DANGER IN THE VOID
By Charles E. Fritch
Silvia secretly planned to divorce George
when they reached Arcturus. But a space journey
can alter a careful plan—or hatch a worse one!
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy
August 1954
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
The trouble started when the Arcturus Queen was four billion miles out of Earth, heading for the star after which it was named. It pulled clear of the solar system using conventional drive, then switched into subspace. A few minutes later the ship shuddered perceptibly, and an authoritative voice came reassuringly from the public address system.
"Passengers will please remain in their seats. We are temporarily cutting the subspace drive due to mechanical difficulties which have developed. There is no cause for alarm."
The message was repeated and George said, "What do you suppose is the matter?"
"How should I know," Silvia snapped. "I'm not a space mechanic. Why don't you find out if you're so interested."
He glared at her. "I was just wondering. You don't have to get so disagreeable. But then, why should now be any different?"