To The Stars Trilogy by Harry Harrison

Author:Harry Harrison [Harrison, Harry]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-05-14T12:46:01.631000+00:00

"We do know. The children would have died in any case, and perhaps the doctor and

others as well. Don't you understand I had no choice? I had to think of all of the

others."

Alzbeta looked down at her clasped hands, her fingers wrung tightly together. "It

just seems so very wrong.

"I know it does-and it was not easy to do. Do you think I have slept since they

died? It's on my conscience if that makes you feel any better. But how would I have

felt if I had stopped and there were more casualties? The children would have died

in any case before the doctor reached them. Stopping would only have made matters

worse.

"Perhaps you're right; I'm not sure anymore.

"And perhaps I was wrong. But right or wrong I had to do what I did. There was no

choice."

They let it rest there; there was no simple answer. The trek continued, along the

chain of islands, along the planed mountain peaks. At times they could see the ocean

on both sides and, from this high up, it almost looked attractive. The teeming life

could not be seen, just the white tops and the marching rows of waves. Very soon a

blur on the horizon grew to a long range of mountains. Before they arrived at the

southern continent Jan ordered a full eight hour stop. All running gear, tires,

brakes, wheels, were inspected and all of the air filters cleaned again, though they

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did not need it. Another jungle was ahead and there would be no stopping. It was not

as wide as the one north of the island chain, but was just as virulent.

This was the last barrier, the last trial. They went through it in three days,

without stopping, and into the tunnel beyond. When the last train was well inside

the tunnel they halted to rest, then~drove on short hours later. This was the

longest of the tunnels, for it penetrated the entire range. When they emerged into

sunlight again they were surrounded by desert, sand and rock glinting in the lights

of their headlights. Jan checked the outside air temperature.

"Ninety-five degrees. We've done it. We're through. Hyzo, contact all drivers. We're

going to stop for one hour. They can open the doors. Anyone who wants to go out can.

Just warn them about touching metal; it might still be hot."

It was holiday, release from captivity, excitement. All down the rows of the trains

doors crashed open and the exodus began. The ladders rattled to the hard surface of

the Road and people called to each other as they climbed down. It was hot and

uncomfortable-but it was freedom after the cramped discomfort of the cars. They were

all there, men, women and children, walking up and down in the light from the

windows and the headlights of the trucks. Some of the children ran to the edge of

the Road to dig in the sand and Jan had to issue orders to discipline them. Other

than the lumpers there was little of danger in the barren desert, but he could risk

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Harrison, Harry - To the Stars Trilogy.txt

no more accidents.

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