X Minus One 55-05-15 004 Universe

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Universe" from X Minus One 55-05-15 004

Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: X Minus One 55-05-15 004 "Universe"
Source Material: Story by Robert Heinlein, adapted for radio by George Lefferts

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Overview

"Universe" is a gripping science fiction radio drama that explores themes of belief, rebellion, and the quest for purpose within the confines of a colossal spaceship. Set in a future where humanity resides on a massive, spherical ship traveling through space, the story delves into the tensions between established authority and emerging dissent among the ship's inhabitants.

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Main Plot

The narrative centers around Hugh Hoyland, a young scientist questioning the dogmatic beliefs instilled by the ship's founder, Jordan. Accompanied by his friend Alan Mahoney, Hugh embarks on a perilous journey to confront John the Witness, a custodian of the ship's foundational lore.

Upon reaching John the Witness's compartment, Hugh challenges the established narrative, leading to a confrontation that results in tragic consequences. An alarm is triggered, forcing Hugh and Alan to flee towards the ship's upper levels, where they encounter Gregory, a leader among the mutants—descendants of a mutiny against Jordan's rule.

Gregory reveals the hidden truths about the ship's origin and its eternal voyage, challenging Hugh's understanding of their existence. As tensions escalate, Hugh attempts to broker a truce between the humans and mutants to uncover the ship's true purpose. However, his efforts culminate in betrayal and violence, underscoring the deep-seated divisions aboard the ship.

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Characters and Their Interactions

• Hugh Hoyland: The protagonist, a cadet from the scientist barracks, driven by curiosity and skepticism about the ship's purpose.

• Alan Mahoney: Hugh's friend, who accompanies him on his quest for truth, ultimately becoming a victim of the ensuing conflict.

• John the Witness: The guardian of the ship's lore, embodying the rigid adherence to Jordan's original vision.

• Gregory: A mutant leader striving to reveal the ship's true nature and advocating for cooperation between humans and mutants.

• Commander Erst: The ship's captain, representing the authoritative forces resistant to change and skeptical of Hugh's revelations.

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Themes and Insights

1. Faith vs. Skepticism: The story juxtaposes unwavering belief in Jordan's vision against Hugh's investigative skepticism, highlighting the dangers of blind faith and the importance of questioning established norms.

2. Rebellion and Conformity: The mutants symbolize the suppressed dissent within society, emphasizing the consequences of repression and the inevitable rise of rebellion when freedom is curtailed.

3. Search for Purpose: The eternal voyage of the ship serves as a metaphor for humanity's quest for meaning, with characters striving to find or redefine their purpose amidst apparent stagnation.

4. Unity and Division: The strained relationship between humans and mutants underscores the potential for unity in diversity and the destructive nature of deep-seated prejudices.

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Notable Quotes

• Hugh Hoyland [03:06]: "This part of the ship is almost deserted."

• John the Witness [04:43]: "Still, some of them say the ship has no purpose. They say that we are here accidentally."

• Gregory [12:10]: "We'd rather live like free animals than like regimented slaves, as you do."

• Gregory [19:57]: "For centuries, we have swung in space, unmanned, undirected, living in a lost world of our own making."

• Hugh Hoyland [14:19]: "Well, the peasants believe it literally. But many of the younger scientists, like myself, know it is figurative and symbolic."

• Gregory [19:49]: "Many thousands of years ago, on a planet like those you have just seen. A planet called Earth."

• Hugh Hoyland [26:38]: "Why, you're mad."

• Hugh Hoyland [27:15]: "But I. I say to you that you can't keep this from our people."

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Conclusion

"Universe" masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue and existential questioning aboard a sprawling spaceship embodying humanity's aspirations and flaws. Through its rich characters and thought-provoking dialogue, the radio drama invites listeners to ponder the nature of belief, the cost of conformity, and the enduring human spirit's quest for purpose and truth.

