed. But existence was—how shall I say?—very cramped. There could be no expansion of population because of the limited supplies of air and water that had been salvaged from the wreckage of the broken world. Race extinction was doubtless in sight. But it so hap* pens that a small organism needs less air and water than a large organism. In consequence, the Paxtonians decided to grow smaller.

“In a limited way we understand the means they must have used. Growth, in man, is controlled to some extent by gland secretions. Heredity also has its part to play in determining an individual’s size. By a process of selecting only the smallest individuals of the race for parenthood, the Paxtonians might have reached their present minuteness after long ages of time. But doubtless they found a quicker way with the aid of gland control.

“Utilizing much the same methods, they reduced animals and plants in proportion. And now they are a people which must number many millions of individuals, living complex, civilized, and comfortable lives inside the sealed caverns which they have excavated in a great rock. No wonder their refuge wasn’t found before this!”

Al Kerny looked a trifle dazed. “Well,” he said, “that ends the Paxtonian mystery, doesn’t it? There’s nothing left to do but knock over that damned anthill and wipe out every bug inside it! The torpedo projector in the war turret is made for that kind of work!”

Kerny glanced toward the door, his gray eyes glinting with the light of vengeance. Then, suddenly, most of the grimness of him softened.

“We know how to fight them now,” he said irrelevantly. “They aren’t dangerous anymore, if we’re careful.” He paused, and then went on: “They were probably scared; that’s why they blew up those commercial ships and killed the boys. In their position, we’d have done the same, if we had the nerve. Besides, they’ve already paid the price in blood. Maybe, when they find out that Earthmen aren’t such bad eggs, they’ll make friends. Earth ought to be able to learn a lot from them. Say, Doc, let’s just scram and leave the little devils alone! There probably are a few of their spheres still somewhere on the ship; but with the super Scarab to watch, we’ll be fairly safe.”

Rolf smiled. “I was almost sure you would have a change of heart, my friend,” he said.

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