The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Instant of Now, by Irving E. Cox, Jr.

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Title: The Instant of Now

Author: Irving E. Cox, Jr.

Release Date: March 15, 2010 [EBook #31651]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INSTANT OF NOW ***

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Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from Fantastic Universe Aug-Sept 1953.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S.
copyright on this publication was renewed.

[_One of the most intriguing of all science fiction patterns
is that of the galactic sweep--the story which takes for granted human
travel between stars at speeds far faster than the speed of light. In
its most successful form, such a story combines cosmic action with a
wholly human plot. In this case Mr. Cox--but read it yourself._]

the instant of now

_by ... Irving E. Cox, Jr._

Revolution is not necessarily a noble thing. Unless shrewdly
directed, its best elements may fall victim to its basest
impulses.

* * * * *

Eddie Dirrul had destroyed the message seconds after reading it. Yet,
as he left the pneumotube from the University, he felt as if it were
burning a hole in his pocket. It had come to him from Paul Sorgel, the
new top-agent from the Planet Vinin. It had been written in High
Vininese.

For a moment the alien language had slowed Eddie's reaction to its
contents, as had the shocking nature of its words. It had read--

_Need your help. Glenna and Hurd in brush with Secret
Police--both hurt. Come at once._

Luckily old Dr. Kramer had asked no awkward questions when Eddie
excused himself from the balance of the lecture. If the kindly
bumbling professor had been inquisitive, Eddie had no idea how he
would have answered. Glenna was his fiancee, Hurd his best friend--and
their disaster meant disaster for the underground movement that had
become the guiding purpose of his entire life