Chapter 39 Chapter 39 Decision of order

"Then, Boris, do the views of the Mercurians agree with your teachings?" "It's just good, Lieutenant Colonel," replied Captain Rodrigo with a humorless smile. "There have been conflicts between good and evil since ancient times. Sometimes one has to be on one side of the conflict." I knew it would be something like that, Newton thought.The current situation must be a blow to Boris, but he will not give in and acquiesce.Cosmic Christians are lean, tough guys.It comes to mind that they have some resemblance to the Mercurians. "I see you have a plan, Boris."

"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel. It would have been very simple. All we had to do was disable the bomb." "Oh. How are you going to do that?" "Use a small pair of cord cutters." If it had been said by another man, Newton would have taken it as a joke, but not to Boris. "Hey, think again! It has cameras all over its body. You don't think the Mercury people are just sitting and watching you?" "Of course, that's all they can do. By the time the waves reach them, it's too late. I'll do the job in ten minutes." "I see. They're going to be mad. But what if the bomb had a trigger?"

"It seems unlikely. For what purpose? This bomb is specially made for sounding missions. It must be equipped with various safety devices to prevent it from detonating before there is a definite order. But I am ready to take the risk. It won't jeopardize Endeavor, though. I've thought of everything." "Then I believe it," said Newton.The idea is charming and attractive.He especially appreciates the idea of ​​failing the Mercurian.He really wanted to see how the Mercury people would react. But there were other problems, and the more Newton thought about them, the more problems he felt.He faces the most difficult and stark decision of his entire career.

That's not enough.He faced difficult decisions like no other captain had ever faced.It could determine the future of the entire human race, because what if the Mercurians are right? After Rodrigo left, Newton turned on the switch of the "Do Not Disturb" sign.Now, on this crowded, busy ship, he is utterly alone, save for the occasional portrait of Captain James Cook looking at him. It is impossible to consult with the earth.He had been warned that any communications would be intercepted, and that there was likely a relay listening device on the bomb.The whole responsibility rests on him.

He couldn't do anything until the Mercurian told him to leave.How will future history judge this event?While Newton cared little about whether he would live or die, neither did he want to be remembered as an accomplice in a preventable cosmic crime. And Rodrigo's plan was flawless.He believed he must have studied every detail, estimated every possibility, even the imminence of the bomb.Even if that happened, Endeavor would be safe under Rama's cover.As for Rodrigo himself, he treated this possibility with poise. Even if you succeed in disabling that bomb, it's not over yet.The Mercurians could try again, unless there was a way to stop them, but that would take a few weeks.Rama was well past perihelion before another rocket arrived.There was nothing to fear then, or the other way around...

To act or not to act - that is the question.Never before had Newton felt such a close relationship with that man.Whichever side he chooses, the possibilities for good and evil are equal.He faces the most difficult decision morally.If he chooses wrong, he will soon know; but if he is right, he may never prove it. There is no need to go on with logical debates and endless guesses about how the future will be one way or another.Doing so will cause a person to circle in place forever.Or listen to your own voice. He calmed down, Cook's eyes watching him from centuries away. "I agree with you, Captain," he whispered. "Man has to live with his conscience. Survival isn't everything, no matter what the Mercurians may argue."

He pressed the button to connect to the bridge, and said slowly, "Captain Rodrigo, I want to see you." Then he closed his eyes, hooked his thumbs on the straps of the chair, and prepared to enjoy a moment of mental relaxation.I'm afraid it will be a while before I can enjoy it like this. ----------------------------- Notes: