Instinct

by George O. Smith

INSTINCT

BY GEORGE O. SMITH

You can keep a good man down, if you’ve got enough headstart, are alert and persistent ... so long as he limits himself to acting like a good man....

Illustrated by Martinez

t was 047-63-10 when he opened the door. Before his superior could chew him for prepunctuality, Huvane said as the chief looked up and opened his mouth to start:

“Sorry, but you should know. Terra is at it again.”

Chelan’s jaw snapped shut. He passed a hand over his face and asked in a tone of pure exasperation. “The same?” and as Huvane nodded, Chelan went on, “Why can’t they make a mistake and blow themselves out of our hair? How far did they get this time?”

“All the way.”