The Blue Tower - Evelyn E Smith

Does your family's schedule look like an endless list of appointments, games, and practices?

Does keeping everyone on schedule feel impossible?

The Skylight calendar is here to put an end to your scheduling stress,

with its all-in-one shared display, visual structure, and color-coded scheduling.

Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch

calendars by going to myskylight.com-get30.

Go to myskylight.com-get30 for $30 off your 15-inch calendar.

That's M-Y-S-K-Y-L-I-G-H-T.com-slash-get30.

The Blue Tower by Evelyn E. Smith.

As the vastly advanced guardians of mankind,

the Belphins knew how to make a lesson stick.

But whom?

Ludovic Eversol sat in the golden sunshine outside his house,

writing a poem as he watched the street flow gently past him.

There were very few people on it, for he lived in a slow part of town,

and those who went in for travel generally preferred streets where the pace was quicker.

Moreover, on a sultry spring afternoon like this one,

there would be few people wandering abroad.

Most would be lying on sun-kissed white beaches,

or in sun-drenched parks,

or, for those who did not fancy being either kissed or drenched by the sun,

basking in the comfort of their own air-conditioned villas.

Some would, like Ludovic, be writing poems,

others composing symphonies, still others painting pictures.

Those who were without creative talent or the inclination to indulge it

would be relaxing their well-capped golden bodies

in whatever surroundings they had chosen to spend this particular one of the perfect days

that stretched in an unbroken line before every member of the human race,

from the cradle to the crematorium.

Only the Belphins were much in evidence.

Only the Belphins had duties to perform.

Only the Belphins worked.

Ludovic stretched his own well-capped golden body

and rejoiced in the knowing that he was a man and not a Belphin.

Immediately afterward, he was sorry for the heartless thought.

Didn't the Belphins work only to serve humanity?

How ungrateful then it was to gloat over them.

Besides, he comforted himself, probably if the truth was known,

the Belphins liked to work.

He hailed the passing Belphin for assurance on this point.

Courdius, like all members of his species, the creature leaped from the street

and listened attentively to the young man's question.

We Belphins have but one like and one dislike, he replied,

we like what is right and we dislike what is wrong.

But how do you tell what is right and what is wrong, Ludovic, persisted?

We know, the Belphins said, gazing reverently across the city to the blue spire of the tower,

where the Belphins of Belphins dwelt, in constant communication with every member of his race at

all times, or so they said. That is why we were placed in charge of humanity.

Someday you too may advance to the point where you know, and we shall return once we came.

But who placed you in charge, Ludovic asked, and once did you come?

Fearing he might seem motivated by vulgar curiosity, he explained,

I am doing research for an epic poem.

A lifetime spent under their gentle guardianship had made Ludovic able to interpret the

expression that filtered across this Belphins front-space as a sad, sweet smile.

We come from beyond the stars, he said. Ludovic already knew that. He had hoped for something a little

more specific. We were placed in power by those who had the right, and the power through which we

rule is the power of love. Be happy. And with that conventional farewell, which also served as

a greeting, he stepped onto the sidewalk and was born off. Ludovic looked after him

pensively for a moment, then shrugged. Why should the Belphins surrender their secrets to

gratify the idle curiosity of a poet? Ludovic packed his portable scriptwriter in its case and went

to column the girl next door, whom he loved with a deep and intermittently-requited passion.

As he passed between the tall columns leading into the flock heart courtyard,

he noted with regret that there were quite a number of chorus- sounds, relatives present,

lying about, sunning themselves, and sipping beverages which probably touched the legal limit of

intoxicated ability. Much as he hated to think harshly of anyone, he did not like chorus- and

flock heart's relatives. He had never known anybody who had as many relatives as she did,

and sometimes he suspected they were not all related to her. Then he would dismiss the thought

as unworthy of him, or any right-thinking human being. He loved chorus- and, for herself alone

and not for her family. But that they were actually her family or not was none of his business.

Be happy, he greeted the assemblage cordially, sitting down beside chorus- and on the

tessellated pavement. Ba, said Old Osmond flock heart, chorus- and grandfather.

Ludovic was sure that, underneath his crustiness, the gnarled patriarch hid a heart of gold.

