Dimension X - Pebble In The Sky - #37

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Dimension X: Pebble In The Sky" (#37, May 6, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Dimension X, the classic radio series from the Golden Age of Radio, listeners are transported to a distant galactic future with "Pebble In The Sky." The story unfolds on a marginalized, radioactive Earth—now a backwater in a sprawling galactic empire. The central theme explores prejudice, the dangers of intolerance, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of isolation—both cultural and biological. Drawing from Isaac Asimov’s original work, this dramatization interweaves science fiction with powerful social commentary.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: A Dying Earth in a Vast Empire

• Opening Narration: Earth is described as a forgotten, radioactive planet—"a pebble in the sky"—while the galaxy boasts 200 million inhabited worlds (00:52-01:10).
• Dr. Bel Avedan's Arrival: The outsider archeologist from Sirius Sector arrives and immediately encounters skepticism and condescension from local authorities about Earth’s value (01:17-02:39).

2. Prejudice and Social Custom

• Galactic Prejudice: My Lord Ennis expresses harsh biases toward Earthmen, labeling them "lazy and ignorant," reflecting deep galactic disdain (03:09-03:52).
• The Custom of the '60': Dr. Avedan discovers Earth's horrifying tradition—forced euthanasia at age 60 to conserve resources, viewed by locals as a matter-of-fact policy to prevent the elderly from "stealing food from the next generation" (04:41-05:15).
  • Quote: "That's when they put you away. Euthanasia. It's a custom. Can't have people. L eats up all the food." — Store Clerk, (04:45)

3. Encounter with Paula and the Mechanics of Oppression

• First Contact with Paula Schect: Dr. Avedan attempts to assist a desperate Earth girl searching for her father; their interaction is interrupted by a sudden, anxiety-laden quarantine drill (06:07-07:35).
• Imperial Control & Abuse: The branding and abuse of civilians, including the use of neuronic whips, is vivid and dehumanizing (08:03-09:09).
  • Quote: "They gave you full power and a neuronic whip." — Paula Schect, (08:51)

4. Secrets, Resistance, and a Plot Uncovered

• Discovery of the Revolt: Paula reveals to Dr. Avedan her father’s knowledge of an impending Earth revolt, capped by a doomsday biological weapon (12:01-12:22).
• Weaponization of Culture & Biology: Dr. Schect explains Earth’s plan to use a native virus (mild in Earth children but lethal to 'outsiders') as a genocidal weapon by launching it across the galaxy (14:54-15:55).
  • Quote: "We have been searching out such a virus, one to which Earth men have developed a high degree of immunity. But not outsiders." — Dr. Schect, (15:06)
  • Quote: "Billions will die." — Dr. Bel Avedan, (15:55)
• The Zealots' Plan: The Earth-based zealots aim to assert themselves by wiping out the rest of humanity, ensuring Earth’s sole survival (14:10-15:55).

5. Race Against Time and Escalating Tension

• Confrontations & Injustice: Dr. Avedan, Paula, and Dr. Schect are detained under false pretenses by Earth’s authorities and struggle to bring the crisis to imperial attention (16:24-18:21).
• Imperial Indifference: Even when the plot is revealed, Dr. Avedan faces disbelief, bureaucratic inertia, and prejudice from the authorities (20:01-21:43).
  • Quote: "I can hardly believe a degenerate who fraternizes with Earth women." — My Lord Ennis, (21:43)

6. Catastrophe Realized

• Virulent Fatal Outcome: As the deadline passes, it is clear the virus has spread. Earth’s own immunity dooms the rest of the galaxy, fulfilling the bleak prophecy (22:31-23:25).
  • Quote: "We're paying, Paula. The rest of us paying for centuries of intolerance." — Dr. Bel Avedan, (22:56)
• Closing Reflection: Dr. Avedan echoes the episode's core message: history is at risk of repeating itself, with Earth once again becoming humanity’s isolated origin, surrounded by the forgotten stars (23:28-24:30).
  • Quote: "It's funny. Now it will be that way again. Man living only on Earth. He'll forget the science, the machinery of the empire. They'll forget the stars. There will be only Earth alone in the universe. A pebble in the sky." — Dr. Bel Avedan, (23:28)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On Earth's Legacy and Prejudice

  • "I don't consider Earth a miserable heap, my lord. It's absolutely unique in the galaxy." — Dr. Bel Avedan, (02:00)
  • "Unique?... It's the only inhabited planet that is radioactive." — Dr. Bel Avedan, (02:07)

