THE ULTIMATE QUEST
By Hal Annas
Man has evolved slowly, always
striving toward a nebulous goal
somewhere in his future. Will
he attain it—to regret it?...
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy
December 1950
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Striding down the corridor on long thin legs, Art Fillmore mentally glanced over the news and his wide brow puckered. "Scientists to awaken twentieth century man," the mental beam proclaimed. "Dark age to yield untold volumes of ignorance."
Fillmore paused before the twelve-foot door, closed his eyes and concentrated until he had achieved the proper attenuation, then entered the office without opening the door. The bald man in the reclining chair dropped his feet from the five-foot-high desk and sat up with a start.
"I wish you wouldn't do that, Art," he said nervously. "You know I've got the itch."
"Sorry," Fillmore apologized. "Wasn't thinking. Had my mind on my forthcoming wedding."
"Wedding?" The bald man's narrow mouth dropped open, revealing small fragile teeth. "Why didn't you tell me? What does she look like?"