Days of Creation by Joseph Samachson

Author:Joseph Samachson [Samachson, Joseph]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Periodicals:Science Fiction
Publisher: RadioArchives
Published: 2012-09-05T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11: Catastrophe Averted

THE Comet slowed down, and cruised at a leisurely pace toward this second ring of asteroids. It stopped finally near a matter-creating machine that was turning out huge clouds of sodium chloride. The plans for these machines, brought back to Earth by Captain Future from his successful search for the birthplace of matter, had been submitted to the Board of Governors along with other details by Curt Newton.

Jackson, the engineer in charge, seemed flattered at their visit. He came aboard at Loring’s invitation somewhat hesitantly, but soon showed an overwhelming desire to talk.

“This, of course, is old stuff to you gentlemen,” he said apologetically. “But it’s new to me, and I still can’t get over my luck at being placed in charge here.”

The engineer was staring respectfully at the imitation Captain Future. Hro Zan smiled, as he had been taught, and observed casually, “Yes, yes, I can imagine,” and excused himself, leaving the engineer alone with Blackbeard and Loring.

“I’m no scientist myself,” remarked Loring. “I’m just Captain Future’s business manager. All I can see is that you’re creating something out of nothing. It looks pretty mysterious to me.”

“Remarkable, but not mysterious. We’re creating the lighter elements from the cosmic energy being radiated through our portion of space. The cosmic potential being rather low, we have no choice but to import the heavier metals.” Jackson indicated the several dozen nozzles. “In the original mechanism, these numbered hundreds. But Captain Future himself devised this simplified form for our present purpose.”

“Each nozzle, I imagine, emits a different element,” Loring remarked.

“A different isotope of each element. You’ll have noticed that each machine is creating just one or two elements, the isotopes being approximately in the same proportion as in the elements found on Earth. That simplifies operations exceedingly. That, in fact, is one of the reasons the Interplanetary Government has been willing to take charge of preliminary operations, leaving to the Futuremen only the task of fitting in the final core.”

Blackbeard, who had been watching and listening intently, now interrupted. “I see half a dozen of the machines are creating only oxygen. I don’t like it.”

The engineer stared at the offending machines, and laughed. “I suppose you’re afraid the oxygen will go off into space. But you needn’t fear. It’s being held in place near each ship by artificial gravity.

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