Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

POTENTIAL 63 “You say you are not a scientist,” the old leader asked pleasantly, chang- ing the subject. “If I may ask, what are you?” . “A psychiatrist,” Ellis said. They talked for hours. Ellis dodged and faked and invented, trying to fill in the gaps in his knowledge. The council wanted to know about all phases of life on Earth, all the details of technological and social advances. They wondered about Earth’s method of pre-nova detection. And why had he decided to come here? And finally, in view of coming alone, was his race suicidally inclined? “We will wish to ask you more in the future,” the old council leader said, ending the session. “{ shall be happy to answer any- thing in my power,” Ellis said. ‘That doesn’t seem to be much,” a member said. ‘Now, Elgg—remember the shock this man has been through,” the council leader said. “His entire race has been destroyed. I do not believe we are being hospitable.’ He turned to Ellis. “Sir, you have helped us immeas- urably as it is. For example, now that we know the possibility of controlled atomic power, we can direct research toward that goal. Of course, you will be reimbursed by the state. What would you like to do?” Ellis hesitated, wondering what he should say. “Would you like to head a museum project for Earth? A monument to your great people?” Was that his mission, Ellis won- dered? He shook his head. “I am a doctor, sir. A psychiatrist. Perhaps I could help in that respect.” “But you don’t know our people,” the old leader said concernedly. “‘It would take you a lifetime to learn the nature of our tensions and problems. To learn them in sufficient intimacy to enable you to practice.” “True,” Ellis said. “But our races are alike. Our civilizations have taken like courses. Since I represent a more advanced psychological tradition, my methods might be of help to your doctors—” “Of course, Dr. Ellis. I must not make the mistake of underestimating a species that has crossed the stars.” The old leader smiled ruefully. “I myself will introduce you to the head of one of our hospitals.” The leader stood up. “If you will come with me.” Ellis followed, with his heart pound- ing. His mission must have something to do with psychiatry. Why else send _ a psychiatrist? But he still didn’t know what he was supposed to do. And, to make it worse, he could remember practically none of his psychiatric background. “I think that takes care of ail the testing apparatus,” the doctor said, looking at Ellis from behind steel- rimmed glasses. He was young, moon- faced, and eager to learn from the older civilization of Earth. “Can you suggest any improve- ments?”’ he asked. “Tl have to look over the setup more closely,” Ellis said, following the doctor down a long, pale-blue corridor. The testing apparatus had struck a complete blank. “I don’t have to tell you how eager I am for this opportunity,” the doctor said. “I have no doubt that you Terrans were able to discover many of the secrets of the mind.” “Oh, yes,” Ellis said. “Down this way we have the wards,” the doctor said. ““Would you care to see them?” “Fine,” Ellis followed the doctor, biting his lip angrily, His memory EComichooks.;co