Indirection | Page 2

since I neither
fully understand many of the factors involved, nor have any way of
knowing the circumstances which may arise. You'll have to prepare
yourself for almost anything, always keeping in mind the peculiarities
and capabilities of your own people."
It looked as though the time might have come. If Andorra, a clever,
influential critic, should guess at the real background and the sources of
the Forell tales, and if he should misunderstand the motives behind
those tales, he would probably publish his thoughts. And those thoughts
would be widely read. Many would smile as they read and regard the
thing as a hoax. But others might start their own analyses. And some of
those might come to highly undesirable conclusions and cause
undesirable, even disastrous, reactions. It would be many generations
before clear explanations could be made and definite principles
outlined without causing misunderstanding and serious damage. The
Forell tales were evasive and preparatory as well as vaguely instructive.
[Illustration]
He recovered his self-discipline and waved his hand negligently.
"You know, Charo," he said laughingly, "I've been thinking along
similar lines for a long while. Of course, you know I must have built up
some sort of fantasy world to base my yarns on?"
Andorra nodded. "That's obvious. I've been wondering about some of
your basic theory. Like to see your notes some time."
Forell spread his hands. "You're quite welcome to look them over," he

said. "Come on up to my rooms now." He smiled. "As a matter of fact,
I've been doing a little extension on my dream world. Built up a little
sketch a while ago, and I'm not just sure what to do with it."
* * * * *
As they entered the study, Forell walked across to his desk. He fumbled
for a few seconds under the desk, then opened a drawer. For a moment,
he paused, looking inside, then pulled out a thin folder. Again, he
hesitated. At last, he picked a small, metallic object from the drawer
and held it in his left hand.
"Might need this," he told himself. "If I'm wrong, it'll take a sector
patrolman to straighten out the mess. And I could be wrong--two
ways."
Casually, he placed his left hand in his pocket, then he turned toward
Andorra, holding out the folder.
"Here," he said. "See what you think of this one."
Andorra opened the folder, taking out a few sheets of paper. He read
for a moment, then looked up quizzically.
"A little different from your usual style, isn't it?"
Forell nodded, watching the man tensely. "I'm trying something new,"
he said. "Go ahead and read it, then tell me what you think."
He busied himself with a bottle and glasses.
* * * * *
INFORMAL MEMO
130-263 From: Explorations Officer, Sector Nine To: Ecological
Officer Subject: Incident Report
Enclosed is the file on that recent occurrence on Planet 3-G3-9/4871,

consisting of the certificates and statements of the various officers and
guardsmen concerned, together with a digest of the interrogation of
Elwar Forell, a young planetary native, who appears to have been the
instigator.
It seems to me that something is seriously wrong with our system of
operation, at least on the subject planet. After all, our operations have
the purpose of research and observation, with a view to protection and
development. Certainly, we cannot create chaos. And knowledge of our
existence by very young cultures would certainly cause just that. We've
got to clear this up in a hurry. The Elder Galactics are most certain to
be unhappy about it in any event, and I don't like to make them
unhappy.
Obviously, there was a chain of errors, and some of our people
concerned will have to be reassigned for further training, but that's just
the beginning. I've recalled all the observers from this planet, pending
reorganization, and we've got to come up with an answer that'll prevent
further occurrences of this nature, as well as covering this affair on the
planet concerned.
I realize that the situation has some of the elements of comedy, and I
presume that it will eventually be regarded with considerable
amusement, but right at the moment, my sense of humor is working
very poorly.
I have a few ideas of my own, but would like to have your
recommendations and those of other section officers before I make any
final decision or report. I am calling a conference on this incident at
280.1000, so make a full investigation on this, and give me some
practical recommendation as soon as possible.
CIJORN 6 enclosures
STATEMENT
I, Florand Anremdor, am assigned to the Communications Branch,
Exploratory Section, Sector Nine.

At 261.0196, I was on duty in the emergency communications room at
Increment Four. A call came in from Resident Station number