"Yeah," said Tom Barden dryly. "A success. But who did what to whom and why?"
Edith Ward nodded in puzzlement. "You don't suppose it was just some nearby star wanting to observe a nova at close proximity?"
"Seems to me that wouldn't tell 'em anything," said Barden. "That would be a completely artificial nova and lacking of true data. Of course, I'm no astronomer and don't know beans about the subject at all. I admit it. I'd be lost trying to find my way home from out there if I couldn't retrace my steps. I wouldn't recognize Sol from Sirius if I were on Arcturus, and I'd not know how to go about it."
"Spectral lines, and stellar data—" said Edith.
"I have a hunch that whoever—in fact I'm certain—gave me this information was uncertain as to whether I was in the next stellar system or halfway across the universe."
"That would depend upon the range of whatever gadget they used to implant the information—and whether it were beamed. Also, Tom, there's another interesting item. You say there was a mental conversation in your case. That means that the velocity of propagation of that medium is instantaneous! Either that or he was right here on Terra."
"Got me. But if he were right here, why didn't he meet me in person, or make a future date?"
"I pass," said Edith. "I have a fair working knowledge of astrogation. I wonder if it is complete enough for my fellow to have positioned us. On the other hand, mine came strictly as information without chitchat. Like someone handing me a telegram full of data."
Barden considered the problem a moment as the girl went on.
"But my knowledge of astrogation is merely the angular constants of the Marker-Stars and how to recognize them from their constellation-positions. He might be able to set up a model of this hunk of sky and reach the right answer—only if he sought the information, however. I did not give it, and he seemed uninterested—as I say, it was like getting a phonograph record or a radiogram."