The Star Virus

"That force-field is a funny coincidence," Rodrone interrupted, "in view of what happened to the Andromeda expeditions." He was referring to the failure of any spaceship to travel for more than one galactic diameter outside the galaxy. Although technically, with the space drives available, intergalactic travel should have been feasible, every mission and probe ever dispatched had come up against some kind of space-time barrier preventing further progress. The other galaxies, it appeared, were forever beyond reach.

"Probably not a coincidence," Sinnt said. "But to continue. The line of research that automatically presents itself to us is to investigate further the third order of radiations, with special reference to how they generate the picture sequences."

"And what's your opinion of the pictures themselves?"

"I believe they represent real events taking place in various parts of the galaxy, either in the present or both in the present and in the past."

"And in the future, father?" put in Foyle, who sat across from his father on the other side of the table.

Briefly Sinnt's lenses glowed, as if taking a quick glance. "That," he said, "is the operative question. Somehow or other these very subtle, almost indetectable radiations accomplish the feat of communicating with all parts of the galaxy and of drawing visible observations from them. How they stand in relation to the time dimension is… at present a matter for speculation."

"Good grief," Rodrone muttered. "We might have a method here of observing through time—perhaps of traveling through time!"

"Perhaps, though I doubt it. The Streall do not appear to possess that ability. I incline more to the view that the lens's communication is with the present moment—with reference to the time dilation effect that exists over vast distances, of course—but that it can also store sequences from the past and display those too. I imagine the lens is of great antiquity. It might even predate the human species."

Another question was bothering Rodrone. "And what of the meaning, the selection of the picture-stories?" he asked hesitantly. "Surely there must be something there?"

"Probably the selection is entirely random."

But this did not satisfy Rodrone. "There must be something to it," he insisted, "some meaning or significance. Otherwise what is the lens for?"

"Your attitude is unscientific," Sinnt told him shortly. "The point is, the significance of the lens lies precisely in the use that is made of it. It must be possible to control the selection. If we find those controls, we have in our hands an observing instrument of unparalleled excellence. No corner of the galaxy will be denied to us!"

"And do you think we can find those controls?"

"The determined intellect overcomes all," Sinnt stated dogmatically. "However, I confess that for the moment I am at the end of my resources. That is why I have decided upon another strategy…"

He shifted position, and the glowing camera swung around to focus on Rodrone. Because of his facial blindness, it was always hard to guess what Sinnt was thinking from his expression.

"If there is anyone who could finally answer our questions, it is the Streall."

Rodrone snorted. "Ridiculous! Do you propose we should go to them and politely ask? As a matter of fact, I've already been through that scene, at my base on Brüde. Believe me, the Streall are not helpful."

Sinnt did not answer for a moment. Rodrone became aware that he was nerving himself to something, or trying to weigh up something.

"There is a Streall on this planet," he said at last. "In this very city, in fact."

The news astounded and alarmed Rodrone. "Here? For God's sake, man, it's the lens they're after and they must know it's here!"

"No, no, you don't understand at all." Sinnt shook his head vigorously. "Please let me explain. Some years ago a Streall individual came secretly to Kell. He came here because he had somehow heard that for a long time—over a generation, in fact—there had existed here a secret society devoted to the study of Streall philosophy. Seffatt, to give him his name, rightly guessed that the society would give him refuge, and they have sheltered him ever since."

Had the story not been so amazing, Rodrone would have laughed out loud. It was typical that Kell should harbor, among its assorted zaniness, a clique with a bent towards the enemy of mankind.

"The society calls itself the Society of the Orderly Plan, a name whose meaning may become clearer to you later on. Normally what I have told you is a closely guarded secret, but because I believe our interests are identical, and because of the present situation, I feel it is only right that you should be brought into the know. I have already contacted the society and suggested that they collaborate with us."

Furiously Rodrone stormed to his feet. "Do you realize what you've done? By now the Streall navy will be on its way to annihilate us!"