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Additional Information

• Cast:

  • Donald Buca as Hugh Hoyland
  • Peter Capel as Gregory
  • Bill Griffith as Alan Mahoney
  • Abby Lewis as the Woman
  • Edgar Staley as John the Witness
  • Jason Johnson as the Uncle
  • John Seymour as the Captain
  • Ian Martin as the Lieutenant

• Production: Directed by Fred Way as a transcribed NBC Radio Network production.

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Stay tuned for more classic radio adventures with Harold's Old Time Radio!

Transcript

[Advocate for Tobacco Control]

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[Narrator]

Countdown FOR blast off. X minus 5, minus 4, minus 3, minus 2, X minus 1. Fire from the far horizons of the unknown. Come transcribed Tales of new dimensions in time and space face these are stories of the future. Adventures in which you'll live in a million could be years. On a thousand would be worlds. The National Broadcasting Company presents X minus one. Tonight Universe we are just beginning to discover how boundless our universe really is. And yet, as man reaches out to the stars, out toward infinity, ironically enough, he may be building himself a new kind of prison. What would it be like to live all your life in a world no larger, say, than a single gigantic rocket ship bound on an endless mercy? Hugh, look out. You all right?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Yes. Just missed me. What was it? A mutant with a slingshot, I think. Must have dashed down that passageway.

[Narrator]

Want to go after it?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Oh, we'd never catch it, Alan. Probably 12 decks above us by now.

[Narrator]

I didn't think they ever came down this far. Trolls usually get them before they reach this level.

[Hugh Hoyland]

They get more daring each generation. This one looked like a female.

[Narrator]

Male or female, it might have killed us. I told you this trip was pure foolishness. Climbing 24 deck levels to hear a crazy old man rave.

[Hugh Hoyland]

All right, Adam, we're almost there. Now, let me see. Compartment X15, level 24. This is the place.

[Narrator]

This area smells as if it hadn't been visited by a sanitation crew for generations.

[Hugh Hoyland]

This part of the ship is almost deserted.

[John the Witness]

Yes.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Is this the compartment of John the Witness?

[John the Witness]

Who are you?

[Hugh Hoyland]

My name is Hugh Hoyland, cadet from scientist barracks. This is my friend, Alan Mahoney.

[John the Witness]

What do you want of John the Witness?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Well, only to talk.

[John the Witness]

Are you a believer in Jordan?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Naturally.

[John the Witness]

I have heard that there are those among the younger scientists who doubt the.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Word of Jordan to doubt his death. We're not heretics.

[John the Witness]

Ah. Enter.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I've brought you a gift of tobacco grown on the richest level.

[John the Witness]

Oh, it smells good.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I assure you it's of the best.

[John the Witness]

Wait here. I'll get him.

[Narrator]

What a rat's nest. Shh. What the devil do you think he.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Can tell you, Alan? I'm not sure. I'm not sure. Well, Are you John the Witness?

[John the Witness]

I am.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Good evening to you. I'm Hugh Hoyland. This is my friend, Alan Mahoney.

[John the Witness]

What brings a gentleman of the scientist class to my humble compartment?

[Hugh Hoyland]

I've heard that you and your parents before you have been keepers of the legend of the ship since Jordan gave the word. I'm anxious to hear the word as Jordan spoke it.

[John the Witness]

Why?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Because our young scientists, well, among them, there have been some who talk against the word.

[John the Witness]

There are regulations against such heresy.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Still, some of them say the ship has no purpose. They say that we are here accidentally. That we have no more grace in Jordan's eyes than the most deformed mutant who dwells in the highest level of the ship.

[John the Witness]

What shall I say to you?

[Hugh Hoyland]

I wish to hear the word from the mouth of one who knows. In order that I may become more convinced.

[John the Witness]

Sit. You have a gift for the Witness.

[Hugh Hoyland]

The finest tobacco.

