“I’ll be very glad to show you around,” he said, “but I must confess I was a little surprised when Rupert passed on your request. I couldn’t understand why one of you spacehounds should be interested in our work. Aren’t you going in the wrong direction?” He gave a chuckle of amusement. “Personally, I’ve never seen why you were in such a hurry to get out there. It will be centuries before we’ve got everything in the oceans nicely charted and pigeonholed.”
Jan took a deep breath. He was glad that Sullivan had broached the subject himself; for it made his task that much easier. Despite the ichthyologist’s jest, they had a great deal in common. It should not be too hard to build a bridge, to enlist Sullivan’s sympathy and aid. He was a man of imagination, or he would never have invaded this underwater world. But Jan would have to be cautious, for the request he was going to make was, to say the least of it, somewhat unconventional.
There was one fact that gave him confidence. Even if Sullivan refused to co-operate, he would certainly keep Jan’s secret. And here in this quiet little office on the bed of the Pacific, there seemed no danger that the Overlords — whatever strange powers they possessed — would be able to listen to their conversation.
“Professor Sullivan,” he began, “if you were interested in the ocean, but the Overlords refused to let you go near it, how would you feel?”
“Exceedingly annoyed, no doubt.”
“I’m sure you would. And suppose, one day, you had a chance of achieving your goal, without them knowing, what would you do? Would you take the opportunity?”
Sullivan never hesitated.
“Of course. And argue later.” Right into my hands thought Jan. He can’t retreat now — unless he’s afraid of the Overlords. And I doubt if Sullivan is afraid of anything. He leaned forward across the cluttered table and prepared to present his case.
Professor Sullivan was no fool. Before Jan could speak, his lips twisted into a sardonic smile.
“So that’s the game, is it?” he said slowly. “Very, very Interesting! Now you go right ahead and tell me why I should help you.”