• On Ritual and Life

  • "That's when they put you away. Euthanasia. It's a custom.... A guy should go when it's his time." — Store Clerk, (04:45)

• On Scientific Irony

  • "We have been searching out such a virus, one to which Earth men have developed a high degree of immunity. But not outsiders." — Dr. Schect, (15:06)

• On Looming Catastrophe

  • "We're paying, Paula. The rest of us paying for centuries of intolerance." — Dr. Bel Avedan, (22:56)
  • "It's funny. Now it will be that way again... There will be only Earth alone in the universe. A pebble in the sky." — Dr. Bel Avedan, (23:28)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:52 – Opening: The state of the galaxy and Earth’s marginalized position
• 04:41 – Detailed explanation of Earth's '60' custom (euthanasia)
• 08:03 – Dr. Avedan and Paula are arrested; police brutality revealed
• 12:01 – Paula discloses the plot for revolt
• 14:54 – Dr. Schect explains the viral weapon and Earth’s plan
• 20:01–22:56 – Avedan's warnings dismissed; prejudice and failure of authority
• 23:28 – Dr. Avedan reflects on his failed mission and the future
• 24:30 – Next episode preview (non-content)

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Tone & Takeaways

Dimension X delivers this dramatization with a mix of classic radio suspense and sharp social critique. The tone is earnest, sometimes fatalistic, reflecting on the consequences of ignorance and prejudice—individual and collective. "Pebble In The Sky" serves both as an engaging science fiction adventure and a cautionary tale relevant across eras.

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For listeners new and old, this episode is a powerful reminder of the perils of intolerance, the unpredictability of scientific advancement, and the fragility of civilization itself.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Adventures in time and space transcribed in future tense dimension. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with street and Smith Publishers of Astounding Science Fiction, bring you Dimension X.

The civilization of the galaxy spread across 200 million worlds.

The black void of space swarmed with

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

the ships of the Empire.

[Narrator]

But far off the trade routes, almost

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

forgotten, lay the dying planet Earth.

[Narrator]

A backwater in galactic culture, a place of exile, a pebble in the sky.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I landed on Earth on the one spot which I would have called civilized. A patch along the desolate heights of the Himalayas that surrounded the palace of the Imperial Governor of Earth. Hmm.

[My Lord Ennis]

Dr. Bell. Avedan of Sirius Sector. That's a familiar name.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Perhaps you've seen it in the Galactic Archaeological Journal, My lord Ennis?

[My Lord Ennis]

Me? No, no, I'm a soldier, not a scientist. It was a newspaper article. You gave an interview about your expedition to Earth. I suppose you want to start digging. Whatever can you find on this miserable heap of rubble?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I don't consider Earth a miserable heap, my lord. It's absolutely unique in the galaxy.

[Dr. Schect]

Unique?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

It's the only inhabited planet that is radioactive.

[My Lord Ennis]

It's a pig pen.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Yes, I know, but this planet is inhabited. Biologists have proven that on a radioactive world, high forms of life cannot develop.

[My Lord Ennis]

High forms? The rest of the galaxy hates the Earth men, and they return it with interest.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I don't think you understand. I'm not intolerant of anyone. That even includes Earthmen. My theory is that life on Earth originated before it was radioactive.

[My Lord Ennis]

There's a story like that in the Earth lore of the Ancients.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I know, I've read it.

[My Lord Ennis]

Oh, I wouldn't admit that here if I were you, Dr. Averdan. It's forbidden for outsiders to read it. The Earthmen get pretty violent about their religion.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Do you mean the imperial police power here is defective?

[My Lord Ennis]

It is in case of sacrilege. Well now, what do you actually want to prove?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

That man originated in prehistoric times on Earth, before space travel, and spread to the other planets.

[My Lord Ennis]

What are you seriously suggesting? That at one time Earth was the only inhabited planet and that man descended from Earth man.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

There's a chance it might be so.

[My Lord Ennis]

You'll change your mind when you see them, Doctor. I'm not an anti terrestrial, but as far as I can see, they're lazy and ignorant and generally inferior to us. I'm as liberal as the next man, but it's a fact. Once an Earthman, always an Earthman.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I booked passage to the city of Chica on an Earth climb. My fellow passengers seemed ordinary enough, but I was conscious of being alone among Earthmen. I beg your pardon. Could you tell me what's going on there?

