Astounding British Edition, Volume 8, No. 11 — page 34: what you’re looking at

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

32 brig. Now he glared at the Cophian space commander without speaking. “All right, commander, when they refused to halt, what did you do?” “I withdrew to a safe range and fired a warning charge ahead of. them. It ex- ploded in full view of their scopes, dead ahead. They ignored the warning and tried to flee again.” “Go on.” Roki’s shoulders lifted in the suggestion of a shrug. “In accordance with Article Thirty of the Code, I shot them out of space.” The girl made a choking sound, “And over ten thousand people died on Jod VI because you—” “That will do, Dela!’ snapped Colonel Beth. | There was a long silence. Roki waited calmly for further questioning. He seemed unaware of the girl’s outburst. The colonel’s voice came again with a forced softness. “You examined the debris of the des- troyed vessel?” “Yes, sir.” “What did you find?” “Fragments of quick-frozen bone, blood plasma, various bodily organs and tissues in cultured or frozen form, prepared for surgical use in transplanting operations; in other words, a complete stock of surgibank supplies, as was anticipated. We gathered up samples, but we had no facilities for pre- serving what was left.” The colonel drummed his fingers, “You said ‘anticipated.’ Then you knew full well the nature of the cargo, and you did not Suspect contraband material of any kind?” Roki paused. “I suspected contraband, colonel,” he said quietly. Beth lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “You didn’t say that before.” “TI was never asked.” “Why didn’t you say it anyway.” “T had no proof.” “Ah, yes,” murmured the colonel. “The ° culture of Coph IV again. Very well, but in examining the debris, you found no evidence of contraband?” The colonel’s distasteful expression told the room that he knew the answer, but only wanted it on the record. But Roki paused a long time. Finally, he said, “No evidence, sir.” “Why do you hesitate?” “Because I still suspect an illegality— without proof, I’m afraid.” This time, the colonel’s personal feelings ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION betrayed him in a snort of disgust. He shuffled his papers for a long time, then looked at the major who had accompanied the patrol. “Will you confirm Roki’s testi- mony, major? Is it essentially truthful, as — far as you know?” The embarrassed officer glared at Roki in undisguised hatred. “For the record, sir —JI think the commander behaved disgrace- fully and insensibly, The results of the stoppage of vitally needed supplies prove—" “I didn’t ask for a moral judgment!” Beth snapped. “I asked you to confirm what he has said here. Were the incidents as he described them?” The major swallowed hard. “Yes, sir.” The colonel nodded. “Very well. Ill ask your opinions, gentlemen. Was there an infraction of regulations? Did Commander Roki behave as required by Space Code, or did he not? Yes or no, please. Major Tuli?” - “No direct infraction, sir, but—” “No. buts! Major Go’an?” “Uh—no infraction, sir.” “I find myself in agreement.” The colonel spoke directly at Dela’s note pad. “The ultimate results of the incident were dis- astrous, indeed. And, Roki’s action was unfortunate, ill-advised, and not as the Sixty Star Patrol would approve. Laws,. codes, regulations are made for men, not men for regulations. Roki observed the letter of the law, but was perhaps forgetful of its spirit. However, no charge can be found against him. This investigating body recommends that he be temporarily grounded without pre- judice, and given thorough physical and mental examinations before being returned to duty. That brings us to an end, gentlemen. Dela, you may go.” : With another glare at the haughty Cophian, the girl stalked out of the room. Beth leaned back in his chair, while the majors saluted and excused themselves. His eyes kept Roki locked in his chair. When they were alone, Beth said: “You have anything to say to me off the record?” Roki nodded. “I can submit my resigna- tion from the patrol through your office, can’t I, sir?” Beth smiled coldly. “I thought you’d do that, Roki.” He opened a desk drawer and brought out a single sheet of paper. “I took the liberty of having it prepared for your signature. Don’t misunderstand. I’m not urging you to resign, but we're pre- pared to accept it if you choose to do so. Connicloool<S.eo) =)