[John the Witness]

Good. I will dim the lights. Now pay close attention, for these are the words as my father's father's father gave them to his son's son's son. This is how the ship came into being. How our people were created. In the beginning, there was only Jordan thinking his lonely thoughts. Out of his thoughts came a vision. Out of the vision came a planning. And out of the planning came decision. Jordan's hand was lifted and the ship was born. Mile after mile of good compartments, tank after tank for golden corn, ladder and passage, door and locker, fit for the needs of the yet unborn. He looked on his work and found it pleasing meet for a race that was yet to be. He thought of man and man came into being. Then Jordan checked his thoughts and searched for a key. Man, untamed, would shame his maker. Man, unruled, would spoil the plan. So Jordan made the regulations and order came to the works of man. A crew he created to work at their stations. Scientists to guide the plan over them all. He created. K Captain made him judge of the race of man. Thus it was in the golden age.

[Hugh Hoyland]

These are the true words, as my.

[John the Witness]

Father'S father taught them.

[Hugh Hoyland]

But what of the strange beast like people on the upper levels of the ship? Surely Jordan did not create them.

[John the Witness]

Jordan is perfect. All below him lack perfection. You have heard of the legend of Huff?

[Hugh Hoyland]

I have heard that he mutinied against Jordan.

[John the Witness]

Darkness swallowed the ways of virtue. Sin Prevailed upon the ship. And before wisdom prevailed and the bodies of Huff and his followers were fed into the converter. Some of the rebels escaped and lived to father the mutants. They are tainted with the sins of their fathers.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Witness one more question.

[Narrator]

Speak.

[Hugh Hoyland]

What is the ship?

[John the Witness]

The ship is a great sphere, 25km wide and 100 levels deep.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I know that, but the Upper Levels.

[John the Witness]

Regulations forbid us to venture into the Upper Levels. But it is said that beyond the levels of the mutants lies the forbidden place where Jordan's spirit prevails.

[Hugh Hoyland]

So I've heard. Yet something troubles me. Something which prompted my coming here.

[John the Witness]

Yes, my son?

[Hugh Hoyland]

What lies beyond the ship? What? What lies beyond the ship?

[John the Witness]

This is heresy.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Answer me.

[John the Witness]

I will not permit such talk. The ship is complete. The ship is universal. The ship is everywhere. The ship is endless.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Your mutterings are those of a frightened old man. They answer nothing.

[John the Witness]

You question the words.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I think you lie.

[John the Witness]

Hear me, Mr. Hoyland. For what you have already said, I can have your body fed into the converter. Your soul launched on the endless trip.

[Hugh Hoyland]

You threaten me?

[Narrator]

You. For Jordan's sake.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Do you think I fear this dried fish of a man? You, sir.

[Narrator]

My friend is impetuous.

[Gregory]

He.

[Narrator]

He does not understand.

[John the Witness]

I might be persuaded to forget a substantial gift.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Why, you. Pierce.

[Narrator]

You.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Alan, come on. The sight of this so called holy man offends me.

[John the Witness]

No, you shall not leave.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Don't try to frighten me with that gun, old man.

[John the Witness]

Remain where you are, heretic.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I warn you. Put down that gun.

[Narrator]

No, no, no.

[John the Witness]

No closer.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Drop it.

[John the Witness]

Very well, then. Death to the heretic.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Alan. Get him. Alan. He's not breathing. Is he dead?

[Narrator]

I. I don't know. Come on, Hugh. We've got to get out of here.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Right.

[Narrator]

Nowhere. We can't go back. They'd feed us into the converter before we could even. What's that?

[Hugh Hoyland]

An alarm. That old woman must have turned it in. Come on, Alan. The patrol will be here in no time. Where can we go? Yes, where? Where? The upper levels.

[Narrator]

No, the mutants.

[Hugh Hoyland]

We'll have to take our chances. Come on, Alan, let's go. Listen. That's the patrol. Come on. We've got to climb.

[Narrator]

There's a hatchway down the corridor, like.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Quickly, Quickly. Off. Are we firing? Alan. Alan.

