Direct Descent by Frank Herbert Read Free Book Online Page B

“Correct restatement.”
    “How could we miss such a thing?” Sil-Chan asked. “It must be monstrous. Why the …” He broke off and shook his head.
    The Computer said: “Does Sil-Chan wish a psychological explanation, or one derived from probabilities based on the physical limits of …”
    “Are there people on that island?” Sil-Chan asked.
    The Computer said: “The island is occupied by Clan Dornbaker and related groups—Coogans, Atvards …”
    “There is even a Tchung branch on the island,” the Director said.
    Sil-Chan chewed his lips. How much did the Director really know?
    “Do you wish a continued listing?” the Computer asked.
    “How are they governed?” Sil-Chan asked.
    “The hereditary ruler of Free Island, always a Dornbaker by name and blood, is called the Paternomer. The Paternomer’s powers are tempered by several factors—a Council of Elders, something called ‘an appeal to the Pleb’ and various religious considerations. Computer’s auto-sensories do not extend into the autonomous area, but evidence has accumulated over the centuries. The present population, stabilized at about three thousand persons, appears to work for a common idyllic vision of …”
    “You spoke of religious considerations,” Sil-Chan said.
    “The inhabitants give obeisance to ‘The Book of Stone.’ That is a Middle-Era translation of an ancient work from Old Terra which revolves around a leader called ‘The Rock.’”
    “I know that one,” Sil-Chan said. “What I don’t understand is how we could have overlooked this thing if it projects right down into the planet that way.”
    The Computer took this as another question. “Most auditing is automatic. The physical appearance of interior walls which confine Free Island’s downward projection cannot be differentiated from normal Archives walls. Flights over the island without permission are prohibited in the original treaty. All flight lanes, therefore, automatically bypass Free Island. There are also other factors—deeper and psychological which go into …”
    “Let’s get the Dornbakers to cede their blasted projection and have done with it,” Sil-Chan said. “We can’t fight a government economy drive while a thing like that is draining us. If those government accountants even get wind of this, we’re …”
    “There can be no question of them ceding,” Tchung said.
    “You’re still the Director,” Sil-Chan said. “The Library is the planet, the planet is the Library. You’re the boss.”
    “Certain services and credits were agreed upon in the original treaty,” Tchung said. “Computer, explain the accounts payable and the services.”
    “Services continue with internal cost readjustments. The credits to the Dornbakers have been accruing unclaimed and without readjustment for more than four thousand periods.”
    His voice hoarse, Sil-Chan asked: “How much do we owe them?”
    “The full sum is not an intelligible figure,” the Computer said. “That much currency does not exist in the known universe.”
    “Could they demand payment?” Sil-Chan whispered.
    “It would be legal,” the Computer said.
    “Then they own us!”
    “Technically, that is true,” the Computer said. “However, no such action by Clan Dornbaker has been taken nor is it anticipated.”
    “Is there a legal way to take that island or its downward projection from the Dornbakers?” Sil-Chan asked.
    Tchung smiled and closed his eyes.
    The Computer clicked rhythmically for almost a minute, then: “You cannot take the island legally. Some compromise may be possible. It should be considered that the Dornbakers do not know about their legal position. Much time has passed since the treaty. They apparently live a primitive life on the island. One possible approach occurs: Free Island is a sanctuary for a large tree called Sequoia Gigantica. These trees require a rather delicate weather balance. Dornbakers nurture a superstition that ‘As long as the