Dimension X - "A Pebble in the Sky" (Old Time Radio, 1951)

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Santos Ortega portrays archaeologist Belle Arvedan with Susan Douglas as
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Pola in this adaptation of Isaac Asimov's novel. From NBC's
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Dimension X, broadcast June 17, 1951, comes episode 37, A
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Pebble in the Sky. On a future Earth, regarded by
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the Galactic Empire as a radioactive and impoverished backwater, Arvedan
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arrives to investigate his belief that humanity began there. His
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meeting with Polar draws him into the tensions between Earth
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and the wider Empire. Ernest Kenoy wrote the radio adaptation,
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directed by Edward King. We now take you back to
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the original broadcast.
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Adventures in Time and Space Transcribed in Future Tense The
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National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with Street & Smith, publishers
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of astounding science fiction, bring you Dimension X.
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The civilization of.
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The galaxy spread across 200 million worlds. The black void
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of space swarmed with the ships of the empire. But
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far off the trade routes, almost forgotten, lay the dying
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planet Earth.
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A backwater in galactic culture. A place of exile. A
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pebble in the sky.
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I landed on Earth. On the one spot which I
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would have called civilized. A patch along the desolate heights
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of the Himalayas that surrounded the palace of the imperial
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governor of Earth.
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Hmm.
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Dr.
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Bell Avedon of Sirius Sector. That's a familiar name.
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Perhaps you've seen it in the Galactic Archaeological Journal, my
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Lord Ennis.
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Me?
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No, no, I'm a soldier, not a scientist. It was
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a newspaper article. You gave an interview about your expedition
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to Earth.
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Hmm.
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I suppose you'll want to start digging. Whatever can you
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find on this miserable heap of rubble?
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I don't consider Earth a miserable heap, my lord. It's
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absolutely unique in the galaxy.
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Unique?
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It's the only inhabited planet that is radioactive.
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It's a pig pen.
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Yes, I know.
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But this planet is inhabited. Biologists have proven that on
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a radioactive world, high forms of life cannot develop.
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High forms?
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Huh.
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The rest of the galaxy hates the Earthmen, and they
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return it with interest.
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I don't think you understand. I'm not intolerant of anyone,
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and that even includes Earthmen. My theory is that life
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on Earth originated before it was radioactive.
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Ah, is a story like that in the Earth lore
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of the ancients?
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I know, I've read it.
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Oh?
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I wouldn't admit that here if I were you, Dr.
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Aberdan.
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It's forbidden for outsiders to read it. The Earthmen get
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pretty violent about their religion.
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Do you mean the imperial police power here is defective?
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It is in case of sacrilege. Well, now, what do
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you actually want to prove?
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That man originated in prehistoric times on Earth before space
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travel and spread to the other planets.
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Why?
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Are you seriously suggesting that at one time Earth was
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the only inhabited planet... and that man descended from Earthman?
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There's a chance it might be so.
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You'll change your mind when you see them, Doctor. I'm
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not an anti-terrestrial, but as far as I can see...
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they're lazy and ignorant and generally inferior to us. I'm
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as liberal as the next man, but it's a fact.
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Once an Earthman.
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Always an Earthman.
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I booked passage to the city of Chica on an
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Earth flight. My fellow passengers seemed ordinary enough. But I
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was conscious of being alone among Earthlings. I beg your pardon.
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Could you tell me what's going on there?
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Sure. You see that couple? They've been married 40 years.
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It's their anniversary.
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Yes, sir. 40 years. Hey, mother? It seems like yesterday.
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Just like yesterday.
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Hey, when are you folks scheduled for the 60th? In
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a month.
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16th of November.
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Well, I hope you have a nice day for it.
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My father reached his 60 in a pouring rain. Kept
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complaining we were getting sober. So I told them, what
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are you complaining about, Dad? I've got to come back.
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Now this, uh, this 60 they're talking about, are they
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referring to their 60th birthday?
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Sure. That's when they put you away. Euthanasia. It's a custom.
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Can't have people living on. Eats up all the food.