[John the Witness]

Up.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Ladder up. Come on, Alan. Come on.

[Narrator]

Wait, wait. How far away from the outside wall?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Judging by the slope of the deck, about two miles. Ellen, let's try this passageway here.

[Narrator]

If you hadn't asked him that stupid question.

[Hugh Hoyland]

How. There's no use going over that.

[Narrator]

But why did you do it?

[Hugh Hoyland]

I've been thinking about it for a long time. When he began to give me those stupid tight answers and I just saw red, I guess.

[Narrator]

Who are you to question the ways of Jordan? When you asked me to go with you to visit the Witness, I. I thought you wanted spiritual help. I never dreamed.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I'm sorry, Alan. I'm sorry. I couldn't foresee this. Wait.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute.

[Gregory]

What?

[Narrator]

I thought I saw something move.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Where?

[Narrator]

Near that bulkhead.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I don't see anything.

[Narrator]

Maybe my eyes are going bad.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Listen, you'll be Highness. Look out. What are you? That knife. Keep away from me. You. Who are you?

[Gregory]

You must forgive my friend Bobo. Like so many of my people, he's rather impetuous where members of the so called super race are concerned.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Who are you? What place is this?

[Gregory]

As you can guess from my leg, I'm a mutant.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Mutant? Where. Where is Alan?

[Gregory]

Your friend is dead.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Dead?

[Gregory]

I was not able to restrain my people in time to save him.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Why don't you destroy me and get it over with?

[Gregory]

We do not kill for pleasure, Mr. Harland. Only when necessary.

[Hugh Hoyland]

You know my name?

[Gregory]

I read your identification tag.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Who are your mutants? Can't read.

[Gregory]

My name is Gregory.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Gregory.

[Gregory]

I'm a leader of my people, you see. Although we are unfortunate in our heredity, Mr. Hoyland, many of us are quite intelligent.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Why do you live like animals?

[Gregory]

We'd rather live like free animals than like regimented slaves, as you do.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I've heard you practice cannibalism.

[Gregory]

Undoubtedly, you hear many things about us. You turn your head. Why that.

[Hugh Hoyland]

That monster. I've never seen a creature like him.

[Gregory]

Baubo is an unfortunate. He was born without the power of speech.

[Hugh Hoyland]

How can you tolerate such a monstrosity?

[Gregory]

We've learned to live with difference. If we began to destroy our imperfects as you do on the lower levels, there would soon be no one left.

[Hugh Hoyland]

It violates the regulations. The word of Jordan, State of Ireland.

[Gregory]

Your people are really quite primitive and barbaric.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Who dare say that to me?

[Gregory]

I dare say a good deal more. Let us go to my compartment and speak further. I'm always interested in information on the lower levels.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I'll give you no information.

[Gregory]

Bobo. Mr. Hland. In my cabin.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Please don't.

[Gregory]

I would advise you to go quietly, Mr. Harland. Bobo has a hatred of superior beings, which is unfortunate, but quite understandable. Proceed. Enter, Mr. Harland.

[Hugh Hoyland]

This is where you live?

[Gregory]

Yes. But you have books stolen from your libraries, Mr. Harland.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Compton's astrophysics, Philosophy of Interstellar Navigation. Celestial mechanic. You've read these?

[Gregory]

Most of them.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I had no idea that you. Why did you bring me here? What do you intend to do?

[Gregory]

Do you believe in Jordan, Mr. Holland?

[Hugh Hoyland]

There is no other belief.

[Gregory]

And the trip? I suppose you believe in the trip too?

[Hugh Hoyland]

What else is there to believe? When you die, your remains are fed to the converter and your soul makes the trip.

[Gregory]

And where does the trip take you?

[Hugh Hoyland]

To Centaurus, of course.

[Gregory]

Ah. And where, or what is Centaurus?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Centaurus is, mind you. I'm just telling you the orthodox answer. Centaurus is where you arrive when you've made the trip. A place where everybody is happy and where there's always good eating.