Although he had been mining assiduously, the young man had not been able to strike that vein,

however he did not give up hope. For not giving up hope was one of the principles that his wise old

belfain teacher had inculcated in him. Other principles were to lead the good life and keep healthy.

Now grandfather, chorus-on, said, no matter what your politics, that does not excuse impoliteness.

Ludovic wished she would not allude so blatantly to politics, because he had a lurking notion that

chorus-on's family was, in fact, a band of conspirators, such as still dotted the green and pleasant

planet, and proved by their existence that man was not advancing anywhere within measurable distance

of that totality of knowledge implied by the belfain. You could tell Melcontents,

even if they did not voice their dissatisfactions by their faces. The vast majority of the human race,

living good and happy lives, had smooth and pleasant faces. Melcontents' faces were lined and

sometimes in extreme cases furrowed. Everyone could easily tell who they were by looking at them,

and most people avoided them. It was not that gripping was illegal, for the belfains permitted

free speech and reasonable conspiracy. It was that such behavior was considered ungentil.

Ludovic would never have dreamed of associating with this set of neighbors, once he had discovered

their tendencies, had he not lost his heart to the purplied chorus-and at their first meeting.

Politeness Baugh, Old Osmond, said, to see a healthy young man simply accepting the status quo.

If the status quo is a good status quo, Ludovic said uneasily, for he did not like to discuss such

subjects, why should I not accept it? We have everything we could possibly want. What do we lack?

Our freedom, Osmond retorted.

But we are free, Ludovic said, perplexed. We can say what we like, do what we like, so long as it

is consonant with the public good. Ah, but who determines what is consonant with the public good?

Ludovic could no longer temporize with truth, even for chorus and sake.

Look, here old man, I have read books. I know about the old days before the

Belphins came from the stars. Then we're destroying themselves quickly through wars,

or slowly through want. There is none of that anymore.

All lies and exaggeration, Old Osmond said. My grandfather told me, that when the Belphins took

over Earth, they rewrote all the textbooks to suit their own purposes. Now nothing but

Belphin propaganda is taught in the schools. But surely some of what they teach about the past

must be true, Ludovic insisted. And today every one of us has enough to eat and drink,

a place to live, beautiful garments to wear, and all the time in the world to utilize as he chooses

in all sorts of pleasant activities. What is missing? They've taken away our frontiers.

Behind his back, Coruscund made a little filial face at Ludovic. Ludovic tried to make the old

man see reason. But I'm happy, and everybody is happy, except, except a few kill joys like you.

They certainly did a good job of brainwashing you, boy, Osmond sighed, and of most of the young ones.

He added mournfully, with each succeeding generation more of our heritage is lost.

He patted the girl's hand. You're a good girl, Cori. You don't hold with this being cared for like

some damn pet poodle. Never mind Osmond, ever soul. One of Coruscund's alleged uncles grinned. He

talks a lot, but of course he doesn't mean a quarter of what he says. Come have some wine.

He handed a glass to Ludovic. Ludovic sipped and coughed. It tasted as if it were well above

the legal alcohol limit, but he didn't like to say anything. They were taking an awful risk,

though, doing a thing like that. And if they got caught, they might receive a public scolding,

which was, of course, no more than they deserved. But he could not bear to think, of course,

and exposed to such an ordeal. It's only reasonable, the uncle went on, that older people should have a

thing about being governed by foreigners. Ludovic smiled and set his nearly full glass down on a

plinth. You could hardly call the Belfins foreigners. They've been on Earth longer than even the oldest

of us. You seem to be pretty chummy with him. The uncle said, looking narrow-eyed at Ludovic.

No more so than any other loyal citizen, Ludovic replied. The uncle sat up and wrapped his arms

around his thick bare legs. He was a powerful hairy brute of a creature who had not taken

advantage of the numerous cosmetic techniques offered by the benevolent Belfins. Don't you think it's

funny? They can breathe our air so easily. Why shouldn't they? Ludovic bit into an apple that

chorus and handed him from one of the dishes of fruit and other delicacies strewn about the courtyard.

It's excellent air. He continued through a full mouth, especially now that it's all purified.

