"Oh, no. Not at all. But my predecessors chose low-grade stock on
purpose. Remember those monkeys. How long do you think a normal human
could remain sane, cooped up in a little cave like this and never
daring to leave it? That's the only way to be immortal, you know.
And how much of the race could be given such elaborate care, even if
they could stand it? Only a small percentage. Nor would they live
forever--they're already contaminated, they were born radioactive. And
whatever happens, who's going to remain outside and keep the apparatus
in order?"
Radek nodded. His neck felt stiff, and within the airsuit he stank with
sweat. "I've got the idea."
"And yet--if the facts were known--if my questions had to be
answered--how long do you think a society like ours would survive?"
Radek tried to speak, but his tongue was too dry.
Lang smiled grimly. "Apparently I've convinced you. Good. Fine."
Suddenly his gloved hand shot out and gripped Radek's shoulder. Even
through the heavy fabric, the newsman could feel the bruising fury of
that clasp.
"But you're only one man," whispered Lang. "An unusually reasonable man
for these days. There'll be others.
"What are we going to _do_?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account