[Gregory]

And you believe this?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Well, the peasants believe it literally. But many of the younger scientists, like myself, know it is figurative and symbolic. Why do you ask?

[Gregory]

Did it ever occur to you, Mr. Hoyland, that the trip is exactly what your peasants believe it is?

[Hugh Hoyland]

What?

[Gregory]

And that the ship and all the crew were actually going somewhere? Moving.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Ship can't go anywhere. It already is everywhere.

[Gregory]

Imagine a place bigger than the ship.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Much bigger.

[Gregory]

With a ship inside it. Moving. Inside it.

[Hugh Hoyland]

There can't be any place bigger than the ship. There just wouldn't be any place for it to be.

[Gregory]

Oh, for half sake.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Listen.

[Gregory]

You know the lowest level?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Of course.

[Gregory]

If you started digging a hole in the lowest level, where would that hole go?

[Hugh Hoyland]

It's forbidden to think such thoughts.

[Gregory]

Where would it go?

[Hugh Hoyland]

I can't. Think about it, Bubble.

[Gregory]

Going to take Mr. Hoyland to the place?

[Hugh Hoyland]

No. Where? Where are we going?

[Gregory]

To the top level.

[Hugh Hoyland]

That's certain death.

[Gregory]

Nonsense. I've been there a thousand times long.

[Hugh Hoyland]

No, I won't. I won't. You can't make me.

[Gregory]

I think we can.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Please.

[Gregory]

Now, shall we proceed peacefully or shall I have Bobo persuade? Open the door, Bobo. Inside.

[Hugh Hoyland]

No. What place is this?

[Gregory]

This, Mr. Hoyland, is the main control room. Mr. Hoyland, you're trembling.

[Hugh Hoyland]

It isn't true. No. There's no such place, except in mythology.

[Gregory]

Ah, you younger men are so wise, Mr. Hoyland. Except for one thing. This happens to be the main control room of the ship.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Main control? But it's just a huge room with an instrument panel.

[Gregory]

And what did you expect?

[Hugh Hoyland]

How do you know this is the main control room?

[Gregory]

See these instruments? Using them, the navigator, many hundreds of years ago, actually steered the ship on its voyage.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I don't understand.

[Gregory]

And suppose you would. Sit down.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Very well.

[Gregory]

Look up. What do you see?

[Hugh Hoyland]

A huge shield.

[Gregory]

Watch it for one moment, Mr. Hoyland. You're going to see something that few of us have ever been privileged to witness.

[Hugh Hoyland]

What are you doing?

[Gregory]

I'm dimming the lights. Don't be frightened. Keep your eyes focused on the shield above us. Ready? Watch.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Sliding back.

[Advocate for Tobacco Control]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to add. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, we interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms Flyer. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com or.

[Narrator]

Oh. Fierce.

[Advocate for Tobacco Control]

This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Gregory]

Wayfair.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Every style. Every home. Coast of Jordan.

[Narrator]

Well.

[Hugh Hoyland]

What am I seeing?

[Gregory]

The universe, Mr. Hoyland. The universe in all its beauty. The stars, the planets, the suns and moons and constellations.

[Hugh Hoyland]

No. No, it can't be. The ship is the universe. There is nothing but the ship.

[Gregory]

Ah, but there it is. You see it before your eyes. Spread out like a canopy of glory. Do you still deny it? Answer me, Mr. Hoyland. Do you deny it?

[Hugh Hoyland]

No. No, I can't deny it. They've lied. They lied to all of us.

[Gregory]

Good. I have showed this to others of your people whom we captured. And though they saw it before their very eyes, they would not believe it.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Please, please, tell me all about it. Tell me the truth about the ship and about the universe. What are these things? How did this come about?