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That's right, isn't it, Pop?
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Yes, sir. Mother's coming with me when I reach the 60th.
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She's not due for a couple of months, but she
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thinks we might as well go together.
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Yeah, that's the spirit. There's many a man living past
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the 60s. Sneaks, stealing the food from the next generation.
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A guy should go when it's his time.
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Yes, but suppose he's... It's.
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Only fair to... Hey, where are you from?
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I beg your pardon?
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Asking all them questions.
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Yes.
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Who are you? A spy?
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Where are you from?
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I'm Bell Avedon from Barone. Serious sector.
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Oh, an outsider, huh?
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Come on, will you go forward? Did you hear that, mother?
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An outsider!
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I was burned with indignation. Earthmen treating me like an outcast.
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Earthmen!
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When we landed, I followed my intention of observing the
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human animal subspecies Earth in its native habitat.
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In.
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This case, a large department store. Perhaps I resembled a
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floor walker where a young earth girl came up to
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me and.
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Asked a question.
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Pardon me, but it's my father. He's about 5'4. He
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wears eye lenses. I think he had on a brown coat.
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I'm afraid I don't remember seeing anyone.
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Followed me here. I've got to find him.
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Are you in trouble, miss?
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No. No, it's nothing, really. I'm sorry I bothered you.
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Attention.
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Attention, please.
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What's that?
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All patrons of the store will kindly leave by the
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5th Street exit. This store is being evacuated for radiation
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fever quarantine. Oh, please.
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What's all this about?
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They're after me. It is really radiation fever at all.
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Who's after you?
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How am I going to get out of here? They'll
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be checking registration cards at the door.
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Haven't you got one?
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Yes, but it has my name on it. I don't
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know what to do.
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Come on.
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But you don't even know me.
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I don't know anybody here. But you're an interesting person.
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This way.
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Show your arms, Carl.
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Come on.
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Step along.
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Step along.
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Next.
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Step.
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Next.
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Wait a minute.
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Hold it, Sheck.
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Yes, sir.
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Stand right there.
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Look here, officer.
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Are you with her?
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Yes, but you'd better find out who I am.
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Later.
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Stand over there.
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Next.
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Come on. What is this now?
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The Imperials.
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Are you afraid of them? Of course. Don't worry about
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the outsiders, Miss Sheck. I'll handle them.
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Oh, no, don't try anything.
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Don't talk to them at all.
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Just do what they say.
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Don't even look at them.
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We'll see.
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Here they are.
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All right, now.
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You, guard.
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Yes, sir?
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I'm Lieutenant Cloudy, Imperial Garrison. Who's got the fever? If
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it please your honor. Not so close, idiot. You might
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be infected.
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I'll take over.
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You, Worthy.
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What's your name?
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Speak up, squaw.
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Paula Schecht, sir.
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Your registration papers?
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Here you are, sir.
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Thank you.
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All right, now.
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Pick them up.
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Go on.
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Say, look here now.
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What did you say, Earthie? If you please, sir. This
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man has nothing to do with me. I never saw
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him before.
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What did you say?
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I don't like the way you treat women. And I'd
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advise you to improve your manners. And where have you
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been brought up, Earthie? Here's lesson number one. Why, you.
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Let go!
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Sergeant, neurotic whip! Oh, no, no!
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Yes, sir. Ah! Ah!
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Oh.
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Oh.
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You're all right now.
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What happened?
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They gave you full power in the neurotic world.
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Where are we?
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The military base. Oh, you should.
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Just that.
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Well, Dr.
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Avedonk.
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We seem to have had an unpleasant contretemps in the
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city this afternoon.
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Unpleasant? I should put it stronger, Colonel. As a free
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citizen of the empire, I had every right to resent
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such illegal treatment.
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I consider the whole incident unfortunate, Doctor. Don't you think
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it would be best to forget the whole matter?
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I think not. I have an appointment in a week
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with the procurator. Procurator, huh? What do you intend doing
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with Miss Schect? What would you suggest, sir?
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I had.
