E-text prepared by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan,
and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
()
Transcriber's note:
This e-text was produced from If Worlds of ScienceFiction, July, 1954. Extensive research did not uncoverany evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publicationwas renewed.
FAIR and WARMER
By E. G. von Wald
Illustrated by Paul Orban
Tensor gazed helplessly at the fine mist sifting down from a hazy,violet sky. "I told you I was having these spells."
"But Great Oxy," the administrator sputtered, "can't you controlyourself?"
"I can't help it, Ruut," Tensor replied. "I just feel sort of funnyand—and—"
Ruut's hyperimage was chewing on its illusory lip. "Well, you've got tostop it. Do you understand? There'll be a lot of lichens and thingsgrowing all over the Prime's beautiful landscapes if this keeps up."
The administrator's concern amused Tensor and, as his mood lightened,the drizzle abated and the sky became clear again.
"I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely. "But I just seem to be havingtrouble lately. Ever since the aliens came."
"Oh, come now, son," Ruut chortled with assumed heartiness. "That'selementary somatics. Just get a grip on yourself."
"Yes sir."
"Perhaps you've been working, or exerting yourself in some other foolishway. Maybe you're tired and should take something."
The long, scrawny citizen gazed disconsolately at the beautitful violetsky, his face relaxed and soleful. He sighed and murmured, "Frankly,Ruut, I just don't seem to give a damn anymore."
On the other side of the planet, Ruut gulped convulsively. His eyesbulged out with thoroughly uncivilized amazement.
"Get out of consciousness immediately," he ordered hoarsely. "Take anego shot, if necessary. Take one anyway. We can't take chances." Theadministrator's hyperimage, with calculated angry expression, glaredsternly into Tensor's mind. "Did you understand me?"
"Yes sir," Tensor murmured. A vague unpleasantness began stirring in hisstomach as he contemplated Ruut's thought. The administrator wasabsolutely right. Civilization simply could not tolerate an unhappy,uncooperative citizen. The general satisfaction of all was so clearlythe responsibility of each individual, and one careless man could ruinit for everybody. Very much as he had been doing.
Obediently he nodded. Concealing his embarrassment at the artificialityof the act, he permitted the hyperimage to watch while he administeredthe chemical.
"Good." Ruut became calm at once, now that he was certain he couldcommand the situation. "I'll have the physician examine you before thatwears off." He hesitated and said even more mildly. "I hope this is justa passing thing, Tensor. You know I'll do everything I can for you, eventeleporting to your focus. But you're a weather sensitive, and that's apretty common classification. And you know the Council."
Tensor indicated lazy assent. As the drug took hold, he slippedsoothingly into unconsciousness, and the hyperimage flickered andvanished with his powers. His last emotion was one of a vague reliefthat he would not have to lo