Lifeforce Read Online Free Page A

earth.”
    They all stared at him. Even Carlsen suddenly felt more awake. Craigie said slowly: “Of course…”
    They sat in silence. Murchison whistled.
    Steinberg voiced their thought. “So those creatures could be our ancestors?”
    “Not our ancestors,” Craigie said. ” Theywere the ones who reached earth. But the brothers and sisters of our ancestors.”
    They all began to speak at once. Farmer’s slow Northumberland voice emerged after a few seconds. “So we’ve explained the basic problem of human evolution — why man is so unlike the apes. We didn’t evolve from apes. We evolved from them .”
    Carlsen asked: “And what about Neanderthal man and all the rest?”
    “A different line entirely.”
    He was interrupted by the radio buzzer. Craigie switched it on. They all listened intently. Zelensky’s voice said, “Gentlemen, I have a surprise for you. The Prime Minister of the United European States, George Magill.”
    They looked at one another in pleased surprise. If the world could be said to have one statesman who emerged head and shoulders above the others, it was Magill, the architect of World Unity.
    The familiar deep voice came into the room. “Gentlemen, I daresay you have realised this already, but you are now the most famous human beings in the solar system. I’m relaying this message immediately after seeing your film of the inside of the ship. Even with some truly infuriating interferences, it is the most remarkable film I have ever seen. You are to be congratulated on your extraordinary adventure. You will have…” At this point, his voice was drowned with static. When it again sounded clearly, he was saying: “…agrees with me that the first and most important task is to bring back to earth at least one of these beings, and if possible, more than one. Of course, we shall have to rely upon your judgement as to whether this is feasible. We realise that when you break into the tombs, they may crumble to dust like so many mummies. On the other hand, it should be possible for you to ascertain whether these tombs contain an atmosphere, or whether they are vacuums. If they are vacuums, then you should have no problem…”
    Carlsen groaned. ” Whydoes the idiot want to rush things?” He subsided as he saw the others straining their ears to catch the rest of Magill’s message. He sat there gloomily for the next five minutes while Magill boomed on, spelling out the scientific and political implications of their discovery.
    Then Zelensky came on again. “Well, boys, you heard what the man said. I agree with him. If it’s possible, we want one or two of these creatures brought back to earth. Cut your way into one of the tombs. Bear in mind they may not be dead, but only in a state of suspended animation. If you get them into the ship, seal them in the freezing compartment, and leave it sealed until you get back to moonbase. Leave them untouched.”
    Carlsen stood up and left the room. He went to his own quarters and used the lavatory, then lay down on the bed. Almost instantly, he was asleep.
    He woke up to find Steinberg standing over him. He sat up. “How long have I been asleep?”
    “Seven hours. You looked so tired we decided not to wake you.”
    “What’s happening?”
    “Four of us have just got back. We’ve opened one of the tombs.”
    “Oh, Christ, why? Why couldn’t you wait until I woke up?”
    “Zelensky’s orders.”
    “ Igive the orders while I’m captain.”
    Steinberg was apologetic. “We thought you’d be pleased. We’ve cut a doorway in the tomb, and it’s a vacuum. The body didn’t crumble to dust. There shouldn’t be any problem getting him into the freezer.”
    Five minutes later, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he went down to the control room. Through the port, he could see the familiar blue-green glow. The ship had been manoeuvred opposite the chamber of the humanoids: he could see the tombs clearly.
    Dabrowsky said: “Did Dave tell you it wasn’t