Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Astounding Stories March 1933. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
The Death Traps of FX-31
A Commander John Hanson Adventure
By Sewell Peaslee Wright
I do not wish to appear prejudiced against scientists. I am notprejudiced, but I have observed the scientific mind in action, on agreat many occasions, and I find it rather incomprehensible.
It is true that there are men with a scientific turn of mind who, atthe same time, you can feel safe to stand with shoulder to shoulder,in an emergency. Young Hendricks, who was my junior officer on theErtak, back in those early days of the Special Patrol Service, aboutwhich I have written so much, was one of these.
Nor, now that I come to think of the matter in the cool and impartialmanner which is typical of me, was young Hendricks the only one. Therewas a chap—let's see, now. I remember his face very well; he was oneof those dark, wiry, alert men, a native of Earth, and his namewas—Inverness! Carlos Inverness. Old John Hanson's memory isn't quiteas tricky as some of these smart young officers of the Service, sonewly commissioned that the silver braid is not yet fitted to thecurve of their sleeves, would lead one to believe.
I met Inverness in the ante-room of the Chief of Command. The Chiefwas tied up in one of the long-winded meetings which theSilver-sleeves devoted largely to the making of new rules andregulations for the confusion of both men and officers of the Service,but he came out long enough to give me the Ertak's orders in person.
"Glad to see you here at Base again, Commander," he said, in hiscrisp, business-like way. "Hear some good reports of your work; keepit up!"
"Thank you, sir," I said, wondering what was in the air. Any time theChief was complimentary, it was well to look out for squalls—which isan old Earth term for unexpected trouble.
"Not at all, Commander, not at all. And now, let me present CarlosInverness, the scientist, of whom you have undoubtedly heard."
I bowed and said nothing, but we shook hands after the fashion ofEarth, and Inverness smiled quite humanly.
"I imagine the good captain has been too busy to follow the activitiesof such as myself," he said, sensibly enough.
"A commander"—and I laid enough emphasis on the title to point out tohim his error in terminology—"in the Special Patrol Service usuallyfinds plenty to occupy his mind," I commented, wondering more thanever what was up.
At the same instant two other trap-doors swung up."True," said the Chief briskly. "You'll pardon me if I'm exceedinglybrief, Commander, but there's a sizeable group in there waiting myreturn.
"I have a special mission for you; a welcome relief from routinepatrol. I believe you have made special requests, in the past, forassignments other than the routine work of the Service, Commander?"
He was boxing me up in a corner, and I knew it, but I couldn't denywhat he said, so I admitted it as gracefully as I could.
"Very well," nodded the Chief, and it seemed to me his eyes twinkledfor an instant. "Inverness, here, is head of a party of scienti