ed after their first psychotests, but my case was different.
The Controller who bred me was only a dabbler in such things. I
was a failure, but he took a fancy to me. I was allowed to mature
secretly--few people knew of my existence. When I reached my majority my
presence became dangerous and I was sent back into time to try and find
the proper place for myself. And I think I've found it--here!"

Kial was a very amazed young man. "But such a barbarous age," he
complained. "Sex and atom bombs and everything ..."

"Remember," Broyk smiled, "these people are the forebears of the
geniuses who created Center and the Galactic Empire. They'll survive,
despite their barbarism. The existence of Center is proof."

"It's rather horrible to contemplate," Kial said thoughtfully, calmer
now, "and yet, this might really be a great age. In a way I almost envy
you."

"Of course you do," Broyk said. "You have certain tendencies--they
bother you, although you manage to hide them well. I discovered them
when I took the liberty of telepathing you. Artificial Genetics isn't
perfect, even in our time--perhaps because we originally sprang from
man. Perhaps we'll never be quite perfect, because of that, even after
thousands of periods of breeding."

Kial took another look at the loving young couple. "It--it might be fun,
after all."

Broyk laughed. "You needn't envy me at all, you know."

Kial frowned.

"I'm telling you about myself," Broyk went on, "I have also told you of
a specific condition existing a period ahead of your own time. Remember
the First Law?"

"Center!"

"We're marooned in the Twentieth Century. You have to accept it."

"But what will we _do_?" Kial's mind was reeling again.

"Since we've already broken the First Law," Broyk said, "we may just as
well break the Second: 'No Thek-traveler may enter the body of a native
of a foreign space-time ...'"

* * * * *

The young lovers kissed again and this time there seemed to be an added
zest, even to their passionate embrace.

THE END

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from _If Worlds of Science Fiction_ May
1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S.
copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and
typographical errors have been corrected without note.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Field Trip, by Gene Hunter

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBER