Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction March 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
The Ethical Way
By JOSEPH FARRELL
Illustrated by JOHNSON
There is a way around every tabu, knock on wood—but justwatch out that the wood doesn't knock back!
s it time?" Jarth Rolan asked anxiously. Pilot Lan Barda pushed himgently back into a seat. "No, but very soon. And be calm—you'rejumpier than a human."
"But we've waited so long—yes, a long time. And I am anxious to gethome."
Lan peered calmly out of his vehicle. They were hovering in Earth'supper atmosphere, at the permitted limit.
"Be patient. These people have almost reached the critical point.We'll get the signal before long."
Jarth Rolan popped out of his chair and danced about in nervousexcitement.
"Won't it be dangerous? For us, I mean. Going down into thatradioactive atmosphere. And how about them—will any of them live?Suppose we wait too long?"
Lan Barda laughed. He was a husky humanoid, pinkish of skin andcompletely hairless, like all galactics. He slapped Jarth Rolan'sback.
"We have experts watching. These humans have used four cobalt bombs,and plenty of smaller stuff. The fallout is close to the danger point.Our observers will know just when we can move in because—" he winkedand his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper—"they're usingautomatically controlled instruments."
"Oh, my!" Jarth Rolan clapped his hands to his cheeks. "But those arerobots—and the use of robots is against religion."
"I know, Jarth. But we won't be using them much longer, will we?" Hepoked a playful finger into Jarth's ribs. "We'll have slaves—andit'll be completely ethical."
Jarth Rolan winced. "Must you use that word 'slaves,' Lan? It soundsso—" He waved his hands.
Lan laughed again. "Be honest with yourself, Jarth. You're out to makea few dopolins for yourself as a slave raider."
"An entrepreneur," said Jarth. "In personal services."
Lan Barda became serious. "There's the signal—it's time to go down.Let's go, Jarth, before somebody else gets them all."
n hour later, it was Lan Barda's turn to be nervous. He watched aneedle creep into the red zone.
"Hurry, Jarth. We've been on this planet long enough. That fifthcobalt bomb is sending the index up fast. Can't you skip these lastfew?"
"Oh, no. Very unethical to leave these three here to die. Must take asmall chance, you know. Besides, see the sign on that taxi—justmarried. A fine young couple. And a fine young taxi driver. Couldn'tsleep if I didn't help these three."
"Couldn't sleep thinking of the profit you'd passed up. Here, let metake that one. We have to get out of here fast."
Jarth Rolan fluttered anxiously about the pilot until they were safelyabove the poisoned atmosphere.
"How many?" he asked. "Did we fill the ship?"
Lan Barda checked off items on his clipboard. "A thousand and three,with these last ones.