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Free her immediately and offer her your apologies. Of course.
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If the young lady will accept my sincere regrets, I
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will give the order for your release immediately.
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But I don't understand. They just turned us loose.
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Of course.
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You must be very important. I never heard of the
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outsiders being that polite to an Earthman before.
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I'm not an Earthman, Paula. What? I'm an archaeologist from
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the outside.
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Oh.
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Then you stood up to the soldiers because you knew
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it was safe all along. And I thought... Oh, I
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should have known.
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Hold on. Does my not being an Earthman make me
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any different from five minutes ago?
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You might have told me, sir.
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If you don't mind, don't call me, sir. Don't be
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like the rest of them.
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Like the rest of whom, sir? The rest of the
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disgusting animals that live on Earth? Please, Boomer. If you'll
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excuse me, sir, I must leave.
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Now, wait.
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Polar.
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Listen to me.
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Polar.
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I had access to the garrison files. And to satisfy
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idle curiosity, I indexed Polar Shecht. Her father was a Dr.
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Mikhail Shecht, biologist. And against his name was a black
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star with a notation... Condemned in absentia. Evading the 60.
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That was why she was afraid. So I sent a
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note asking her to meet me in the North Park
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after dark. Paula.
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Over here.
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Dr.
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Avedon.
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Sit down.
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Oh, I want you to understand. I wouldn't have come except.
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I understand. I've seen your father's record.
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You know about it?
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I looked into it, Paula. There doesn't seem to be
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much that can be done about the 60.
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Oh, it isn't that. It's not for my father. It's
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for the whole galaxy.
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What is it?
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Earth is going to revolt.
266
00:12:34.610 --> 00:12:34.870
No.
267
00:12:35.509 --> 00:12:35.870
All of it?
268
00:12:36.029 --> 00:12:37.309
Oh, don't laugh at me.
269
00:12:37.350 --> 00:12:40.909
Hold her. The galaxy has a volume of several million
270
00:12:41.169 --> 00:12:46.179
cubic light years. It contains 200 million inhabited planets. Earth
271
00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:49.600
has a population of only 20 million. And no resources.
272
00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:51.049
What can Earth do?
273
00:12:51.389 --> 00:12:53.440
I don't know, Doctor, but my father does.
274
00:12:53.860 --> 00:12:55.840
He's told me that Earth knows a way by which
275
00:12:55.899 --> 00:12:57.669
it can wipe out all outside life and.
276
00:12:59.480 --> 00:12:59.700
Wait.
277
00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:01.419
Listen.
278
00:13:02.360 --> 00:13:02.500
Hmm?
279
00:13:03.740 --> 00:13:07.799
Someone coming. Park Patrol. Quick, kiss me.
280
00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:08.379
Hmm?
281
00:13:08.679 --> 00:13:11.059
Don't be stupid. Kiss me. They won't suspect anything.
282
00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:12.419
Oh, yes, of course.
283
00:13:21.049 --> 00:13:24.980
They've gone. It's all right. Now come with me. I'll
284
00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:25.940
take you to my father.
285
00:13:25.960 --> 00:13:26.559
No!
286
00:13:39.559 --> 00:13:42.539
Dr. Avedon, this is a pleasure. I have read your
287
00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:45.279
articles in the journal. It is hard to get copies.
288
00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:48.559
Our neighbors don't care to trade with Earth. It's part
289
00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:51.799
of the nearly insoluble problem of anti-terrestrialism.
290
00:13:52.559 --> 00:13:55.299
No one seems to want a solution. Earth men and
291
00:13:55.360 --> 00:13:57.710
outsiders alike? Oh, no, that is not true.
292
00:13:58.250 --> 00:14:01.149
There is a way of preserving our culture and living
293
00:14:01.190 --> 00:14:04.629
as equals in a larger society. But the zealots don't
294
00:14:04.690 --> 00:14:06.289
think so. The zealots?
295
00:14:06.950 --> 00:14:07.230
Yes.
296
00:14:07.889 --> 00:14:10.730
They rule Earth now. They are a small minority, but
297
00:14:10.769 --> 00:14:12.950
they have power. They have plans.
