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"But they have done it!" Kerk bellowed.
"You are so right," Jason told him calmly. "And if they have done it, there
must be some agency at work. Operating how, I
have no idea. But something has caused the life on Pyrrus to declare war, and
I'd like to find out what that something is. What was the dominant life form
here when your ancestors landed?"
"I'm sure I wouldn't know," Kerk said. "You're not suggesting, are you, that
there are sentient beings on Pyrrus other than those of human descent?
Creatures who are organizing the planet to battle us?"
"I'm not suggesting it-you are. That means you're getting the idea. I have no
idea what caused this change, but I would sure like to find out. Then see if
it can be changed back. Nothing promised, of course. You'll agree, though,
that it is worth investigating."
Fist smacking into his palm, his heavy footsteps shaking the building, Kerk
paced back and forth the length of the room. He was at war with himself. New
ideas fought old beliefs. It was so sudden-and so hard not to believe.
Without asking permission, Jason helped himself to some chilled water from the
bottle and sank back into the chair, exhausted.
Something whizzed in through the open window, tearing a hole in the protective
screen. Kerk blasted it without changing stride, without even knowing he had
done it.
The decision didn't take long. Geared to swift activity, the big Pyrran found
it impossible not to decide quickly. The pacing stopped and he looked steadily
at Jason.
"I don't say you have convinced me, but I find it impossible to find a ready
answer to your arguments. So until I do, we will have to operate as if they
are true. Now what do you plan to do, what can you do?"
Jason ticked the points off on his fingers. "One, I'll need a place to live
and work that is well protected. So instead of spending my energies on just
remaining alive I can devote some study to this project. Two, I want someone
to help me-and act as a bodyguard at the same time. And someone, please, with
a little more scope of interest than my present watchdog. I would suggest
Meta as the person most suited for this job."
"Meta?" Kerk was surprised. "She's a space pilot and defense screen operator;
what good could she possibly be on a project like this?"
"The most good possible. She has had experience on other worlds and can shift
her point of view-at least a bit. And she must know as much about this planet
as any other educated adult and can answer any questions I ask." Jason smiled.
"In addition to which she is an attractive girl, whose company I enjoy."
Kerk grunted. "I was wondering if you would get around to mentioning that last
reason. The others make sense, though, so I'm not going to argue. I'll round
up a replacement for her and have Meta sent here. There are plenty of sealed
buildings you can use."
After talking to one of the assistants from the outer office, Kerk made some
calls on the screen. The correct orders were quickly issued. Jason watched it
all with interest.
"Pardon me for asking," he finally said. "But are you the dictator of this
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planet? You just snap your fingers and they all jump."
"I suppose it looks that way," Kerk admitted. "But that is just an illusion.
No one is in complete charge on Pyrrus, neither is there anything resembling a
democratic system. After all, our total population is about the size of an
army division. Everyone does the job they are best qualified for. Various
activities are separated into departments with the most qualified person in
charge. I run
Coordination and Supply, which is about the loosest category. We fill in the
gaps between departments and handle procuring from off-planet."
Meta came in then and talked to Kerk. She completely ignored Jason's presence.
"I was relieved and sent here," she said.
"What is it? Change in flight schedule?"
"You might call it that," Kerk said. "As of now you are dismissed from all
your old assignments and assigned to a new department. Investigation and
Research. That tired-looking fellow there is your department head."
"A sense of humor," Jason said. "The only native-born one on Pyrrus.
Congratulations, there's hope for the planet yet."
Mete glanced back and forth between them. "I don't understand. I can't believe
it. I mean a new department-why?" She was nervous and upset.
"I'm sorry," Kerk said. "I didn't mean to be cruel. I thought perhaps you
might feel more at ease. What I said was true. Jason has a way-or may have a
way-to be of immense value to Pyrrus. Will you help him?"
Meta had her composure back. And a little anger. "Do I have to? Is that an
order? You know I have work to do. I'm sure you will realize it is more
important than something a person from off-planet might imagine. He can't
really understand..."
"Yes. It's an order." The snap was back in Kerk's voice. Meta flushed at the
tone.
"Perhaps I can explain," Jason broke in. "After all, the whole thing is my
idea. But-first I would like your cooperation. Will you take the clip out of
your gun and give it to Kerk?"
Meta looked frightened, but Kerk nodded in solemn agreement. "Just for a few
minutes, Meta. I have my gun so you will be safe here. I think I know what
Jason has in mind, and from personal experience I'm afraid he is right."
Reluctantly Mete passed over the clip and cleared the charge in the gun's
chamber. Only then did Jason explain.
"I have a theory about life on Pyrrus, and I'm afraid I'll have to shatter
some illusions when I explain. To begin with, the fact must be admitted that
your people are slowly losing the war here and will eventually be
destroyed...."
Before he was half through the sentence, Meta's gun was directed between his
eyes and she was wildly snapping the trigger.
There was only hatred and revulsion in her expression. It was the most
terrible thought in the world for her. That this war they all devoted their
lives to was already lost.
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