[Store Clerk]

Sure. You see that couple? They've been married 40 years. It's their anniversary.

[Store Security Officer]

Yes, sir. 40 years. Hey, Mother, it seems like yesterday. Just like yesterday.

[Store Clerk]

Hey, when are you folks scheduled for the 60?

[Store Security Officer]

In a month, 16th of November.

[Store Clerk]

Well, I hope you have a nice day for it. My father reached his 60 in a pouring rain. Kept complaining we were getting soaked, so I told him. What are you complaining about, dad? I've got to come back.

[Narrator]

This.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

This 60 they're talking about, are they referring to their 60th birthday?

[My Lord Ennis]

Sure.

[Store Clerk]

That's when they put you away. Euthanasia. It's a custom. Can't have people. L eats up all the food. That's right, isn't it, Pop?

[Store Security Officer]

Yes, sir. Mother's coming with me when I reach the 60. She's not due for a couple of months, but she thinks we might as well go together.

[Store Clerk]

Yeah, that's the spirit. There's many a man living past the 60 sneaks, stealing the food from the next generation. A guy should go when it's his time.

[Narrator]

Yes, but suppose he.

[Store Clerk]

It's only fair to. Hey, where are you from?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I beg your pardon?

[Store Clerk]

Asking all them questions.

[Store Security Officer]

Yes. Who are you? A spy. Where are you from?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I'm Bel Avedon, from Baron Serious sector.

[Store Clerk]

Oh, an outsider, huh?

[Store Security Officer]

Come on, will you go forward? Did you hear that, Mother? An outsider.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I burned with indignation. Earthmen treating me like an outcast Earth man. When we landed, I followed my intention of observing the human animal subspecies. Earth in its native habitat. In this case, a large department store. Perhaps I resembled a floor walker for a young Earth girl came up to me and asked a question.

[Paula Schect]

Pardon me. It's my father. He's about 5 4. He wears eye lenses. I think he had on a brown coat.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I'm afraid I don't remember seeing anyone,

[Paula Schect]

but they followed me here. I've got to find him.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Are you in trouble, miss?

[Paula Schect]

No, no. It's nothing, really. I'm sorry I bothered you.

[My Lord Ennis]

Attention. Attention, please.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What's that?

[My Lord Ennis]

All patrons of the store will kindly leave by the 5th street exit.

[Store Clerk]

This store is being evacuated for radiation, fever, quarantine.

[Narrator]

What's all this about?

[Paula Schect]

They're after me. It is really radiation fever. It's old.

[Dr. Schect]

Who's after you?

[Paula Schect]

How am I going to get out of here? There'll be checking registration cards at the door.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Haven't you got one?

[Paula Schect]

Yes, but it has my name on it. I don't know what to do.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Come on.

[Paula Schect]

But you don't even know me.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I don't know anybody here. But you're an interesting species person. This way.

[Store Security Officer]

Carry your own car. Come on, step along. Next. Check.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute. Forward.

[Store Security Officer]

Check.

[Paula Schect]

Yes, sir.

[Store Security Officer]

Stand right there.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Look here, officer.

[Narrator]

Are you with her?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Yes, but you'd better find out who I am later.

[Narrator]

Stand over there.

[Store Security Officer]

Next.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What is this now?

[Paula Schect]

The Imperials.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Are you afraid of them?

[Paula Schect]

Of course.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Don't worry about the outsiders, Ms. Sheikhs. I'll handle them.

[Paula Schect]

No, don't try anything. Don't drop to the med or just what they say. Don't even look at them.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

We'll see. Here they are.

[Store Security Officer]

Aye.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Now you. God. Yes, sir.

[My Lord Ennis]

I'm Lieutenant Cloudy, Imperial Garrison.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Who's got the fever?

[Narrator]

If it please your honor.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

So close, idiot. You might be infected.

[My Lord Ennis]

I'll take over.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

You worthy. What's your name?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Speak up, squaw.

[Paula Schect]

Paula Scheck, sir.

[Narrator]

Your registration papers.

[Paula Schect]

Here you are, sir.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Thank you. All right, now pick them up. Go on.

[Narrator]

Say, look.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Care now. What did you say?

[Paula Schect]

Earthy? If you please, sir. This man has nothing to do with me. I never saw him before.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What did you say? I don't like the way you treat women. And I'd advise you to improve your manners. And where have you been brought up, Earthy? Here's lesson number one. Are you.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

I.

