In the Centre of the Galaxy

by Clark Darlton

  Pucky came back, took Iltu by the arm and pulled her out of central control. The door snapped closed behind them. For a moment Axo’s piercing shrieks could be heard for Ooch and Wullewull had finally caught up with him.

  With expressionless features, Homunk sat down next to Maj. Koster in front of the controls. He looked at the screens. "The course, sir?"

  "Direct course to Terra, Homunk. You can take over now. I’m going to sleep. Wake me when you think it’s necessary." Koster stood up. "Funny, don’t you think?"

  "What’s funny?"

  "Pucky’s funny! Since he came back from the Silver Arrow, he’s behaved very strangely. Don’t you think so?"

  Homunk stared at the screens. "You must be mistaken, sir. I haven’t noticed any change."

  "Really? Well, then I’m mistaken. See you later."

  Homunk, who did not turn around, heard the door close. He nodded to the navigation officer. "Course clear, Lieutenant?"

  "Course clear, sir."

  A few hours later the EX-238 had reached the border of the central constellation and passed through it. In front of it lay free space, and at a distance of more than 40,000 light-years there was a small, yellow sun, not yet visible, but undoubtedly there.

  The EX-238 increased its speed.

  The concentration of stars in the Milky Way grew less. They had also left behind them the light of the stars to the stern, where it had gone dark.

  Homunk began to wonder whether the destruction of the central planet, something like the navel of the galaxy, would substantially influence the gravitational conditions of the Milky Way.

  He hoped not.