Rendezvous With Rama - Arthur C. Clarke Page 0,76

and there are those who believe that final victory may go to the termites.

“With this in mind, consider now the appalling threat that Rama may—I do not say must—present to human civilization. What steps have we taken to counter it, if the worst eventuality should occur? None whatsoever. We have merely talked and speculated and written learned papers.

“Well, my fellow delegates, Mercury has done more than this. Acting under the provisions of Clause 34 of the Space Treaty of 2057, which entitles us to take any steps necessary to protect the integrity of our solar space, we have dispatched a high-energy nuclear device to Rama. We will indeed be happy if we never have to utilize it. But now, at least, we are not helpless—as we were before.

“It may be argued that we have acted unilaterally, without prior consultation. We admit that. But does anyone here imagine—with all respect, Mr. President—that we could have secured any such agreement in the time available? We consider that we are acting not only for ourselves, but also for the whole human race. All future generations may one day thank us for our foresight.

“We recognize that it would be a tragedy—even a crime—to destroy an artifact as wonderful as Rama. If there is any way in which this can be avoided, without risk to humanity, we will be very happy to hear of it. We have not found one, and time is running out.

“Within the next few days, before Rama reaches perihelion, the choice will have to be made. We will, of course, give ample warning to Endeavour, but we would advise Commander Norton always to be ready to leave at an hour’s notice. It is conceivable that Rama may undergo further dramatic transformations at any moment.

“That is all, Mr. President, fellow delegates. I thank you for your attention. I look forward to your co-operation.”

CHAPTER 39

COMMAND DECISION

“Well, Boris, how do the Hermians fit into your theology?”

“Only too well, Commander,” replied Lieutenant Rodrigo with a humorless smile. “It’s the age-old conflict between the forces of good and the forces of evil. And there are times when men have to take sides in such a conflict.”

I knew it would be something like that, Norton thought. This situation must have been a shock to Boris, but he would not have resigned himself to passive acquiescence. The Cosmo Christers were energetic, competent people. Indeed, in some ways they were remarkably like the Hermians.

“I take it you have a plan, Boris.”

“Yes, Commander. It’s really quite simple. We merely have to disable the bomb.”

“Oh. And how do you propose to do that?”

“With a small pair of wire cutters.”

If this had been anyone else, Norton would have assumed that he was joking. But not Boris Rodrigo.

“Now just a minute! It’s bristling with cameras. Do you suppose the Hermians will just sit and watch you?”

“Of course; that’s all they can do. When the signal reaches them, it will be far too late. I can easily finish the job in ten minutes.”

“I see. They certainly will be mad. But suppose the bomb is booby-trapped so that interference sets it off?”

“That seems very unlikely. What would be the purpose? This bomb was built for a specific deep-space mission, and it will be fitted with all sorts of safety devices to prevent detonation except on a positive command. But that’s a risk I’m prepared to take—and it can be done without endangering the ship. I’ve worked everything out.”

“I’m sure you have,” said Norton. The idea was fascinating, almost seductive in its appeal; he particularly liked the idea of the frustrated Hermians, and would give a good deal to see their reactions when they realized, too late, what was happening to their deadly toy.

But there were other complications, and they seemed to multiply as Norton surveyed the problem. He was facing by far the most difficult, and the most crucial, decision of his entire career.

And that was a ridiculous understatement. He was faced with the most difficult decision any commander had ever had to make. The future of the entire human race might well depend upon it. For just suppose the Hermians were right?

When Rodrigo had left, Norton switched on the DO NOT DISTURB sign. He could not remember when he had last used it and was mildly surprised that it was working. Now, in the heart of his crowded, busy ship, he was completely alone—except for the portrait of Captain James Cook, gazing at him down the corridors of time.

It was impossible to consult with