“Ramsey, stop her. I can’t stop her. It is only granted that I observe—and convince, if I can. I am not a Vegan girl. I am—”
Ramsey said it. “Proto-man!”
“There aren’t many of us left. We discovered matter-transmission. We used it once, to people the worlds of the galaxy. It was our final creative effort. We merely observe now, unable to destroy our creation, trying to keep it out of mankind’s hands. You see—”
“Then back on Irwadi you knew all along we would come here!”
“I was vouchsafed the vision, yes. Even as you—stop her, Ramsey. You must stop her!”
Ramsey sprinted forward. Margot was nearing the black coffin now.
Ramsey ran at her, and tackled her.
They went down together, the girl fighting like a tigress, tooth and nail, wildly, sobbing, striking out at Ramsey with small impotent fists, until he subdued her. Panting, they glared at each other.
And could not stop Garr Symm from running past [p 124] them, eyes rapt behind the plastiglass of his helmet, and jumping into the black box.
“To the end of the universe and back!” he cried. “Take me there and back. Instantly. Prove to me that you work! Now….” His voice trailed off. He had addressed the black rectangle almost as if it were something alive.