by Terry Morgan
CHAPTER 38
"Your bill is mounting up, Dan Dare," said Colin, "I hope you're covering your costs somehow."
"Well, life can get expensive from time to time, Colin, I admit. But now and again we all need to take the plunge - speculate to accumulate so to speak - invest in the future - take a calculated risk."
"Jesus, Daniel, is that really you ?"
"Just trying to be a good businessman, Colin. Anyway - down to business. Malthus Society, Colin. Ever heard of it? It has a website, blog, a message board. Remember your history at school? It supports and promotes many of the views of Thomas Malthus. He wrote a book on population control in 1798 that many feel is now more relevant than ever. The website has facts, figures, references and also a lot of crazy, fanatical views - but a lot of sense, too."
"Never heard of it."
"Then can you check it out, Colin? I need to know who moderates it. He uses the name "Thalmus" - obviously an anagram of Malthus. I'm sure you have the technology so it'll be a quick and simple job for you."
"Yes, we have the means."
"Quick, easy, cheap. - that's what I like."
"So what happened to your plans for taking calculated risks, speculating to accumulate and investing in the future, 007?"
"Oh, I'm doing plenty of that. Colin," I said, "It looks like I'm getting married." Then I switched my phone off.