298
00:14:13.990 --> 00:14:15.710
They planned the revolt, Paula told me.
299
00:14:15.850 --> 00:14:16.210
Yes.
300
00:14:16.230 --> 00:14:17.960
I see.
301
00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:21.289
Why didn't you report this to the Imperial Garrison? The
302
00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:25.139
Society of Earth Ancients have guarded me too well. Besides,
303
00:14:25.179 --> 00:14:28.720
they had a hold on me. I am 62.
304
00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:29.159
You know the.
305
00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:32.360
Customs of Earth. The 60 years. They allowed me to
306
00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:35.899
live on. The price was silence about the weapon. You
307
00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:41.370
agree to this? I wanted to leave. What is this weapon?
308
00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:46.379
You are aware of Earth's peculiar environment, the radioactivity?
309
00:14:46.820 --> 00:14:47.059
Yes.
310
00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:50.240
Over the years, we Earthmen have built up certain immunities
311
00:14:50.679 --> 00:14:52.519
to radiation burns, for one.
312
00:14:52.830 --> 00:14:55.669
But it's a minute difference. I measured it experimentally.
313
00:14:55.690 --> 00:14:58.669
But, Doctor, human life is not the only form affected
314
00:14:58.730 --> 00:15:03.429
by radiation and mutation. There is microscopic life, bacteria, viruses.
315
00:15:04.009 --> 00:15:06.600
We have been searching out such a virus, one to
316
00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:09.399
which Earthmen have developed a high degree of immunity.
317
00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:15.649
But not outsiders. You mean a particular disease?
318
00:15:15.730 --> 00:15:20.279
Yes, common fever. It is a mild children's disease here,
319
00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:25.500
like chickenpox or German measles. But to outsiders, it is
320
00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:30.500
radiation fever. Symptoms develop in two hours. Lips are so
321
00:15:30.570 --> 00:15:34.149
badly affected that the victim cannot talk. And in two days,
322
00:15:34.809 --> 00:15:35.350
he dies.
323
00:15:36.289 --> 00:15:38.049
They've isolated this virus?
324
00:15:38.129 --> 00:15:39.929
Tons of it in crystalline form.
325
00:15:40.809 --> 00:15:42.549
And they plan to let this loose in the galaxy?
326
00:15:42.730 --> 00:15:47.210
By means of guided missiles. Then frightened refugees will carry
327
00:15:47.230 --> 00:15:52.110
the disease across space. Billions will die. You're sure about this?
328
00:15:53.110 --> 00:15:56.500
You have proof? I worked on the project.
329
00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:59.600
We've got to get to the procurator. I can catch
330
00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.320
the evening plane at.
331
00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:02.259
Who is it?
332
00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:03.519
I don't know.
333
00:16:03.539 --> 00:16:04.259
Open up.
334
00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:05.799
There should have been an alarm.
335
00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:08.840
We've got to get out. Is there a back-end?
336
00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.320
Open up the door.
337
00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:09.539
No.
338
00:16:09.720 --> 00:16:09.799
No.
339
00:16:11.070 --> 00:16:12.669
Don't move. Hands in front of you.
340
00:16:12.950 --> 00:16:15.299
What's the meaning of this? I demand... Shut up. I'm
341
00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:17.639
a galactic citizen. You've got no right to detain me
342
00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:18.700
without legal authority.
343
00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:21.320
I am an Earth man, but I think you'll find
344
00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:24.539
I am all the authority needed at this moment, Dr. Avedon.
345
00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:29.649
I am Balkas, the High Minister of Earth. The High Minister?
346
00:16:30.070 --> 00:16:30.490
What are you doing?
347
00:16:30.590 --> 00:16:33.950
I always look after distinguished visitors personally.
348
00:16:34.250 --> 00:16:35.889
Avedon does not know anything.
349
00:16:36.129 --> 00:16:37.480
I doubt that, Dr.
350
00:16:37.580 --> 00:16:41.679
Shecht. We will proceed now to the Hall of Correction.