[Store Security Officer]

Let's go, Sergeant. Neuronic whip.

[Paula Schect]

Oh, no, no.

[Store Security Officer]

Yes.

[Narrator]

S.

[Paula Schect]

Oh, you're all right now.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What happened?

[Paula Schect]

They gave you full power and a neuronic whip.

[My Lord Ennis]

Where are we?

[Paula Schect]

The military base. Oh, you should.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Is that.

[Narrator]

Well, Dr. Aveda, we seem to have had an unpleasant contretemps in the city this afternoon.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Unpleasant? I should put it stronger, Colonel. As a free citizen of the Empire, I had every right to resent such illegal treatment.

[Narrator]

I consider the whole incident unfortunate. Doctor, don't you think it would be best to forget the whole matter?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I think not. I have an appointment in a week with a procurator. Procurator?

[Store Security Officer]

What do you intend doing with Ms. Schect?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

What would you suggest, Sir?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I had free her immediately and offer her your apologies.

[Narrator]

Of course, if the young lady will accept my sincere regrets, I will give the order for your release immediately.

[Paula Schect]

But I don't understand. They just turned us loose.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Of course.

[Paula Schect]

You must be very important. I never heard of the outsiders being that polite to an Earthman before.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I'm not an Earthman, Polar.

[Paula Schect]

What?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I'm an archaeologist from the outside.

[Store Security Officer]

Oh.

[Paula Schect]

Then you stood up to the soldiers because you knew it was safe all along. And I thought, oh, I should have known.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Pola, does my not being an Earthman make me any different from five minutes ago?

[Paula Schect]

You might have told me, sir, if you don't mind.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Don't call me sir. Don't be like the rest of them.

[Paula Schect]

Like the rest of whom, sir? The rest of the disgusting animals that live on Earth.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Please.

[Paula Schect]

If you'll excuse me, sir, I must leave now.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Wait, Pola, listen to me. Pola. I had access to the Garrison files. And to satisfy idle curiosity, I indexed Polishect. Her father was a Dr. Michael Schecht, biologist. And against his name was a black star with a notation, Condemned in absentia charge. Evading the 60. That was why she was afraid. So I sent a note asking her to meet me in the north park after dark. Paula. Over here, Dr. Havidan. Sit down.

[Paula Schect]

Oh, I want you to understand. I wouldn't have come except I understand.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I've seen your father's record.

[Paula Schect]

You know about it?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I looked into it, Paula. There doesn't seem to be much that can be done about the 60s.

[Paula Schect]

Oh, it isn't that. It's not for my father. It's for the whole galaxy.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What is it?

[Paula Schect]

Earth is going to revolt.

[My Lord Ennis]

No.

[Store Security Officer]

All of it.

[Paula Schect]

Oh, don't laugh at me.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

The galaxy has a volume of several million cubic light years. It contains 200 million inhabited planets. Earth has a population of only 20 million and no resources. What can Earth do?

[Paula Schect]

I don't know, Doctor, but my father does. He's told me that Earth knows a way by which it can wipe out all outside life and. Wait.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Listen.

[Paula Schect]

There's someone coming.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Park patrol.

[Paula Schect]

Quick. Kiss me. Hmm? Don't be stupid. Kiss me. They won't suspect.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Hey, everyone, Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Anyways, get a [e-mail], or with your local agent.

[Store Clerk]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Liberty.

[Store Clerk]

Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Yes, you can A five minute quick and easy calorie burning workout.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Give it a try. Come join our sweat sesh on TikTok.

[Paula Schect]

Anything?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Oh. Oh, yes, of course. Hold on.

[Paula Schect]

They've gone. It's all right now. Come with me. I'll take you to my father.

[Dr. Schect]

Doctor Everdon, this is a pleasure. I have read your articles in the journal. It is hard to get copies. Our neighbors don't care to trade with Earth. It's part of the nearly insoluble problem of anti terrestrialism.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

No one seems to want a solution. Earthmen and outsiders alike.

[Store Security Officer]

Oh, no.

[Dr. Schect]

That is not true. There is a way of preserving our culture and living as equals in a larger society. But the zealots don't think so.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

The zealots?

[Store Security Officer]

Yes.

[Dr. Schect]

They rule Earth now. They are a small minority, but they have power. They have plans.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

They planned the revolt Pola told me of. Yes, I see. Why didn't you report this to the Imperial garrison?

