The Ming Vase and Other Science Fiction Stories by E. C. Tubb

Author:E. C. Tubb [Tubb, E. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ingram Distribution
Published: 2011-09-02T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

It had been a moment of forgetfulness, an instant of carelessness, but it had almost cost him his life. Lanson had died like that. He had stepped in front of a car and had paid for his stupidity. Now he had done the same. If it hadn’t been for the doctor he, too, would be nothing but skin and broken bone, pulped flesh and scattered blood.

What had made him do it?

His thigh hurt and he rubbed the bruised flesh. He couldn’t win. So far he had been lucky. Twice since the Oracle had predicted his death he had been saved by apparent miracles. But how long would they last? And even if he did manage to live through the first six-hour period what of the next? The third? He realized that his own mental narrowing of the time limit could lead to his own danger.

He had started off by being super-cautious. A shadow had made him run for his life and his instinctive reaction had carried him clear of the falling wheel. But that caution hadn’t lasted. He had relaxed, daydreamed, lost full awareness of the external world—and had tried to walk into the path of a speeding vehicle.

Next time there would be no friendly hand to save him. A warning shadow to make him run. Next time it would be death just as it had for the others. Had they, too, dreamed of Venus before meeting their end?

Fenshaw said, “If we’re going to get anywhere we’d best get moving. The sooner I do the tests the better.” He frowned at Curt’s expression. “You do want to have the tests?”

“No. I don’t think so. Later, maybe, but not now.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t feel right. Something odd is happening. I seem to be slipping in some way. Back then, when you saved me, I was thinking about Venus. Nothing else was in my mind. Just memories of the Station and the conditions we had to suffer and the fear we had to conquer. It blotted everything else out. I don’t remember the road, the car, anything. That’s why I almost died. Would have died if you hadn’t saved me. Was that why I sent for you? Had I a conviction I would need you? I don’t know. But I don’t think I can beat the Oracle. I don’t think I can beat anything any more.”

He fought for breath feeling a sudden tightening of his chest, a frightening tension of his nerves. Why continue the struggle? Why not end it all now? One step, one small step into the path of an approaching car and it would be over. It would be so easy. One step. Just one step. One step....

He gasped as Fenshaw’s palm cracked against his cheek.

“Harris! What’s the matter with you? Snap out of it!”

“Sorry.” Curt hardly felt the pain of the slap. “I was drifting again.”

Back to Venus. Back to the Station listening to the noises all around, the moans and curses and, too often, the sobs of those deep in self-pity.

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