351
00:16:42.039 --> 00:16:44.019
You can't do this. When the procurator.
352
00:16:44.039 --> 00:16:46.750
The procurator will hear nothing until it is too late.
353
00:16:47.669 --> 00:16:52.149
The guided missiles will be fired tonight at 12. Guard,
354
00:16:53.210 --> 00:16:55.049
if they make a false move.
355
00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:09.859
Keep them covered, Garth.
356
00:17:09.900 --> 00:17:10.549
Hold on.
357
00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.940
Can you scream?
358
00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:12.579
What are you.
359
00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:15.619
There, coming down the street. Imperial patrol.
360
00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:17.259
Oh, it's no use. Do what I say.
361
00:17:17.680 --> 00:17:19.170
Scream. Go ahead.
362
00:17:21.210 --> 00:17:23.269
Hold it.
363
00:17:23.509 --> 00:17:24.109
They're outsiders.
364
00:17:24.150 --> 00:17:24.490
You're right.
365
00:17:24.710 --> 00:17:25.750
That's the imperial patrol.
366
00:17:26.130 --> 00:17:28.470
All right, everything. What's going on here?
367
00:17:28.990 --> 00:17:30.269
Good morning, Sergeant.
368
00:17:30.369 --> 00:17:31.950
Sir? Earthy?
369
00:17:32.569 --> 00:17:35.769
You don't understand. I'm Borkus, the Lord High Minister of Earth.
370
00:17:35.890 --> 00:17:37.109
Listen, Earthy, I don't care who you are.
371
00:17:37.609 --> 00:17:38.109
What's going on?
372
00:17:38.490 --> 00:17:41.269
Yes, sir. We've arrested these people.
373
00:17:41.349 --> 00:17:41.750
What charge?
374
00:17:42.309 --> 00:17:42.910
Blasphemy.
375
00:17:43.329 --> 00:17:45.170
All right, get moving.
376
00:17:45.230 --> 00:17:45.609
Thank you.
377
00:17:45.730 --> 00:17:46.069
Sergeant.
378
00:17:46.329 --> 00:17:50.029
What do you want, Earthy? I'm a galactic citizen. I
379
00:17:50.049 --> 00:17:55.670
demand the right view. May we proceed, sir?
380
00:17:56.170 --> 00:17:56.789
Listen, Sergeant.
381
00:17:58.009 --> 00:18:01.089
I have something more to say to you. What? This.
382
00:18:04.190 --> 00:18:07.170
No Earthies going to get away with this?
383
00:18:08.130 --> 00:18:09.079
Yes, squad, come.
384
00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:11.160
But, Sergeant, I'm the Lord Minister of Earth.
385
00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:12.779
Tell them about it at the Imperial Barracks.
386
00:18:13.859 --> 00:18:16.339
Now move, all of you, before I give you a
387
00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:17.099
shot of the whip.
388
00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:33.000
I tell you, I'm a citizen of the empire.
389
00:18:33.019 --> 00:18:33.299
Listen.
390
00:18:33.319 --> 00:18:35.960
I can prove it. You'll get into a lot of
391
00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:37.019
trouble if you don't believe me.
392
00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:41.900
I'll admit no earthy would dare spit in my face.
393
00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:43.500
It was the only way I could get to the garrison.
394
00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:46.420
I insist on seeing the officer of the day. I
395
00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:48.779
sent for him. You better have a good story.
396
00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:50.220
Attention!
397
00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:51.200
That is.
398
00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:55.240
Which one of you claims he's a citizen of the empire?
399
00:18:55.400 --> 00:18:55.730
I am.
400
00:18:55.950 --> 00:18:57.190
Well, it's the one from the store.
401
00:18:57.710 --> 00:18:58.569
You, eh?
402
00:18:58.930 --> 00:19:02.970
The smart louse that broke my arm. Well, well, well.
403
00:19:03.009 --> 00:19:04.750
I've got to see the colonel, Lieutenant. Now, Dr.
