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know that type very well since we live on one. Ours is the only solar system we know in
detail, however, and it has been reasonable for us to assume that these were the only two
planetary classes.Ô
ÓI take it then that there is another.Ô
ÓYes. There is a super-dense class, still smaller, poorer in hydrogen than the inner planets
of the solar system. The ratio of occurrence of hydrogen-ammonia planets and these
super-dense water-oxygen worlds of theirs over the entire Galaxy- and remember that they
have actually conducted a survey of significant sample volumes of the Galaxy, which we,
without interstellar travel, cannot do-is about three to one. This leaves them several million
super-dense worlds for exploration and colonization.Ô
The Industrialist looked at the blue sky and the green-crowned trees among which they were
making their way. He said, ÓAnd worlds like ours?Ô
The Astronomer said softly. ÓOurs is the first solar system they have found which contains
them. Apparently the development of our solar system was unique and did not follow the
ordinary rules.Ô
The Industrialist considered that. ÓWhat it amounts to is that these creatures from space
are asteroid dwellers.Ô
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ÓNo, no. The asteroids are something else again. They occur, I was told, in one out of eight
stellar systems, but they're completely different from what we've been discussing.Ô
ÓAnd how does your being an astronomer change the fact that you are still only quoting
their unsupported statements?Ô
ÓBut they did not restrict themselves to bald items of information. They presented me with a
theory of stellar evolution which I had to accept and which is more nearly valid than anything
our own astronomy has ever been able to devise, if we except possible lost theories dating
from Beforethewars. Mind you, their theory had a rigidly mathematical development and it
predicted just such a galaxy as they describe. So you see, they have all the worlds they wish.
They are not land-hungry. Certainly not for our land.Ô
ÓReason would say so, if what you say is true. But creatures may be intelligent and not
reasonable. Our forefathers were presumably intelligent, yet they were certainly not
reasonable. Was it reasonable to destroy almost all their tremendous civilization in atomic
warfare over causes our historians can no longer accurately determine?Ô The Industrialist
brooded over it. ÓFrom the dropping of the first atom bomb over the Eastern Islands of the
Sun-I forget the ancient name-there was only one end in sight, and in plain sight. Yet events
were allowed to proceed to that end.Ô
He looked up, said briskly, ÓWell, where are we? I wonder if we are not on a fool's errand
after all.Ô
But the Astronomer was a little in advance and his voice came thickly. ÓNo fool's errand,
sir. Look there.Ô
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Red and Slim had trailed their elders with the experience of youth, aided by the absorption
and anxiety of their fathers. Their view of the final object of the search was somewhat
obscured by the underbrush behind which they remained.
Red said, ÓHoly smokes. Look at that. It's al shiny silver or something.Ô
But it was Slim who was really excited. He caught at the other. ÓI know what this is. It's a
spaceship. That must be why my father came here. He's one of the biggest astronomers in
the world and your father would have to call him if a spaceship landed on his estate.Ô
ÓWhat are you talking about? Dad didn't even know that thing was there. He only came
here because I told him I heard the thunder from here. Besides, there isn't any such thing as
a spaceship.Ô
ÓSure, there is. Look at it. See those round things. They're ports. And you can see the
rocket tubes.Ô
ÓHow do you know so much?Ô
Slim was flushed. He said, ÓI read about them. My father has books about them. Old
books. From Beforethewars.Ô
ÑHuh. Now I know you're making it up. Books from Beforethewars!Ô
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ÑMy father has to have them. He teaches at the University. It's his job.Ô
His voice had risen and Red had to pull at him. ÓYou want them to hear us?Ô he whispered [ Pobierz caÅ‚ość w formacie PDF ]

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