I understand that in the old days. Yes, the uncle said. But don't you think it's a coincidence?

They breathe exactly the same kind of air we do? Considering they claim to come from another

solar system? No coincidence at all, said Ludovic shortly. No longer able to pretend he didn't know

what the other was getting at. He had heard the ugly rumor before. Of course, Sackherlidge was

not illegal, but it was in bad taste. Only one combination of elements spawns intelligent life.

They say, the uncle continued, impervious to Ludovic's unconcealed dislike for the subject,

that there's really only one Belfin who lives in the blue tower in a tank or something,

because he can't breathe our atmosphere, and that the others are a sort of robot he sends out to

do his work for him. Nonsense, Ludovic was goaded to irritation at last. How could a robot have

that delicate play of expression, that subtle economy of movement? Corsand and the uncle exchanged

glances. But they are absolutely blank. The uncle began hesitantly. Perhaps with your rich poetic

imagination. C Old Osmond remarked with satisfaction. The kids brainwashed. I told you so.

Even if the Belfin is a single entity, Ludovic went on. That doesn't necessarily make him less

benevolent. He was again interrupted by the grandfather. I won't listen to any more of this

twaddle, benevolent ba. He or she or it or them is or are, just plain exploiting us,

taking our mineral resources away. I've seen them loading ore on the spaceships and,

and exchanging it for other resources from the stars. Ludovic said tightly,

without which we would be technologically back in the dark ages from which they rescued us.

It's not the stuff they bring in from outside that runs this technology. The uncle said,

it's some power they've got that we can't seem to figure out. Though Lord knows we've tried,

he added musingly. Of course they have their own source of power. Ludovic informed them,

smiling to himself, for his old Belfin teacher had taken great care to instill a sense of humor into

him. A Belfin was explaining that to me only today. Twenty heads swiveled toward him. He felt

uncomfortable, for he was a modest young man, and did not like to be the sinister of all eyes.

Tell us dear boy, the uncle said, grabbing Ludovic's glass from the plinth and filling it,

what exactly did he say? He said the Belfin's rule through the power of love.

The glass crashed to the testeray, as the uncle uttered a very unworthy word.

And I suppose it was love that killed Mike Solah, and George, when they tried to storm the

blue tower, Old Osmond began, then halted at the looks he was getting from everybody.

Ludovic could no longer pretend his neighbors were a group of eccentric,

whom he himself was eccentric enough to regard as charming.

So he stood up and wrapped his mantle about him. I knew you were against the government,

and of course you have a legal right to disagree with its policies. But I didn't think you were actual

actual, he dredged a word up out of his school days and artists.

He turned to the girl who was looking thoughtful as she stroked the glittering jewel that always hung

at her neck. Coruscant, how can you stay with these? He found another word. These subversives.

She smiled sadly. Don't forget, they're my family, Ludovic, and I owe them beautiful respect.

No matter how pig-headed they are, she pressed his hand. But don't give up hope.

That rang a bell inside his brain. I won't, he vowed, giving her hand a return squeeze. I promise

I won't. Outside the flockhard villa, he paused, struggling with his inner self.

It was an unworthy thing to inform upon one's neighbors. On the other hand, could he stand

idly by and let those neighbors attempt to destroy the social order? Deciding that the greater good

was the more important, and that, moreover, it was the only way of taking Coruscant away from all this,

he went in search of a bell-fin. That is, he waited until one glided past and called to him to

leave the walk. I wished to report a conspiracy at number seven mimosa lane, he said. The girl is innocent,

but the others are in it to the hilt. The bell-fin appeared to think for a minute, then he gave off the

smile. Oh, them, he said, we know, they are harmless. Harmless, Ludovic repeated. Why,

I understand, they've already tried to, to attack the blue tower by force. Quite, and failed.

For we are protected from hostile forces, as you were told earlier, by the power of love.

Ludovic knew, of course, that the bell-fin used the word love metaphorically, that the tower was

protected by a series of highly efficient barriers of force to repel attackers, barriers which,

he realized now from the sad fate of Mixela and George, were potentially lethal. However,

he did not blame the bell-fin for being so cagey about his race's source of power,

not with people like the flock-harts running about subverting and whatnot. You certainly do have

a wonderful intercommunication system, he murmured. Everything about us is wonderful. The bell-fin said

non-comitally, that's why we're so good to you people. Be happy, and he was off.

