Student Body

Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from the March 1953 issue of Galaxy. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
When a really infallible scientific bureau makes a drastically serious error, the data must be wrong ... but wrong in what way?
he first morning that they were fully committed to the planet, the executive officer stepped out of the ship. It was not quite dawn. Executive Hafner squinted in the early light; his eyes opened wider, and he promptly went back inside. Three minutes later, he reappeared with the biologist in tow.
Last night you said there was nothing dangerous, said the executive. Do you still think it's so?
Dano Marin stared. I do. What his voice lacked in conviction, it made up in embarrassment. He laughed uncertainly.
This is no laughing matter. I'll talk to you later.
The biologist stood by the ship and watched as the executive walked to the row of sleeping colonists.
Mrs. Athyl, said the executive as he stopped beside the sleeping figure.
She yawned, rubbed her eyes, rolled over, and stood up. The covering that should have been there, however, wasn't. Neither was the garment she had on when she had gone to sleep. She assumed the conventional position of a woman who is astonished to find herself unclad without her knowledge or consent.
It's all right, Mrs. Athyl. I'm not a voyeur myself. Still, I think you should get some clothing on. Most of the colonists were awake now. Executive Hafner turned to them. If you haven't any suitable clothing in the ship, the commissary will issue you some. Explanations will be given later.
The colonists scattered. There was no compulsive modesty among them, for it couldn't have survived a year and a half in crowded spaceships. Nevertheless, it was a shock to awaken with no clothing on and not know who or what had removed it during the night. It was surprise more than anything else that disconcerted them.