The Collected Stories of Arthur C. Clarke by Arthur C. Clarke Page A
Authors: Arthur C. Clarke
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the insurance. It was so vivid I was mighty glad when I woke up.’
‘Indeed?’ said his companion politely. ‘And just where do you think you are right now?’
Loophole
First published in Astounding Science-Fiction , April 1946
Collected in Expedition to Earth
In the 1940s, sf did not flourish in England and its spiritual home was still the United States […]. I sold my first stories to John [W.] Campbell of Astounding (later Analog ) during the closing months of the War, while I was still in the Royal Air Force. His first purchase was ‘Rescue Party’—though ‘Loophole’, sold a little later, actually appeared first. At the time of these sales (1945) I was stationed just outside Stratford-on-Avon and I remember thinking modestly that there was something singularly appropriate about this.
From: President.
To: Secretary, Council of Scientists.
I have been informed that the inhabitants of Earth have succeeded in releasing atomic energy and have been making experiments with rocket propulsion. This is most serious. Let me have a full report immediately. And make it brief this time.
K.K. IV.
From: Secretary, Council of Scientists.
To: President.
The facts are as follows. Some months ago instruments detected intense neutron emission from Earth, but an analysis of radio programmes gave no explanation at the time. Three days ago a second emission occurred, and soon afterwards all radio transmissions from Earth announced that atomic bombs were in use in the current war. The translators have not completed their interpretation, but it appears that the bombs are of considerable power. Two have so far been used. Some details of their construction have been released, but the elements concerned have not yet been identified. A fuller report will be forwarded as soon as possible. For the moment all that is certain is that the inhabitants of Earth have liberated atomic power, so far only explosively.
Very little is known concerning rocket research on Earth. Our astronomers have been observing the planet carefully ever since radio emissions were detected a generation ago. It is certain that long-range rockets of some kind are in existence on Earth, for there have been numerous references to them in recent military broadcasts. However, no serious attempt has been made to reach interplanetary space. When the war ends, it is expected that the inhabitants of the planet may carry out research in this direction. We will pay very careful attention to their broadcasts and the astronomical watch will be rigorously enforced.
From what we have inferred of the planet’s technology, it should require about twenty years before Earth develops atomic rockets capable of crossing space. In view of this, it would seem that the time has come to set up a base on the Moon, so that a close scrutiny can be kept on such experiments when they commence.
Trescon.
[ Added in manuscript ]
The war on Earth has now ended, apparently owing to the intervention of the atomic bomb. This will not affect the above arguments but it may mean that the inhabitants of Earth can devote themselves to pure research again more quickly than expected. Some broadcasts have already pointed out the application of atomic power to rocket propulsion.
T.
From: President.
To: Chief of Bureau of Extra-Planetary Security (C.B.E.P.S).
You have seen Trescon’s minute.
Equip an expedition to the satellite of Earth immediately. It is to keep a close watch on the planet and to report at once if rocket experiments are in progress.
The greatest care must be taken to keep our presence on the Moon a secret. You are personally responsible for this. Report to me at yearly intervals, or more often if necessary.
K.K. IV.
From: President.
To: C.B.E.P.S.
Where is the report of Earth?!!
K.K. IV.
From: C.B.E.P.S.
To: President.
The delay is regretted. It was caused by the breakdown of the ship carrying the report.
There have been no signs of rocket experimenting during the
‘Indeed?’ said his companion politely. ‘And just where do you think you are right now?’
Loophole
First published in Astounding Science-Fiction , April 1946
Collected in Expedition to Earth
In the 1940s, sf did not flourish in England and its spiritual home was still the United States […]. I sold my first stories to John [W.] Campbell of Astounding (later Analog ) during the closing months of the War, while I was still in the Royal Air Force. His first purchase was ‘Rescue Party’—though ‘Loophole’, sold a little later, actually appeared first. At the time of these sales (1945) I was stationed just outside Stratford-on-Avon and I remember thinking modestly that there was something singularly appropriate about this.
From: President.
To: Secretary, Council of Scientists.
I have been informed that the inhabitants of Earth have succeeded in releasing atomic energy and have been making experiments with rocket propulsion. This is most serious. Let me have a full report immediately. And make it brief this time.
K.K. IV.
From: Secretary, Council of Scientists.
To: President.
The facts are as follows. Some months ago instruments detected intense neutron emission from Earth, but an analysis of radio programmes gave no explanation at the time. Three days ago a second emission occurred, and soon afterwards all radio transmissions from Earth announced that atomic bombs were in use in the current war. The translators have not completed their interpretation, but it appears that the bombs are of considerable power. Two have so far been used. Some details of their construction have been released, but the elements concerned have not yet been identified. A fuller report will be forwarded as soon as possible. For the moment all that is certain is that the inhabitants of Earth have liberated atomic power, so far only explosively.
Very little is known concerning rocket research on Earth. Our astronomers have been observing the planet carefully ever since radio emissions were detected a generation ago. It is certain that long-range rockets of some kind are in existence on Earth, for there have been numerous references to them in recent military broadcasts. However, no serious attempt has been made to reach interplanetary space. When the war ends, it is expected that the inhabitants of the planet may carry out research in this direction. We will pay very careful attention to their broadcasts and the astronomical watch will be rigorously enforced.
From what we have inferred of the planet’s technology, it should require about twenty years before Earth develops atomic rockets capable of crossing space. In view of this, it would seem that the time has come to set up a base on the Moon, so that a close scrutiny can be kept on such experiments when they commence.
Trescon.
[ Added in manuscript ]
The war on Earth has now ended, apparently owing to the intervention of the atomic bomb. This will not affect the above arguments but it may mean that the inhabitants of Earth can devote themselves to pure research again more quickly than expected. Some broadcasts have already pointed out the application of atomic power to rocket propulsion.
T.
From: President.
To: Chief of Bureau of Extra-Planetary Security (C.B.E.P.S).
You have seen Trescon’s minute.
Equip an expedition to the satellite of Earth immediately. It is to keep a close watch on the planet and to report at once if rocket experiments are in progress.
The greatest care must be taken to keep our presence on the Moon a secret. You are personally responsible for this. Report to me at yearly intervals, or more often if necessary.
K.K. IV.
From: President.
To: C.B.E.P.S.
Where is the report of Earth?!!
K.K. IV.
From: C.B.E.P.S.
To: President.
The delay is regretted. It was caused by the breakdown of the ship carrying the report.
There have been no signs of rocket experimenting during the
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