[Gregory]

Many thousands of years ago, on a planet like those you have just seen. A planet called Earth. A scientist named Jordan decided to build a ship that would carry men from one planet to another. For many years, Jordan and thousands of others studied and planned. And when they were finished, they built the ship. A ship so large that it had to be assembled in its own orbit, beyond a place called the moon. 60 years it took them to construct. And when it was finished, a whole new science had been conceived. Then the trip was begun. The trip that was to land a colony of Earthmen on a far off planet called Centaurus, millions of light years beyond the furthest planet ever reached before.

[Hugh Hoyland]

How do you know these things?

[Gregory]

Among my books are the log which Jordan himself kept and the records of the journey for the first 40 years.

[Hugh Hoyland]

What happened?

[Gregory]

There was a mutiny. A man named Hath led a rebellion of those who wanted to turn back. In the struggle, the navigators were killed. The crew fell into a state of anarchy. In the years to follow, small groups of men tried to organize the ship for navigation, and each time they failed. Finally, the whole idea was abandoned. And so, for centuries, we have swung in space, unmanned, undirected, living in a lost world of our own making. Without purpose, without direction.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Why have you told me this?

[Gregory]

Can't you guess?

[Hugh Hoyland]

You want to finish the trip.

[Gregory]

Yes. But I can't.

[Hugh Hoyland]

You can't?

[Gregory]

Look at me, Mr. Hoyland. You see a mutant, a man with a twisted leg. My people are outcasts, condemned to death if we so much as set foot in the lower levels of the ship. The main drive is in the lower levels, where my people are forbidden to go. No. It would mean that both our people would have to work together. Our differences encouraged rather than denying. All right.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I'll see the captain himself. I have an uncle on the central board. I'll tell him what I've seen here.

[Gregory]

And do you think he'll believe you?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Send one of your people with me.

[Gregory]

That's asking a good deal.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I'm risking a good deal by going back.

[Gregory]

Very well. Bobo will go with you.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Bobo?

[Gregory]

He can't talk. There will be no need for talking. I will write a message guaranteeing safe conduct for a group of unarmed scientists to visit the main control room. Bobo will take you safely through our territory. What happens when you reach your own level is up to you.

[John the Witness]

One Marlin.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Hugh Hoyland]

What?

[Narrator]

You.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Quick, uncle, let us in. But this is. This mutant. He's harmless. Please, uncle, please.

[Narrator]

Now, what is this you want it for?

[Hugh Hoyland]

I know all about that. Uncle, Listen. I must see the captain.

[Narrator]

The captain?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Are you mad? Uncle, you're a council member. You can get me to see him.

[Narrator]

He'll kill you. You're one of the.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Harrison. I don't care. I must speak with the captain. Now. Uncle, you're close to him. You can arrange it. I don't understand. Listen to me. The ship is moving. I can prove it. Do you understand? There is a purpose in the ship. I don't understand what you're babbling about now. Never Mind. Just talk to the captain. Tell him I have information of tremendous importance. Tell him I've arranged a truce with the mutants. Truce? Here. Show him this paper signed by their leader. Do it, uncle, for my sake. I don't know what to do. Uncle, please. If I'm to die, let this be my last request to you. Very well. I'll speak to the captain.

[Narrator]

And you say, Mr. Hoyland, that you saw this with your own eyes.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I swear it, Captain. I swear it on the word of Jordan. Hmm.

[Narrator]

Let me see the paper again. Commander Erst, what do you think? I don't know, sir. It might be a trick.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I guarantee you safe conduct.

[Narrator]

If these things are as Mr. Hoyland reports them. It would pay to risk a few lives. A man is a convicted heretic. Still, we must not discount his word. He has a safe conduct. And the mutant risked its life coming with him.

[Hugh Hoyland]

I think we might investigate, Captain. You mean you will do it?

[Narrator]

I will have an expedition outfitted. Dismissed, Mr. Hoyland.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Thank you, sir.

[Narrator]

Captain. Commander. Sir. You will make the necessary arrangements for an expedition. And I trust you understand. Perfectly, Sir. Perfectly.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Lieutenant. Mr. Haram, you better hurt your men here. This is the spot.

