The Back of Our Heads By STEPHEN BARR Illustrated by DILLON [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction July 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] She traveled from life to death and back again like a commuter on the 5:15 ... except each trip brought her nearer the beginning of the line! In reading this report, it must be borne in mind that when the word "they" is used, it does not refer necessarily to separate entities as individuals. It is possible that a closer analogy would be the cells of an organism--which, in a sense, we ourselves become when we are in a pack or forming a mob. On the other hand, that particular cell or entity which this report deals with exhibited at all times marked individuality--even eccentricity--and will hereinafter be referred to as "she." This is because "she" invariably assumed a female form when visiting us, and because she furthermore gave every indication of that type of mind and point of view which is generally met with in the more noticeable, effective or contentious members of that sex. As she put it herself during the hearing, she was always in hot water. * * * * * The four teen-agers--one girl, three boys--weren't allowed in the bar, so they went down the street to a joint where there were a soda fountain, booths and a jukebox. They sat in a booth and a waitress came to take the orders: three hot dogs and three cokes. "What about you, dear?" "Just a glass of water." The waitress started to leave. "No, wait--gimme a white on rye, too." The waitress left, then came back again. "What was that you wanted, dear? Some kind of rye-bread sandwich?" "Changed my mind. Make it a buttered pecan, but tell 'em to go easy on the butter. And I don't want no French dressing. Make it on whole wheat." * * * * * The waitress looked uncertain. "You mean a _nut_ sandwich?" "Yeah, only malted. With lettuce and chocolate sprinkles." "Who you kiddin'?" the waitress said, and turned to go. "No, hold it. Tell Joe to please scramble them on both sides." "What you _talkin'_ about?" the waitress said. "We ain't got no one here called Joe." "So okay, Joseph, then. Tell him just a boiled egg sunny side up." The waitress left, frowning. "Our Miss Framis," one of the boys said, meaning the girl, and the others smiled. They looked as though they were sneering at the same time and hoped they would be taken for juvenile delinquents. There were two very odd-looking men in the booth opposite and they were listening to the conversation. Their oddness lay in an atmosphere rather than in any physical abnormality. The girl noticed them and nudged one of the boys.