by Colin Kapp
Fritz’s ball and shell concept was substantially true, but random deviations in the rotation of Negrav had not produced a completely clean cavity, but rather one populated here and there with crazy spires and towers and bridges, and many vast columns which rose up to support the central core nearly a kilometre above the inner surface. Every line was curved in representation of some complex mathematical equation, as though designed by a mammoth computer programmed to seek out the ultimate in form and shape; and everything was cleanly cut and polished in flawless nickel iron alloy.
They made a tour of inspection which lasted nearly twelve hours, and came out so impressed with the wonder of it all that it was difficult to believe that these fantasies had been the results of interference with their own hands. As an STA base, the situation was, and would be always, without parallel. Had it not been situated on the Rim, it would have been a tourist attraction with no conceivable opposition. They had juggled precariously with Nature, and been rewarded with a marvellous demonstration of natural design that made them feel humbled and just a little bit afraid.
They found the points by which the black hole had entered and left the cavity, and had these sealed. Over their original entry point they built a docking hatch and an airlock. They then radioed New Australia for the STA to come and take possession of the prize. Captain-Administrator Wilson was the first STA man to arrive. He went in with a disbelieving sneer, and came out so passionately impressed that he couldn’t speak.
From then on, the more orthodox engineers took charge, ferrying gases to provide a breathable atmosphere in the cavity, bringing in power plants and treatment plants and all the paraphernalia necessary to support existence in the far reaches of space. Their task done, the unorthodox engineers returned in triumph back to Terra.
‘You don’t have to rub it in, Fritz,’ said Colonel Belling, when next they met. ‘I admit I was wrong and you were right. Unorthodoxy does have a use in unorthodox situations.’
‘Actually we’re only arguing about definitions,’ said Van Noon. ‘Orthodoxy for us is the tools and techniques which have been evolved for dealing with our local Terran situation. We can’t expect these to be the optimum for a completely altered set of conditions. What’s orthodox in one part of the galaxy may be unorthodox in another. All that I’m saying is that the most useful thing we can take to any problem is an open mind.’
‘Well you’ve certainly proved your point. The STA are so delighted with their acquisition that they’ve asked permission to call their Negrav installation Base Van Noon. I thought it only fair to let you make your own refusal.’
‘Refusal?’
‘That’s what I said, Fritz. While you’ve been journeying back, I’ve been analysing your figures. As I read it, this was a battle you actually lost, but were saved by a most fantastic stroke of luck. D’you really mean to claim it as a victory?’
‘In the circumstances, I take your point. But I claim the right to nominate my own alternative.’
‘Which is?’ asked Belling ominously.
‘How about Serendipity?’
The Colonel’s face broke into a smile. ‘I’ll go along with that, Fritz. I’ll even buy you a drink on it. And while you’re here, there’s another matter I want to discuss. It concerns the tunnelling problem on Eggar III. Now I’ve been thinking that if you can find another black hole…’
The End
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Document ID: c53adc96-81ce-4b5c-9a90-c670b71de3d7
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Document creation date: 9.11.2013
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