Into the Unknown
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Into the Unknown - John Russell Fearn
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Copyright © 1970 by Carrie Fearn
Copyright © 2012 by Philip Harbottle
Published by Wildside Press LLC
www.wildsidebooks.com
DEDICATION
For Arthur Philip King
INTO THE UNKNOWN
A SCIENCE FICTION TALE
THE Omnipotent Observer paused in his cosmic journey to study a change that had come to the Earthly solar system. To him, it all occurred in one split second of infinite Time—but that reversion, that retreat, was so enormous and colossal that even he was interested—interested enough to record the whole outstanding event within his limitless mind. A literal defiance of Time itself was indeed something worth pausing for.
He watched, and beheld....
* * * *
WITHIN the home of Doctor Cassell Thurman, physicist, reigned the joyous abandon of a New Year party. What was more, it was also the first marriage anniversary of his daughter Ann, and Rodney Shenstone.
It surprises me, Doc, that a savant like yourself should be able to enjoy a party,
Shenstone commented, during an interval in the almost continuous round of drinks and rising merriment. You disprove all the old theories about scientists being cold-blooded.
Thurman smiled faintly, tossing aside on the mantle-shelf a small chamois-leather bag, which he had been absently examining.
Scientists are as human as anybody else,
he answered in his grave voice; then, as his eyes rested on his daughter’s slender figure amidst the guests, his voice took on a new animation. "Besides, I’d do anything for Ann, Rodney.... Anything!"
And I,
her husband added, slightly uncomfortable. Thurman had been a widower for the past seven years. Still, for all that, I can’t help but feel you’ve got a double motive in throwing this party. I mean, despite it being our anniversary and New Year’s Eve—
Yes, I have a motive,
Thurman assented, dropping his voice somewhat as the radio dance music ceased for an instant. At five minutes to midnight I’m going to show you all my latest invention.
Rodney evinced little surprise. As a Research scientist working for the Government, Thurman’s reputation in atomic physics had been unmatched. Although he had officially retired some years ago, he still continued his own private research. That he had been working on an especial ‘something’ Rodney knew full well, as his son-in-law.
Yes, tonight is an ideal occasion to reveal the secrets of Time,
Thurman continued cryptically. Being New Year’s Eve, I mean.
Time?
Rodney’s own radio-engineering instincts were aroused. A blond, slightly chubby young man, he had a much higher intellectual quota than one would have imagined. As resident maintenance engineer with the World Broadcasting Corporation he could not afford to be a fool. Don’t tell me it’s the fourth dimension!
he chuckled. The older man shook his head.
No, my boy—anything but it. Besides, this isn’t a time-traveling system; that’s out of the question. It’s something else, which postulates the possibilities lying in space itself. It ought to—we’ll discuss it later. Here’s Ann.
The girl herself, ash-blonde and twenty-four, came forward with an impish tread. Her wide gray eyes were sparkling mischievously. She patted her father affectionately on the summit of his nearly-bald cranium.
Dad, it’s twenty minutes to midnight,
she said, apparently with some effort. It was more than obvious that she had not abstained from drinking liqueurs and cocktails. You promised me something at five to twelve. What is it? Another present?
My dear Ann, you’ve had your present,
the Doctor reminded her, indicating her gold wristwatch. Besides, what do you expect for one year only? Keep it up for twenty years, and maybe I’ll leave you my fortune. No, it’s not a second present,
he continued, coming down to the issue. It is the—er—preview of my invention. An invention with immense possibilities. It’s in the laboratory across the way. As you and Rod know, I’ve been working in secret for some years now.
Ann wrinkled her nose in disfavor. Do we have to go into that smelly old place?
she complained. I don’t like the things you have lying about.
She paused, then her gray eyes opening wider in purely girlish curiosity she asked, What have you got tucked away in there anyway? You’ve never told anybody anything.
Thurman chuckled good-naturedly. I will soon enough. I’ll be handing over full details to government experts. But meanwhile—
he raised his hand for quiet. The radio and record player were respectfully silenced and the guests ceased talking.
My friends, you’re going to behold something extraordinary,
he announced. Follow me into my laboratory.... There will be a demonstration shortly at five to twelve.
He moved to the interconnecting door