But Ludovic could not be happy. He wasn't precisely sad yet, but he was thoughtful.

Of course, the bell-fin's knew better than he did, but still, perhaps they underestimated the

seriousness of the flock-hart conspiracy. On the other hand, perhaps it was he who was taking

the flock-harts too seriously. Maybe he should investigate further before doing anything rash.

Later that night, he slipped over to the flock-hart villa, and nosed about in the courtyard,

until he found the window behind which the family was conspiring. He peered through a chink in

the curtains, so he could both see and hear. Korsand was saying, and so I think there is a lot

in what Ludovic said. Bless her, he thought emotionally. Even in the midst of her plotting,

she had time to spare a kind work for him, and then it hit him. She too was a plotter.

You suggest that we try to turn the power of love against the bell-fin's? The uncle asked

ironically. Korsand gave a rippling laugh as she twirled her glittering pendant.

In a matter of speaking, she said, I have an idea for a secret weapon which might do the trick.

At that moment Ludovic stumbled over a jug which some careless relative had apparently left lying

about the courtyard, it crashed to the tesseray, spattering Ludovic's legs and sandals with a liquid

which later proved to be extremely red wine. There's someone outside, the uncle declared half-rising.

Nonsense, Korsand said, putting her hand on his shoulder. I didn't hear anything.

The uncle looked dubious, and Ludovic thought it prudent to withdraw at this point.

Besides, he had heard enough. Korsand, his Korsand, was an integral part of the conspiracy.

He lay down to sleep that night beset by doubts. If he told the bell-fin's about the conspiracy,

he would be betraying Korsand. As a matter of fact, he now remembered,

he had already told them about the conspiracy, and they hadn't believed him.

But supposing he could convince them, how could he give Korsand up to them?

True, it was the right thing to do, but for the first time in his life, he could not bring

himself to do what he knew to be right. He was weak, weak, and weakness was sinful.

His old bell-fin teacher had taught him that, too. As Ludovic writhed restlessly upon his bed,

he became aware that someone had come into his chamber.

Ludovic, a soft, beloved voice whispered, I have come to ask your help.

It was so dark he could not see her. He knew where she was only by the glitter of the jewel on

her neck chain as it arped through the blackness. Korsand, he breathed.

Ludovic, she sighed. Now that the amenities were over, she resumed.

Against my will I have been involved in the family plot. My uncle has invented a secret weapon

which he believes will contract the power of the barriers.

But I thought you devised it. So it was you in the courtyard.

Well, what happened was I wanted to gain time, so I said I had a secret weapon of my own invention,

which I had not perfected, but which would cost considerably less than my uncle's model.

We have to watch the budget, you know, because we can hardly expect the bell-fins to supply the

components for this job. Anyhow, I thought that, while my folks were waiting for me to finish it,

you would have a chance to warn the bell-fins. Korsand, he murmured, you are as noble and clever as

you are beautiful. Then he caught the full import of her remarks. Me, but they won't pay any

attention to me. How do you know? When he remained silent, she said, I suppose you've already tried

to warn them about us. I said you had nothing to do with the plot. That was good of you, she continued

in a warmer tone. How many bell-fins did you warn, then? Just one. When you tell one something,

you tell them all, you know that, everyone knows that. That's just theory, she said. It's never

been proven. All we do know is that they have some sort of central clearinghouse of information,

presumably the bell-fin of bell-fins. But we don't know that they are incapable of thinking or

acting individually. We don't really know much about them at all. They're very secretive.

Aloof, he corrected her, as befits a ruling race, but always affable. You must warn as many

bell-fins as you can. And if none listens to me, then she said dramatically, you must approach the

bell-fin of bell-fins himself. But no human being has ever come near him, he said plaintively.

You know that all those who have tried perished, and that can't be a rumor, because your grandfather

said, but they came to attack the bell-fin. You're coming to warn him. That makes a big difference.

Ludovic, she took his hands in hers, in the darkness the jewel swung madly on her presumably

heaving bosom. This is bigger than both of us. It's for earth. He knew what was his patriotic

duty to do, as she said. Still, he had enjoyed life so much.

