0393: Human Technology

Ziggurat #308

"Who is expendable?" Lamont asked defensively.

"Look, I get it. Space is dangerous. We're all taking risks every minute we're out here. But this—" Ed patted the surface of the metal suitcase, producing a dull thud. "This is all you, Townsend. You don't have to do it."

"I disagree," The newspaperman replied gloomily, pulling the suitcase off the crate. "And believe me, I've tried to think of alternatives."

"The alternative," Spratt suggested, "is to let sleeping gods lie. We're a week out, two at the most, from being ready to blow this sideshow. And we'll be winners, too. Some of the technology we're finding could give Mars a run for its money."

"So that's your plan?" Lamont objected. "Waltz back to the Solar System with a haul of alien technology and maybe a dozen dejected would-be colonists?"

"They might choose to stay here with the other colonists," Ed pointed out.

"Yeah, except that ain't a colony," Lamont insisted, pointing a finger in the direction of the airlock doors.

"According to the rules, they've just about established that it is a legitimate colony," Ed argued. "And those are Captain Carter's rules; they've got nothing to do with me."

"Public opinion may differ," Lamont replied darkly.

"Well, that's your department," Ed replied. "I'll tell you what, though: I expect public opinion to be fairly favorable to United Space if we come back with a quantum leap in technology that can get us out from under the shadow of Mars. I think they'll overlook the fact that we didn't get a farm started this time around."

"What's that matter?" Lamont asked. He was thinking of the atomo-fabricated thread in the grapple pistols. "It's just more of the same. Pirated alien tech. It doesn't change a thing."

"That's where you're wrong, Townsend. And I expect that if you find anything at all out there, that's what it will be. I think you'll find that the tower isn't alien technology, it's human technology, and that humans were the ones who built it."

Lamont's mind raced. "What do you mean?" He asked. "How is that possible?"

"You have your little adventure and maybe we'll find out," Ed shrugged. He glanced at his wristwatch. "We're on a timetable here," he said, turning toward the asteroid pod. The crew members had finished loading its cargo hold and were standing on the ramp, waiting for Ed. The chief technician pivoted on his heel and stalked in their direction.

Lamont followed after him, slowed by the bulk of the suitcase he was carrying. "You've been talking to Ashton, haven't you?" He asked accusingly.

"Is there some reason why I shouldn't?" Ed asked, not looking back. "He's in my department."

"But he's not on your side, Spratt," Lamont insisted. "He's working for the tower now."

Ed stopped a few yards from the asteroid pod and regarded Lamont, his expression cryptic behind the thick lenses of his glasses. "It's not just Ashton, though, is it?" He asked. "Can you honestly say that, having examined the available evidence yourself, you don't think that tower was made by human beings?"