404
00:19:04.829 --> 00:19:07.259
Abedin, I could hardly do that unless it's important.
405
00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:10.000
It is important. It's life and death for the galaxy.
406
00:19:11.220 --> 00:19:11.559
Come here.
407
00:19:13.859 --> 00:19:20.420
Closer. Oh, it's too bad I've got to save you
408
00:19:20.529 --> 00:19:21.200
for the colonel.
409
00:19:21.529 --> 00:19:21.710
What?
410
00:19:22.890 --> 00:19:25.529
He'll see you at 5.30, his orders.
411
00:19:26.049 --> 00:19:26.230
You.
412
00:19:27.450 --> 00:19:31.210
You knew all along. Sure. Come on, earthy lover.
413
00:19:32.359 --> 00:19:45.269
I'm afraid you're in serious trouble, Dr. Avedon. The man
414
00:19:45.309 --> 00:19:47.509
you're accusing is the high minister for Earth.
415
00:19:48.150 --> 00:19:51.039
I know, but I have proof. Well? I can only
416
00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:53.960
speak to the procurator. You've got to contact him. There
417
00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:55.119
are channels, Dr.
418
00:19:55.180 --> 00:19:55.400
Avedon.
419
00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:58.059
We haven't time for channels. I have the details of
420
00:19:58.079 --> 00:20:00.119
the plot from Dr. Shecht. You've got to let me
421
00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:01.200
speak to the procurator.
422
00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:03.829
I've already advised him of your arrest. He's flying in.
423
00:20:04.490 --> 00:20:07.589
You'd better be able to prove what you say. If
424
00:20:07.609 --> 00:20:09.319
you don't, we'll have to hand you back to the
425
00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:13.119
native authorities and their courts, none notoriously savage.
426
00:20:22.579 --> 00:20:27.440
Well, Aberdeen, I've called you here with His Excellency, the
427
00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:28.759
High Minister for Earth.
428
00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:31.039
My Lord, this man is behind the whole plot.
429
00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:32.039
Is he?
430
00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:34.500
There's no time to lose. I've explained to you about
431
00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:37.019
the virus. They're shooting off the guided missiles at twelve.
432
00:20:37.549 --> 00:20:38.710
You've got to take action.
433
00:20:39.470 --> 00:20:44.670
Well, Your Excellency, my lord, if this man has any evidence.
434
00:20:44.869 --> 00:20:46.410
You admitted it this afternoon.
435
00:20:46.569 --> 00:20:48.039
You have no witness to that.
436
00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:49.140
Ask Dr. Sheck.
437
00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:50.599
He worked on the virus.
438
00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:53.839
I wouldn't say that Sheck lied, my lord, but he
439
00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:57.220
is a criminal wanted for evading the 60, and some
440
00:20:57.259 --> 00:20:59.380
men will invent any story to avoid death.
441
00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:01.940
The deadline is midnight. You've got to bomb those temples
442
00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:03.019
where the launching sites are.
443
00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:04.119
Perhaps I can explain.
444
00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:06.089
According to my information, Dr.
445
00:21:06.170 --> 00:21:08.910
Avedan seems to have succumbed to a certain earth girl,
446
00:21:09.289 --> 00:21:11.730
the daughter of the unfortunate Dr.
447
00:21:11.829 --> 00:21:12.109
Shett.
448
00:21:12.579 --> 00:21:14.799
Is this true, Avedan? What has that got to do
449
00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.859
with it? There isn't any time.
450
00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:16.539
Dr.
451
00:21:16.680 --> 00:21:18.900
Avedan, are you in love with that girl?
452
00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:22.039
Yes, yes.
453
00:21:22.619 --> 00:21:23.220
Will you listen to me?
454
00:21:23.220 --> 00:21:27.160
I don't think we need pursue this any further. Your Excellency,
455
00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:29.539
I shall order you released with an apology.
456
00:21:29.640 --> 00:21:29.880
No.
457
00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:30.460
Dr.
458
00:21:30.619 --> 00:21:33.880
Everdan, I can hardly believe a degenerate who fraternizes with
459
00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:34.599
earth women.