[Narrator]

Atoll. Well, I see no welcoming party of mutants.

[Hugh Hoyland]

There'll be none. Their leader will meet you inside the main control room.

[Narrator]

You don't say. Just where is this main control room?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Beyond that door.

[Narrator]

I see. All right, man. Ready arms.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Lieutenant, why do you. Ready arms?

[Narrator]

In case of ambush.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Ambush? Wait a minute, Lieutenant. What are those men doing with that ray gun?

[Narrator]

Just aiming it at the door.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Are you mad?

[Narrator]

No, Mr. Hoyland, but most certainly you are. To think that we could be lured up here to be slaughtered with a fantastic story about some mythical control room. Guns ready, sir.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Tenant, I warn you, these people have acted in good faith. You can't break that faith.

[Narrator]

Oh, Mutant out.

[Hugh Hoyland]

For Jordan's sake. Lieutenant.

[Narrator]

A little too quiet for comfort. Mutant, open the door.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Please, Jordan, don't let anything happen. Don't let.

[Narrator]

It's opening. Ready, men? Someone's coming out. Steady.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Gregory Stiver.

[John the Witness]

You fools.

[Hugh Hoyland]

You've killed him.

[Narrator]

Here come the rest of them. Fire.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Fool.

[Narrator]

That should teach him a lesson they won't forget. All right, men, Inside the room. Hello, Harland. You're under arrest with a conspirator in this ambush.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Ambush? You fool. You blind, stupid fool.

[Narrator]

All right, that'll be on now. You've been inside this place before?

[Hugh Hoyland]

Yes.

[Narrator]

What's this machinery?

[Hugh Hoyland]

These are the controls he would have used to steer the ship.

[Narrator]

Gone out of his Mind, Lieutenant, steer the ship. Who?

[Hugh Hoyland]

The leader. The one you killed.

[Narrator]

This ugly mutant.

[Hugh Hoyland]

This ugly mutant happened to be a man of true genius.

[Narrator]

Why, you're mad.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Am I? Lieutenant, this man had a vision which would have saved you. But you chose to kill him because you couldn't stand the sight of his difference from you.

[Narrator]

Shut up, pilot. Don't listen to him, man.

[Hugh Hoyland]

You can't shut your eyes and you can't shut your minds and you can't shut your ears to this. Rufe smoothie match. Yes. Look. Let the vision of this confound your ignorance and blind your eyes. This is the heritage of stars and open skies for which men have yearned for centuries. Try to destroy this and you will only destroy yourselves. Death to the heritage.

[Narrator]

Dying.

[Hugh Hoyland]

But I. I say to you that you can't keep this from our people. They will seek it out. The ship will be manned and the ship will be steered. And there will be freedom, purpose and respect for ourselves. This is your heritage.

[John the Witness]

Look.

[Hugh Hoyland]

Look upon the Univers.

[Narrator]

X minus 1 has just brought you. Universe A story written by Robert Heinlein and adapted for radio by George Lefferts. Heard in the cast were Donald Buca as Hugh, Peter Capel as Gregory, Bill Griffith as Alan, Abby Lewis as the woman, Edgar Staley as the Witness, Jason Johnson as the Uncle, John Seymour as the Captain and Ian Martin as the lieutenant. Your announcer is Fred Collins. X minus one is directed by Fred Way and is a transcribed NBC Radio Network production. And now, next week. Next week we have a strange story to tell. A sweet, blood curdling little story that is really only two sentences long. The last man on earth sat alone in a room and then there was a knock on the door. What knocked on that door? You'll find out next week on act minus one. When you buy United States Savings Bonds, you help to build your own future security. Here's an opportunity to save systematically for long range personal objectives. So invest in United States Savings Bonds. Now follow the Abbotts to mystery and adventure. Over most NBC radio stations, use of.

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[Narrator]

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