[Dr. Schect]

The society of Earth Ancients have guarded me too well. Besides, they had a hold on me. I am 62. You know the customs of Earth. The 60 years they allowed me to live on. The price was silence about the weapon. You agreed to this? I wanted to live.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What is this weapon?

[Dr. Schect]

You are aware of Earth's peculiar environment? The radioactivity?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Yes.

[Dr. Schect]

Over the years, we Earthmen have built up certain immunities to radiation burns, for one.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

But it's a minute difference. I measured it experimentally.

[Dr. Schect]

But, Doctor, human life is not the only form affected by radiation and mutation. There is microscopic life, bacteria, viruses. We have been searching out such a virus, one to which Earth men have developed a high degree of immunity. But not outsiders.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

You mean a particular disease?

[Dr. Schect]

Yes. Common fever. It is a mild children's disease here, like chicken pox or German measles. But to outsiders it is radiation fever. Symptoms develop in two hours. Lips are so badly affected that the victim cannot talk. And in two days he dies.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

They've isolated this virus, tons of it, in crystalline form, and they plan to

[Dr. Schect]

let this loose in the galaxy by means of guided missiles. Then frightened refugees will carry the disease across space. Billions will die.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

You're sure about this?

[Narrator]

You have proof?

[Dr. Schect]

I worked on the project.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

We've got to get to the procurator.

[Store Security Officer]

I can catch the evening plaintiff.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Who is it?

[Dr. Schect]

I don't know. There should have been an alarm.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

We've got to get out. Is there a bank in there?

[Paula Schect]

No.

[Narrator]

Don't move.

[Store Clerk]

Hands in front of you.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What's the meaning of this? I demand.

[Store Security Officer]

I'm a galactic citizen.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

You've got no right to detain me without legal authority.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

I am an Earth man. But I think you'll find I am all the authority needed at this moment. Dr. Avadan. I am Balkus, the High Minister of Earth.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

The High Minister?

[Store Security Officer]

What are you doing?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

I always look after distinguished visitors.

[Narrator]

Personally, Avadan does not know anything.

[Dr. Schect]

I doubt that, Dr. Schect.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

We will proceed now to the hall of correction.

[Dr. Schect]

You can't do this.

[Store Security Officer]

When the procurator.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Procurator will hear nothing until it is too late. The guided missiles will be fired tonight at 12. God, if they make a false move.

[Narrator]

Keep them covered.

[Store Security Officer]

Guard. Right.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Paula, can you scream?

[Paula Schect]

Will you?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

There, coming down the street. Imperial patrol.

[Paula Schect]

Oh, it's no use.

[Dr. Schect]

Do what I say.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Scream. Go ahead. Hold it. They're outsiders. You're right.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

That's the Imperial patrol all right.

[Narrator]

Earthy, what's going on here?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Good morning, Sergeant, sir.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Earthy, you don't understand.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

I'm Baucis, the Lord High Minister of Earth.

[Narrator]

Listen, Earthy, I don't care who you are. What's going on?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Yes, we. We've arrested these people.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

What charge?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Blasphemy.

[Narrator]

All right, get moving.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Thank you, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

What do you want, Earthy?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I'm a galactic citizen. I demand the right you.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

May we proceed, sir?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Listen, Sergeant, I have something more to say to you.

[Dr. Schect]

What?

[My Lord Ennis]

This.

[Narrator]

No Earthy is going to get away with this.

[Store Security Officer]

Yes, squad clerk.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

But Sergeant, I'm the Lord Minister of Earth.

[Narrator]

Tell them about it at the Imperial barracks. Now move, all of you, before I give you a shot of the whip.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I tell you I'm a citizen of the Empire.

[Narrator]

I can prove it.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

You'll get into a lot of trouble if you don't believe me.

[Narrator]

I'll admit no Earthy Wood dare spit in my face.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

It was the only way I could get to the garrison. I insist on seeing the officer of the day.

[Narrator]

I sent for him. You better have a good story.

[Store Security Officer]

Attention.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

That easy. Which one of you claims he's a citizen of the Empire? I am.

[Paula Schect]

Billard, the one from the store.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

You, eh? The smart louse that broke my arm. Well, well, well. I've got to see the colonel, Lieutenant. Now, Dr. Rapidan. I could hardly do that unless it's important. It is important. It's life and death for the galaxy.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Mm.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Come here. Closer. Oh, it's too bad. I've got to save you for the Colonel. What? He'll see you at 5:30.