Coruscant wouldn't it be much simpler if we just destroyed your uncle's secret weapon?

He'd only make another. Don't you see, Ludovic? This is our only chance to save the bell-fins,

to save humanity. But of course, I don't have the right to send you. I'll go myself.

No, Coruscant, he sighed. I can't let you go. I'll do it.

Next morning, he set out to warn bell-fins. He knew it wasn't much use, but it was all he could do.

The first half doesn't respond in much the same way the bell-fin he had warned the previous day

had done. By courteously acknowledging his solicitude and assuring him there was no need for alarm,

they knew all about the flock-arts, and everything would be all right. After that, they

started to get increasingly huffy, which would, he thought, substantiate the theory that they

were all part of one vast, coordinate network of identity, especially since each bell-fin

behaved as if Ludovic had been repeatedly annoying him. Finally, they refused to get off the

walks when he hailed them, which was unheard of. For no bell-fin had ever before failed to respond

to an Earthman's call, and when he started running along the walks after them, they ran much faster

than he could. At last he gave up and wandered about the city for hours, speaking to neither human

nor bell-fin, wondering what to do. That is, he knew what he had to do. He was wondering how to do it.

He would never be able to reach the bell-fin of bell-fins, no human being had ever done it.

Mixtula and George had died trying to reach him, or it. Even though their intentions had been

hostile, and Ludovic's would be helpful, there was little chance he would be allowed to reach

the bell-fin with all the other bell-fins against him. What guarantee was there that the bell-fin

would not be against him, too? And yet he knew that he would have to risk his life.

There was no help for it. He had never wanted to be a hero, and here he had heroism thrust upon

him. He knew he could not succeed. Equally well, he knew he could not turn back, for his bell-fin

teacher had instructed him in the meaning of duty. It was twilight when he approached the blue tower,

commending himself to the infinite virtue he entered. The bell-fin at the reception desk did not give

off the customary smiling expression. In fact, he seemed to radiate a curiously apprehensive aura.

Go back young man, he said, you're not wanted here. I must see the bell-fin of bell-fins,

I must warn him against the flock-harts. He has been warned, the receptionist told him,

go home and be happy. I don't trust you or your brothers, I must see the bell-fin himself.

Suddenly, this particular bell-fin lost his commanding manners. He began to wilt,

insofar as so rigidly constructed a creature could go limp. Please, we've done so much for you,

do this for us. The bell-fin of bell-fins did things for us. Ludovic countered, you are all

only his followers. How do I know you are really following him? How do I know you haven't turned

against him? Without giving the creature a chance to answer, he strode forward. The bell-fin

attempted to bar his way. Ludovic knew one bell-fin was a myriad times as strong as a human,

so it was out of utter futility that he struck. The bell-fin collapsed completely,

flying apart in a welter of fragile springs and gears. The fact was of some deeper significance,

Ludovic knew, but he was too numbed by his incredible success to be able to think clearly.

All he knew was that the bell-fin would be able to explain things to him.

Bells began to clash and clang. That meant the force barriers had gone up. He could see the shimmering

insubstance of the first one before him. Squaring his shoulders, he charged it and walked right through.

He looked himself up and down. He was alive and entire. Then the whole thing was a fraud.

The barriers were not lethal, or perhaps even actual. But what of Michelin and George

and countless rumored others? He would not let himself even try to think of them.

He would not let himself even try to think of anything save his duty.

It's staircase spiraled up ahead of him. A bell-fin was at its foot. Behind him, a barrier,

iridust. Please, young man, the bell-fin began. You don't understand. Let me explain.

But Ludovic destroyed the thing before it could say anything further, and he passed right through

the barrier. He had to get to the top and warn the bell-fin of bell-fin's, whoever, or whatever he,

or it was, that the flockards had a secret weapon which might be able to annihilate it or him.

Belfin after Belfin Ludovic destroyed, and barrier after barrier he penetrated until he reached

the top. At the head of the stairs was a vast golden door. Go no further, Ludovic ever saw.

A mighty voice roared from within. To open that door is to bring disaster upon your race.

