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By Root 418 0

he expected praise rather than censure for his discoveries. It was the best policy he could have adopted, for it disarmed most of his would-be critics in advance. It also had the effect—though he had not intended this—of transferring any blame to the vanished Khedron. Alvin himself, it was clear to his listeners, was too young to see any danger in what he was doing. The Jester, however, should certainly have known better and had acted in a thoroughly irresponsible fashion. They did not yet know how fully Khedron himself had agreed with them.

Jeserac himself, as Alvin’s tutor, was also deserving of some censure, and from time to time several of the councillors gave him thoughtful glances. He did not seem to mind, though he was perfectly well aware of what they were thinking. There was a certain honour in having instructed the most original mind that had come into Diaspar since the Dawn Ages, and nothing could rob Jeserac of that.

Not until Alvin had finished the factual account of his adventures did he attempt a little persuasion. Somehow, he would have to convince these men of the truths that he had learned in Lys, but how could he make them really understand something that they had never seen and could hardly imagine?

‘It seems a great tragedy,’ he said, ‘that the two surviving branches of the human race should have become separated for such an enormous period of time. One day, perhaps, we may know how it happened, but it is more important now to repair the break—to prevent it happening again. When I was in Lys I protested against their view that they were superior to us; they may have much to teach us, but we also have much to teach them. If we both believe that we have nothing to learn from the other, is it not obvious that we will both be wrong?’

He looked expectantly along the line of faces, and was encouraged to go on.

‘Our ancestors,’ he continued, ‘built an empire which reached to the stars. Men came and went at will among all those worlds—and now their descendants are afraid to stir beyond the walls of their city. Shall I tell you why?’ He paused; there was no movement at all in the great, bare room.

‘It is because we are afraid—afraid of something that happened at the beginning of history. I was told the truth in Lys, though I guessed it long ago. Must we always hide like cowards in Diaspar, pretending that nothing else exists—because a billion years ago the Invaders drove us back to Earth?’

He had put his finger on their secret fear—the fear which he had never shared and whose power he could therefore never fully understand. Now let them do what they pleased; he had spoken the truth as he saw it.

The President looked at him gravely.

‘Have you anything more to say,’ he asked, ‘before we consider what is to be done?’

‘Only one thing. I would like to take this robot to the Central Computer.’

‘But why? You know that the Computer is already aware of everything that has happened in this room.’

‘I still wish to go,’ replied Alvin politely but stubbornly. ‘I ask permission both of the Council and the Computer.’

Before the President could reply, a clear, calm voice sounded through the chamber. Alvin had never heard it before in his life, but he knew what it was that spoke. The information machines, which were no more than outlying fragments of this great intelligence, could speak to men—but they did not possess this unmistakable accent of wisdom and authority.

‘Let him come to me,’ said the Central Computer.

Alvin looked at the President. It was to his credit that he did not attempt to exploit his victory. He merely asked, ‘Have I your permission to leave?’

The President looked around the Council Chamber, saw no disagreement there, and replied a little helplessly:

‘Very well. The proctors will accompany you, and will bring you back here when we have finished our discussion.’

Alvin gave a slight bow of thanks, the great doors expanded before him, and he walked slowly out of the Chamber. Jeserac had accompanied him, and when the doors had closed once more, he turned to face his tutor.

‘What do you think