Short Science Fiction · Chapter
The Bryd explained
The Bryd, an ancient energy being, awakens inside the mind of Dale Stevenson, a physicist in charge of a sun-station orbiting Earth.
What happens
The Bryd, an ancient energy being, awakens inside the mind of Dale Stevenson, a physicist in charge of a sun-station orbiting Earth. It discovers that Dale, under the influence of a foreign agent's psyche-control, is about to use the station's mirror to burn a path across Paris. The Bryd investigates Dale's motivations, including his jealousy of Georges Raoul Dumont and his devotion to his incurably ill sister, Marillyn. It also observes Ann Wondra's love for Dale. To stop the attack, the Bryd implants knowledge of Marillyn's cure and Ann's love into Dale's mind, causing him to hesitate and contact the U.N. police. The Bryd then redirects the foreign fliers' atom bombs to their own cities and settles back into Dale's mind, hoping for a peaceful rest.
Themes in this chapter
Technology and Control
The sun-station, a marvel of technology, is used as a weapon of mass destruction, highlighting the dangers of advanced technology in the wrong hands.
Human Nature and Impulsiveness
The Bryd observes the instability and impulsiveness of humans, as seen in Dale's actions and the foreign agent's manipulation.
Ethics of Science
Dale's willingness to use his scientific knowledge for destructive purposes raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of scientists.
Characters to notice
- The Bryd
The ancient energy being who awakens in Dale Stevenson's mind and intervenes to prevent the attack on Paris.
- Dale Stevenson
The physicist in charge of sun-station No. 18, who is under psyche-control to burn Paris and is conflicted about his actions.
- Ann Wondra
A woman who loves Dale Stevenson and is depressed because she cannot have him.
- Marillyn Stevenson
Dale's sister, who is in a sanatorium with a progressive degeneration of brain-tissue and is resigned to her fate.
Key passages
“The Bryd was awakened with a rude jolt. It didn’t even have time for a mental yawn. Something terrible was going on in Dale Stevenson’s mind, and the turmoil there made the Bryd most uncomfortable.”
The Bryd is abruptly awakened by the intense mental distress of Dale Stevenson, which it finds very unsettling.
This establishes the Bryd's sensitivity to human emotions and its role as an observer.
“The Bryd sighed. These humans were so unstable, so impulsive.”
The Bryd expresses exasperation at the unpredictable and rash nature of human beings.
This highlights the theme of human nature and impulsiveness.
“The Bryd decided to have a look at Ann Wondra’s mind. And there it got somewhat startled, for Ann’s, which previously had been all warm and cozy as toast, was very low indeed.”
The Bryd checks Ann Wondra's mind and is surprised to find her feeling very sad, unlike her usual cheerful self.
This shows the Bryd's ability to perceive and understand human emotions.
“The Bryd mentally snorted. Who were they, to laugh at miracles? They thought they were pretty damn smart, didn’t they?”
The Bryd is contemptuous of the doctors' skepticism about miracles, believing they are overconfident in their knowledge.
This reveals the Bryd's own sense of superiority and its belief in possibilities beyond human understanding.
“The Bryd dusted off its hands and headed wearily for sun-station No. 18. It hoped for many restful years ahead with Dale and Ann.”
After resolving the crisis, the Bryd returns to Dale's mind, hoping for a long period of peace and quiet.
This concludes the chapter with the Bryd seeking a stable and comfortable host.