[My Lord Ennis]

His orders.

[Narrator]

You.

[Store Security Officer]

You knew all along?

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Sure.

[My Lord Ennis]

Come on, Earthy lover.

[Narrator]

Afraid you're in serious trouble, Doctor. Avedan, the man you're accusing is the High Minister for Earth.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I know, but I have proof. Well, I can only speak to the procurator. You've got to contact him.

[Narrator]

There are channels, Dr. Avedan.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

We haven't time for channels. I have the details of the plot from Dr. Schect. You've got to let me speak to the procurator.

[Narrator]

I've already advised him of your arrest. He's flying in. You had better be able to prove what you say. If you don't, we'll have to hand you back to the native authorities. And their courts are notoriously savage.

[My Lord Ennis]

Well, Abadan, I've called you here with his Excellency, the High Minister for Earth.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

My lord, this man is behind the

[My Lord Ennis]

whole plot, is he?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

There's no time to lose.

[Store Security Officer]

I've explained to you about the virus.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

They're shooting off the guided missiles at 12. You've got to take action.

[My Lord Ennis]

Well, your Excellency, My lord, if this

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

man has any evidence.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

You admitted it this afternoon.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

You have no witness to that.

[Store Security Officer]

Ask Dr. Schect. He worked on the virus.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

I wouldn't say that Shecht lied, my lord. But he is a criminal wanted for evading the 60. And some men will invent any story to avoid death.

[Store Security Officer]

The deadline is midnight. You've got to bomb those temples where the launching sites are.

[Baucis, High Minister of Earth]

Perhaps I can explain. According to my information, Dr. Avedan seems to have succumbed to a certain Earth girl. The daughter of the unfortunate Dr. Sheck.

[My Lord Ennis]

Is this true, Aberdeen?

[Store Security Officer]

What has that got to do with it? There isn't any time you've got to do.

[My Lord Ennis]

Mr. Avedan. Are you in love with that girl? Yes, yes.

[Store Security Officer]

Will you listen?

[My Lord Ennis]

I don't think we need pursue this any further, your Excellency. I shall order you released with an apology.

[Store Security Officer]

No.

[My Lord Ennis]

Dr. Averdan. I can hardly believe a degenerate who fraternizes with Earth women.

[Store Security Officer]

You scum. You pot bellied scum.

[My Lord Ennis]

I warn you, Aberdeen, you're in trouble. Enough.

[Store Security Officer]

I'm in trouble?

[Narrator]

You fool.

[Store Security Officer]

You stupid, blind, bigoted fool. You're destroying the galaxy. You're murdering them all. But before I die, I'll have the pleasure of smashing your fat, oily face in roof. Get the whip.

[Paula Schect]

Belle. Are you all right?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Paula? What time is it?

[Paula Schect]

1:30 past the deadline. It's all over, Lord Aeneas. Release the High Minister with an apology.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Doesn't matter. The Empire can wipe Earth out. It won't save any lives. The virus must have been spread here too. Earthmen are immune, but outsiders.

[Paula Schect]

They are here and outsiders.

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

Yes. Oh, I am. We're paying, Paula. The rest of us paying for centuries of intolerance. Oh, Belle, look out there. Through the bars, the night sky pinpoints of light. Empire doomed.

[Paula Schect]

Oh, Bill, how do?

[Dr. Bel Avedan]

I was just thinking. I came to Earth to prove a theory that man started here. That once in prehistoric times, Earth was the only populated world of the galaxy. It's funny. Now it will be that way again. Man living only on Earth. He'll forget the science, the machinery of the empire. They'll forget the stars. There will be only Earth alone in the universe. A pebble in the sky.

[Narrator]

The children of tomorrow will play with toys. But what will those toys be like? An ordinary clerk in an ordinary job finds a terrifying answer to that question. Next week as Dimension X brings you child's play.

Dimension X is transcribed each week by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with street and Smith, publishers of the magazine Astounding Science Fiction. Today, Dimension X has presented pebble in the sky, dramatized for radio by Ernest Kanoy. Featured in the cast were Santa Sotega as Aberdon and Susan Douglas as Polar. Your host was Norman Rose. Music by Bert Berman. Dimension X is produced by William Welch and directed by Edward King.

This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

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