460
00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:36.599
You scum, you pot-bellied scum.
461
00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:38.799
I warn you, Everdan, you're in trouble enough.
462
00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.579
I'm in trouble.
463
00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:42.440
You fool, you stupid, blind, bigoted fool.
464
00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:44.500
You're destroying the galaxy.
465
00:21:44.900 --> 00:21:45.759
You're murdering them all.
466
00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:48.450
But before I die, I'll have the pleasure of smashing
467
00:21:48.470 --> 00:21:49.970
your fat, oily face in the.
468
00:21:49.990 --> 00:21:51.089
Let me go.
469
00:21:51.670 --> 00:21:53.049
Get the whip.
470
00:21:53.069 --> 00:21:55.009
Val, are you all right?
471
00:22:15.630 --> 00:22:19.099
What time is it? 1.30.
472
00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:24.259
Past the deadline. It's all over. Lord Ennius released the
473
00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:26.099
High Minister with an apology.
474
00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:30.339
It doesn't matter. The Empire can wipe Earth out. It
475
00:22:31.619 --> 00:22:36.119
won't save any lives. The virus must have been spread here, too.
476
00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:40.549
Earthmen are immune, but outsiders... They are.
477
00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:42.420
You're an outsider.
478
00:22:43.309 --> 00:22:43.569
Yes.
479
00:22:44.710 --> 00:22:44.849
Oh.
480
00:22:45.369 --> 00:22:52.230
I am. We're paying, Paula. The rest of us. Paying
481
00:22:52.250 --> 00:22:53.609
for centuries of intolerance.
482
00:22:53.930 --> 00:22:54.809
Oh, Bill.
483
00:22:55.470 --> 00:22:56.109
Look out there.
484
00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:59.039
Through the bars.
485
00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:05.220
The night sky. Ten points of light.
486
00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:08.079
The empire.
487
00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:13.160
Doomed. Oh, Bill.
488
00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:14.359
Bill, don't.
489
00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:19.279
I was just thinking. I came to Earth to prove
490
00:23:19.339 --> 00:23:24.740
a theory that man started here. At once in prehistoric times,
491
00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:31.180
Earth was the only populated world of the galaxy. It's funny.
492
00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:38.769
Now it will be that way again. Man living only
493
00:23:38.849 --> 00:23:44.369
on Earth. They'll forget the science, the machinery of the Empire.
494
00:23:46.230 --> 00:23:53.039
They'll forget the stars. There will be only Earth, alone
495
00:23:53.079 --> 00:23:58.660
in the universe, a pebble in the sky.
496
00:24:16.650 --> 00:24:19.859
The children of tomorrow will play with toys.
497
00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:22.779
But what will those toys be like?
498
00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:27.440
An ordinary clerk in an ordinary job finds a terrifying
499
00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:30.799
answer to that question next week as Dimension X brings
500
00:24:30.839 --> 00:24:32.720
you Child's Play.
501
00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:39.119
Dimension X is transcribed each.
502
00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:42.309
Week by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with Street
503
00:24:42.329 --> 00:24:46.990
and Smith, publishers of the magazine Astounding Science Fiction. Today,
504
00:24:47.049 --> 00:24:50.690
Dimension X has presented Pebble in the Sky, dramatized for
505
00:24:50.710 --> 00:24:54.230
radio by Ernest Canoy. Featured in the cast were Santos
506
00:24:54.329 --> 00:24:58.700
Ortega as Aberdon and Susan Douglas as Pola. Your host
507
00:24:58.759 --> 00:25:02.180
was Norman Rose, music by Burt Berman. Dimension X is
508
00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:05.279
produced by William Welch and directed by Edward King.
509
00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:17.420
This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.
510
00:25:37.400 --> 00:25:41.670
That brings Dimension X, Episode 37, A Pebble in the Sky,
511
00:25:41.750 --> 00:25:42.410
to a close.
512
00:25:42.869 --> 00:25:46.339
Follow Dimension X for more classic science fiction broadcasts.