
Dimension X - Pebble In The Sky - 06/17/1951
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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.
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Dr. Bel Avedan
Hey, everyone, Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Liberty Mutual Announcer
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Narrator
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
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Store Clerk
Liberty. Liberty.
Dr. Bel Avedan
Liberty.
Store Clerk
Liberty.
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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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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.
On Earth's Legacy and Prejudice
On Ritual and Life
On Scientific Irony
On Looming Catastrophe
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.
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.