TOURISTS TO TERRA
By Mack Reynolds
They came from a far sun in a distant time,
seeking thrills on alien planets. Earth was their
latest stop and its puny humans promised good sport!
[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.]
Diomed of Argos, son of Tydeus, drew his sword with a shout and rushedforward to finish off his Trojan opponent before help could arrive.Suddenly he stopped and threw up a shielding arm before his eyes. Whenhe could see again, one who could only have been Aphrodite, Goddess oflove and beauty stood between him and the unconscious enemy. She wasdressed as though for the bridal room, her Goddess body, breathtakinglybeautiful, revealed through the transparent robe she wore. She wasattired for love, but held a short sword in her hand.
Aphrodite smiled at him in derision. "Now, then, Prince of Argos, wouldyou fight the Gods?" She advanced the sword, half mockingly.
But the Greek was mad with bloodlust, half crazed with his day'svictories; he snatched up his spear, muttering, "Pallas Athene aidsme," and rushed her.
Her eyes widened, fear flashing in them, and she began to rise from theground. The barbaric spear flashed out and ripped her arm; blood flowedand she dropped the sword, screaming.
Diomed heard a voice call urgently, "Go back! Go back immediately to—"And the Goddess Aphrodite disappeared.
He whirled to face the newcomer and saw another God confronting him.The extent of his action was beginning to be realized but Diomed hadgone too far to turn back now; he charged his new opponent, shield heldhigh and sword at the ready. The God lifted his hand, sending forth abolt of power that brought the Greek to his knees.
Diomed's eyes were filled with sudden fear and despair. "PhoebusApollo," he quavered.
The God was scornful. "Beware, Diomed," he said. "Do not think to fightwith Gods."
The Greek cowered before him.
Later, in the invisible space ship, hovering five hundred feet abovethe battle, Cajun faced her, his features impassive and his tone ofvoice faultless. He was boiling with rage beneath his courtesy.
"I will present your complaint to the Captain, but I would like toremind the Lady Jan that she has been warned repeatedly againstappearing in the battle clothed as she is and without greater defenses.It was fortunate I was able to appear as soon as I did. If you'd beeninjured seriously, I hesitate to say what repercussions would've takenplace on the home planet."
Her eyebrows went up. "Injured seriously! Just what do you mean bythat? Do you realize this horrible wound will probably take half thenight to heal? You saw that barbarian was insane, why didn't you cometo my assistance sooner? You haven't heard the last of this, youinefficient nincompoop. When we return home I'll have you stripped ofyour rank!"
Cajun's face remained blank. "Yes, your ladyship," he said. "And,before I go, may I deliver a message from the Lady Marid? She said theyawait you in the salon."
She drew a cape about her and without speaking further, swept from thecompartment.
A muscle twitched in his cheek. "Parasites," he muttered savagely,and turned to go to his own quarters where he could change from thisridiculous glittering armor, into his own uniform as ship's officer.
The Lady Jan stormed into the salon where the others had gath