Transcribe
Translate
Fan, issue 2, July 1945
Page 11
More information
digital collection
archival collection guide
transcription tips
11 His hand reached out to move the sheathes that covered every part of the wheel except the hair-line that Adams had set for Earth. But his hand fell away, trembling. He didn't dare touch those sheathes! That might let Jupiter's fast pull enter . . . and even if he could escape Jupiter he would lose Earth's position forever. For a single moment Hagist pulled himself together, he ceased his trembling and even smiled wryly. He saw clearly now that he was lost. There was only a choice between two ends. He could continue on his vast parabola toward the outer reaches of space where incipient madness lurked; or he could smash the controls, which would allow Jupiter's vast gravity to enter. He chose Jupiter. Searching the control room, he found a heavy metal bar. He took one last look from the starboard port and saw the giant gloating nemesis of Jupiter falling slowly away, with the great Red Spot pulsing rhythmically as though reaching out for him. The gravity must be tremendous, he thought, once he smashed that robot-wheel and its protecting gravity sheathes. He walked slowly over to the wheel, raised the heavy bar. No! There was a better way than that! An even quicker and surer way. Still smiling in his ironic defeat, Hagist drew out his electro-pistol. He examined it fondly for a moment and then pressed it to his chest. "You've never failed me yet," he murmured. With a flick of the finger he released the button. The hole passed through him as neatly as it had through Adams. He staggered forward against the robot-wheel, slumped , clutched at it spasmodically. And just before his eyes closed in death, he realized the final irony of all. He saw why the needle had moved, taking his course away from Earth. Too late he saw it. He realized why old man Adams hadn't missed him at the short distance of five feet. Adams hadn't aimed at him at all! Hagist tried to laugh, but only blood came bubbling forth. He tried to raise a hand but it seemed to weigh a ton. In his dying breath he could only stare at the little leaden pellet lodged in one of the sheathes near the under side of the rim. Sardonically it seemed to gloat back at him, so very near his eves -- Adams' bullet which had attracted the needle and upset the delicate precision of the robot-wheel; the bullet which, could he have dug it out, would have allowed his course to swing back to Earth again.
Saving...
prev
next
11 His hand reached out to move the sheathes that covered every part of the wheel except the hair-line that Adams had set for Earth. But his hand fell away, trembling. He didn't dare touch those sheathes! That might let Jupiter's fast pull enter . . . and even if he could escape Jupiter he would lose Earth's position forever. For a single moment Hagist pulled himself together, he ceased his trembling and even smiled wryly. He saw clearly now that he was lost. There was only a choice between two ends. He could continue on his vast parabola toward the outer reaches of space where incipient madness lurked; or he could smash the controls, which would allow Jupiter's vast gravity to enter. He chose Jupiter. Searching the control room, he found a heavy metal bar. He took one last look from the starboard port and saw the giant gloating nemesis of Jupiter falling slowly away, with the great Red Spot pulsing rhythmically as though reaching out for him. The gravity must be tremendous, he thought, once he smashed that robot-wheel and its protecting gravity sheathes. He walked slowly over to the wheel, raised the heavy bar. No! There was a better way than that! An even quicker and surer way. Still smiling in his ironic defeat, Hagist drew out his electro-pistol. He examined it fondly for a moment and then pressed it to his chest. "You've never failed me yet," he murmured. With a flick of the finger he released the button. The hole passed through him as neatly as it had through Adams. He staggered forward against the robot-wheel, slumped , clutched at it spasmodically. And just before his eyes closed in death, he realized the final irony of all. He saw why the needle had moved, taking his course away from Earth. Too late he saw it. He realized why old man Adams hadn't missed him at the short distance of five feet. Adams hadn't aimed at him at all! Hagist tried to laugh, but only blood came bubbling forth. He tried to raise a hand but it seemed to weigh a ton. In his dying breath he could only stare at the little leaden pellet lodged in one of the sheathes near the under side of the rim. Sardonically it seemed to gloat back at him, so very near his eves -- Adams' bullet which had attracted the needle and upset the delicate precision of the robot-wheel; the bullet which, could he have dug it out, would have allowed his course to swing back to Earth again.
Hevelin Fanzines
sidebar
