Space 1999 #4 - Collision Course by E.C. Tubb

Author:E.C. Tubb [Tubb, E.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 671802747
Publisher: Pocket Books

It was a journey back into time, to a period which men had once known but had long since forgotten. A harsh and brutal era when strength was all and each day brought a new challenge.

Bergman moved slowly across the cavern, noting the fires, discarded bones, sticks and heaps of skins and pelts. His voice was that of a professor lecturing a class of attentive students.

‘They already have the beginnings of intelligence, David. They are conserving food and fuel and have learned to prepare skins for comfort and clothing. Those daubs on that wall are the first beginnings of primitive artistry and, yes, see how someone was fashioning a club.’ He picked up a thick branch split at one end. A flat stone lay beside it next to a pile of strips of hide. ‘Flake the edges and you would have a workable axe.’

Kano said, tensely, ‘Victor! Over by that wall. That opening surrounded by skulls.’

Something moved in the light of a fire, a tall, shambling figure with blood on its head and unsteady feet. Next to it, daubing it with a red pigment, stood a woman. A low keening came from between her lips as she circled the man, touching him, sprinkling a red dust over his head, his shoulders.

‘A death-rite,’ said Bergman calmly. ‘Such customs are common among primitive peoples. A man is sick and they sense he will die. They consider that he is already dead and will mourn his passing and decorate his body with magical powders and liquids so as to ensure his safe passage into another world before putting him into a grave or on a pyre.’

‘Alive?’

‘Physically, perhaps, but if he can’t save himself then he isn’t worth saving. Cultures such as this cannot afford to maintain the weak. The difference between life and death is small. An hour or two, a day even, what difference does it make?’ Bergman narrowed his eyes as he stared, at the couple. The light was poor, but there was something about the man’s face which attracted his attention. ‘David, doesn’t he remind you of the commander?’

‘A coincidence.’

‘Perhaps, but—’ Bergman broke off, frowning. ‘Let’s take a closer look.’

The woman ran off, screeching, as they neared the spot. A heap of sticks lay beside a fire and Bergman lifted a few, lighting the ends and whipping them through the air to gain a flame. Holding up the torch he stepped close to the man and stared into his face.

‘David! It’s John!’

‘Impossible!’ Kano’s voice reflected his incredulity. ‘John Koenig a savage? Turned into a Stone Age man in a matter of hours? Victor, it doesn’t make sense.’

‘A lot of what’s been happening doesn’t make sense,’ snapped Bergman. ‘Contact Carter and get him to ask Sandra if she saw any of the others in this cavern. Quickly!’ He lifted the torch again as Kano obeyed, his voice changing tone to become soft and soothing. ‘John, it’s me, Victor, your friend. If you recognize me say something. Just nod if you can’t talk.

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