The elusive technical knowledge of eons,
past and future, was held captive by the mighty
Kralons—learned giant insects that seined the
stream of Time for the great Truth that would
mold them into unrivalled masters of the universe.
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Planet Stories Fall 1954.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
The little gray man peered timidly over gold-rimmed spectacles atthe great black hole which yawned hungrily almost at his feet. Heedged back cautiously from the massive steel lattice which guardedits circumference, then plucked timidly at the sleeve of theblue-uniformed guard who stood impressively erect before the barrier'shuge gate.
"I—I beg your pardon. Could you tell me when the next one leaves?" heasked in a voice as colorless as his thin, nondescript features.
The guard catalogued the speaker with a glance, and a superior smilelifted the corners of his lips.
"Not figuring on making the Big Drop, are you, Uncle?" he asked inobvious amusement.
"Well, I—"
Then the gilt epaulets on the guard's padded shoulders jerked as hecame suddenly to a respectful attention.
"Next Diamvator leaves promptly at 2:30 P.M., sir. Arrives at theAntipodes at 6:30 P.M. Central Standard Time, sir."
The obsequious reply brought a veil of mild surprise to the littleman's pale gray eyes.
Then it was replaced with a twinkle of understanding as he saw theTerminal Agent approaching.
J. B. Andrews, the big bluff Supervisory Agent of Earth-Tube,Incorporated, cast a cursory glance at the little gray man, then turnedto the guard.
"The 'Vator will leave at 2:35 P.M. today, Jamieson. Five minutes laterthan schedule. You will act accordingly."
As the Agent turned to leave, the little gray man cleared his throatand said timidly, "I—I'd like to ask about your round trip rate to—tothe other side."
The Terminal Agent looked appraisingly at the little man for a moment,then said courteously, "Glad to answer any questions. If you will stepover to my office I'll give you one of our brochures which describes indetail the advantages of the Diamvator over surface travel."
When the door had dosed behind them in the Agent's office, the littleman's appearance changed subtly. His drooping shoulders were suddenlysquarer, and his pale eyes seemed to darken to the color of the graniteblocks of the floor.
"Randall is my name, Mr. Andrews. Willard Randall," he said, and histhin, colorless voice seemed to have gained the depth and assurance ofa man who is confident of his ability to meet any situation.
Andrews' jaw sagged, and a startled ejaculation burst from his lips.
"You—Randall? I—" The Agent paused, then recovered his usualcomposure and apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Randall. I guess I hadexpected a—well, a larger man," he completed lamely.
"I understand," Randall said, smiling at Andrews' evidentembarrassment. "I don't look exactly like the popular conception of anInternational Investigation Agent, you mean. But, you see, the less welook like IIA's, the more likely we are to catch someone off-guard."
"That's probably true," Andrews agreed doubtfully, "but—"
"But can I deliver the goods?" Randall completed with a smile. "That'swhat's worrying you, isn't it?"
Without waiting for an answer from the embarrassed Andrews, Randallcontinued, "Now, about your trouble. If you'll please outline the wholeaffair. Absolutely everything you know about it, whether it seemsrelevant or not."
The Agent for Earth-Tube, Inc. hesitated a moment, then began.