Виктор Сапарин - The Trial of Tantalus

"I have a proposal to submit!"

The hubbub in the hall subsided. The founder of the microbe preserve was a well-known figure and his opinion was respected.

"I move that all the Tantaluses without exception be confined in the germ gaol. Those remaining outside the gaol are to be exterminated. The gaol should open a separate wing for Tantalus, one laboratory for each variety and thirty in reserve for varieties that might arise in the future. In this way we can replace Nature's hit-and-miss methods by planned experimentation. We shall use all the known means of acting on the micro-organisms. And as soon as we obtain permanent forms with positive characteristics we shall release them."

The motion was put to the vote. The progress of the voting was flashed on a panel on the ceiling. As each person in the hall pressed the button on the arm of his chair, the figures changed.

The results were 500 for, none against.

The voting over, the participants in the trial, opponents of the Tantalus and its champions alike, rose and moved toward the exit.

The announcer broadcast the decision to the world.

Karbyshev was talking with Ngarroba and Sung-ling when Barch came up. They all stopped talking to look at him.

"Look here," said Karbyshev to the young man, "it seems to me that there's nothing much left for you to do here on Earth. What we witnessed today is in my opinion Nature's last rebellion against Man. Venus, now, is another matter entirely. It's chock full of unknown microorganisms. One vast natural preserve. With dangers lurking at every step. We are selecting a staff for the first permanent research station on Venus. How would you like to join it?"