But all Ludovic knew was that he had to get to the bell-fin within and warn him.

He battered down the door. That is, he would have battered down the door if it had not turned out

to be unlocked. A stream of noxious vapor rushed out of the opening, causing him to black out.

When he came to, most of the vapor had dissipated. The bell-fin of bell-fin's was already dying

of a fixation. Since it was, in fact, a single alien entity who breathed another combination of

elements. The room at the head of the stairs had been its tank. You fool, it gasped. Through your

muddle-headed integrity, you have destroyed not only me, but Earth's future. I tried to make

this planet a better place for humanity, and this is my reward.

But I don't understand, Ludovic, wept. Why did you let me do it? Why were Mixela and George

and all the others killed? Why was it that I could pass the barriers and they could not?

The barriers were triggered to respond to hostility. You meant well, so our defenses could not work.

Ludovic had to bend low to hear the creatures last words. There is Earth proverb

should have warned me. I protect myself against my enemies, but who will protect me from my friends?

The bell-fin of bell-fin's died in Ludovic's arms. He was the last of his race, so far as Earth was

concerned, for no more came. If as they had said themselves, some outside power had sent them to

take care of the human race, then that power had given up the race as a bad job. If they were merely

exploiting Earth, as the malcontents had kept suggesting, apparently it had proven too dangerous

or too costly a venture. Shortly after the bell-fin's demise, the flock-harts arrived on mass.

We won't need your secret weapon now, Ludovic told them, Dolly. The bell-fin of bell-fin's is dead.

Coruscant gave one of the rippling laughs he was to grow to hate so much.

Darling, you were my secret weapon all along! She beamed at her relatives, and it was then he noticed

the faint lines of her forehead. I told you I could use the power of love to destroy the

bell-fin's, and then she added gently. I think there is no doubt who is head of this family now.

The uncle gave a strained laugh. You're going to have a great little first lady there,

boy, he said to Ludovic. First lady, Ludovic repeated, still absorbed in his grief.

Yes, I imagine the people will want to make you our first president by popular acclaim.

Ludovic looked at him through a haze of tears. But I killed the bell-fin. I didn't mean to,

but they must hate me. Nonsense, my boy, they'll adore you. You'll be a hero.

Events proved him right. Even those people who had lived in apparent content under the

bell-fin's, accepting what they were given and seemingly enjoying their carefree lives,

now declared themselves to have been suffering in silent resentment all along.

They hurled flowers and adultery speeches at Ludovic and composed extremely flattering

songs about him. Shortly after he was universally acclaimed president, he married Coruscand.

He couldn't escape. Why doesn't she become president herself, he wailed, when the relatives came

and found him hiding in the ruins of the blue tower? The people had torn the tower down as soon as

they were sure of the bell-fin was dead, and the others thereby rendered in operant.

It would spare her a lot of bother, because she is not the bell-fin's slayer,

the uncle said, dragging him outside. Besides, she loves you. Come on, Ludovic, be a man.

So they hauled him off to the wedding and amid much feasting he was married to Coruscand.

He never drew another happy breath. In the first place, now that the bell-fin was dead,

all the machinery that had been operated by him stopped, and no one knew how to fix it.

The sidewalks stopped moving. The air-conditioners stopped conditioning. The food synthesizers

stopped synthesizing and so on. And, of course, everybody blamed it all on Ludovic.

Even that year's run of bad weather. There were famines, riots, plagues, and after the waves

of mob hostility had coalesced into national groupings, wars. It was like the old days again,

precisely as described in the text books. In the second place, Ludovic never forgot that when

Coruscand had sent him to the blue tower, she could not have been sure that her secret weapon

would work. Love might not have conquered all. In fact, it was the more likely hypothesis that

it wouldn't, and he would have been killed by the first barrier. And no husband likes to think

that his wife thinks he's expendable. It makes him feel she doesn't really love him.

So, in 30th year of his reign as dictator of earth, Ludovic poisoned Coruscand, that is,

had her poisoned, for by now he had a minister of assassination to handle such little matters,

and married a very pretty, very young, very affectionate blonde. He wasn't particularly happy

with her either, but at least it was a change. End of The Blue Tower by Evelyn E. Smith