Astounding British Edition, Vol. 6, No. 8 — page 5: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

with their ideal in force. The only way that PS ee ee a Se — plete altruist. I'll explain. This science will enable you to develop your spacecraft drive into a means of interstellar travel. This science is known to us. We are using it now. However, there is a political difficulty on our world. We have two factions. One faction wants conquest and subjugation of all systems that are less fortunate in their sociological and technological development. The other faction believes that any kind of subjugation of another people will lead to War upon war in pyramiding terror. I and my friends are members of this second belief. Since the first group has control, they are preparing to sweep out from our system subjugation of your race, complete with the attending strife, may be stopped is for you to have the same technological develop- ments. Once- you meet us as an equal, thoughts of enslaving you can not exist.” “Logical,” admitted Barden. “This science is entering your subcon- scious mind. It will not be clear to you for @many days. I’d suggest rest and contempla- tion, but not heavy concentration. Learning «is a matter of accepting facts and filing them *- ‘ o> - logically in the subconscious mind. Unlike a course of study where fact follows fact, this knowledge is being poured in at “high speed. Your subconscious mind is very much like a librarian who has just received a complete file of facts on a new world. Unfortunately these facts must be evaluated in terms of your own world and your own thought. After evaluation, they must be filed in the proper order. The subconscious ‘ We ‘ i Lp OA NS ; J never sleeps, but it will take time before the logical order is complete. At that time you will be able to speak with authority on the subject.” b “I hope,” replied Barden. “You must! For we have had enough of war and talk of war. War.is never fought between peoples who respect one another’s ability. Take this knowledge and use it. And some day- when you get the honest. chance, pass it along to another race so that all men can be equal throughout the galaxy!” The outsider made swift thought: “Quickly, for the veil thickens!” “IT must go. It would be dangerous for us both if I am trapped here when the veil closes. Just remember the billions of your men and the constant attempt to penetrate the mind of any one of them. Even this was sheer chance and it is failing—” The sentience withdrew after a warning cry from the one on the outside. The silken screen closed, joined, and flowed to the floor without scar. Barden was once more alone, protected, isolated. : Three weeks. It took Barden three long weeks. He awoke after the initial contact with the alien, and following the alien’s advice, considered the matter coolly. It might be true and it might be a dream, but the fitfulness of his nature was gone. Barden then turned over and entered the sleep of the, just for nine hours. After this awakening, he contemplated the dream and found it true. S EGOmichbooks.co