When the world you live on is about to be
destroyed in a matter of hours, petty squabbles
no longer seem important; only Time--and regret!
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy
October 1956
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
So far as the public was concerned, the comet was discovered at 10:00
a.m. on a Friday morning; just when Frank and Dee Allison were in the
midst of their bitterest domestic quarrel. Dee had just spoken through
clenched teeth:
"I never knew I could hate a person the way I hate you."
"I consider that an honor!" Frank snapped back.
Then the music on the radio was cut off and the announcement was
made--in the calm, impersonal voice of the announcer that gave it a
flavor of grotesque unreality....
"--and so, although the discovery of the celestial interloper was made
by astronomers some time ago, the announcement was delayed until all
doubt as to its orbit had been dispelled. Thus, a direct and dismal
statement becomes a matter of necessity--the earth is doomed--"
Frank and Dee stared mutely at one another, trying to comprehend. "It's
some kind of a gag," Frank said.
Dee shook her head. "No--that was John Kalmus, the Green Network
commentator who cut in. He wouldn't be a party to any hoax."
Frank knew this of course, but the destruction of the world was a
pretty big lump to swallow in a matter of seconds. They continued
to stare at each other, taking the rest of the story into their
numbed minds. The end would come at exactly 1:42 on Sunday. Prior
to that time, there would be vast weather disturbances and tidal
catastrophies the world over. But these would be far milder than what
would ordinarily be expected because the comet was moving at such a
tremendous rate of speed. There would be no long-drawn out suffering.
"At least that's a blessing," Dee said.
"Uh-huh. Say--I'll bet the churches will be crowded."
"No doubt." Dee paused, and added, "How long since we've been to
church, Frank?"
* * * * *
There had been a cabinet meeting and now the President of the United
States was seated alone in his study. He picked up his phone and asked,
"How about that call to the Kremlin? Why the delay?"
The operator said, "The Premier was busy on the phone--not taking any
calls, but it seems he was trying to get through to you. May I connect
him, sir?"
"By all means."
The normally harsh voice of the Russian Premier was oddly quiet and
pensive. "Mr. President?"
"Mr. Premier. I was trying to get through to you."
"They told me. How--how are things there? How are your people taking it
in the United States?"
"Very well. They are stunned, naturally, and I'm sure quite a few of
them don't believe it. It will take a little time."
The Russian Premier chuckled with a note of wistfulness. "That's
exactly what they will have--very little time."
"And your people--?"
"We haven't told them. We thought it best."
The President sighed. "We stick to our ideologies to the very end,
don't we?"
"Policy can't be changed overnight. Yet great strides can be made."
"I don't think I understand you."
"I'll try to clarify. We finished our public statement Monday, setting
down our position on The Stockholm Conference last month."
"The conference was a great disappointment to me--to you also, I
imagine."
"Yes, and our public statement was, well, pretty bleak, but I'm
changing it. I'm in the middle of rewriting it now."
"I'd like to sit down with you and perhaps readjust some of our own
demands."
"I'd like to have you."
"No time now, of course."
"No, in fact the rewriting may seem futile to you but it gives me great
satisfaction. A nice way to end a political career."
"Why don't you call me back and read it to me when you've finished?"
"I'll do that. Goodbye Mr. President."
* * * * *
Frank and Dee Allison walked hand in hand down the street. Dee had been
crying but now her tears had been dried and her expression was calm.
There was a wistful light in her eyes. "It could have been so much
different, Frank."
"Yes darling. My fault. It was my damn temper."
"But I was always ready to snarl back. A wife's job is to--"