Inverse World

The Inverse World
Undertaking-
It was 1955. Ten years after World War 2, life was usually
quiet.
Ray came out of the manager's office feeling rather
depressed, for he had been told that Electrical Products Ltd.
no longer required his services. For the last two years he
had been employed by the company as a research physicist. To
be discharged just now was so discouraging, for his work was
beginning to produce startling results.

However, he knew that the firm was in a serious financial
position, and would soon have to close down the research
section entirely, reduce office staff to a minimum, and
concentrate exclusively on production. Inwardly he knew that
even this would be futile, and that Electrical Products Ltd
would soon face bankruptcy.

The reason was clear to all. A new firm, which had been in
the trade for only a year, was selling radio and television
sets to all at little over the cost of the materials, and was
beginning to manufacture scientific equipment. All over
England companies had been driven from the market, and anyone
doing specialised work in the trade, had endeavoured to switch
to another branch of industry months ago. Perhaps it was
because Ray had been so immersed in his work, that he had not
done the same.

He retraced his steps to his workshop-laboratory to tell
Anne, his assistant, of his misfortune. As he entered, Anne
looked up from the technical journal she was reading . It was
the columns of "Situations Vacant," which engaged her
attention, he noticed.
"I've been fired," he said. "This means the end of our
partnership. I don't know where I shall look for another
appointment."
"I am sorry to hear it," Anne sympathised, "but don't be too
despondent. Associated Electronics are advertising in this
journal."
"Are they indeed?" exclaimed Ray in surprise, for it was
well-known that Associated Electronics employed very few
workers. So few indeed, that their feats of production
appeared impossible. Many of Ray's colleagues had attempted
to gain employment with them in the past few months, as well
as hundreds of factory-workers, clerks, salesmen and
executives, who had been displaced from his present firm.
Very few had been successful, and it was certain that few of
those dismissed by other rival concerns had been absorbed by
the mysterious new company.

Ray took the paper from Anne and glanced at the short
advertisement.
"Associated Electronics Ltd. require qualified physicist
with research experience. The successful applicant will be
free to undertake pure research, results of practical
importance to production being entirely incidental.
"Electrical engineer for production problems concerned with
manufacture of highly specialised electronic equipment also
required."
"For both appointments, only persons of exceptional ability
will be considered."
"The first appointment seems ideal for me," Ray commented.
"I want nothing more than to continue with the work I am
doing, and it appears that this prosperous new firm could
finance such an undertaking. I'll certainly apply, but feel I
don't stand a chance of convincing them that I'm an
'exceptional man'. There must be hundreds of others trying to
do the same."
"You are exceptional, Ray," said Anne, "and I'm not just
flattering you. Your past two years' work, culminating in
last week's experiments is proof of it."
"But that's not the culmination; it's only the beginning,"
replied Ray. "I suppose Electrical Products will expect you
to carry on with my work, and give them a full explanation of
last week's experiments."
"I couldn't do that," said Anne. "Anyway I'm going to leave
when you do, for I couldn't stay here without you."
"You're certainly a loyal assistant, and if I can help you
in any way, you know that I will," said Ray. "Well, I must go
now, but I'd like a further talk with you. Will you come out
with me to-night?"
"Of course I will," smiled Anne.

On his way out, Ray stopped to inform his friend Peter, an
electrical engineer, of his dismissal. Peter was sympathetic
and seemed interested in the advertisement of Associated
Electronics for an electrical engineer.

Having taken his leave, Ray walked the short distance back
to his lodgings, where he immediately wrote and posted his
application to Associated Electronics Ltd. Then he waited
impatiently for half-past six when he was to call for Anne at
her nearby lodgings.

Meanwhile Anne had handed in her resignation to the managing
director of Electrical Products Ltd., which he accepted
calmly. "I am sorry to see you and Mr. Thompson go," he had
said, "and in normal circumstances it would not have happened.
But our sales have dropped to almost nothing, because
Associated Electronics is able to halve our prices. Unless
their workers work without wages, and that is a fantastic
idea, I can't see how they do it. I think there should be an
official investigation, but that is beyond our power. As
things are, this firm will shortly collapse. I'm telling you
this in confidence."

"May Mr. Thompson and I leave at once?" Anne asked.
"If you wish," replied the manager. He shook hands with
her, saying, "Good-bye, Miss Rayner, and I wish you luck
wherever you may go. If, by some miracle, our prospects
should brighten, you may be assured that we would reinstate
both you and Mr. Thompson."

Anne thanked him and departed, wondering, in some surprise,
that the subject of Ray's recent research had not been
mentioned. Undoubtedly the manager had serious worries at the
present time, but if he had known what had occurred in Ray's
laboratory in the previous week, he would have been amazed.

Anne was waiting, when Ray's battered old Ford drew up
outside her gate, and hurried down to him. As Ray drove
through the congested London streets into town, she told him
about her interview with the manager.
"So they've got no further interest in my work," said Ray.
"Well, I'll go in to-morrow to collect some of my notes, and
pack up for good. I am determined to get taken on at
Associated Electronics, and clear up the mystery concerning
them. Because I feel there's something far more serious
happening than we imagine. But let's forget our troubles and
have a pleasant evening."
And so they did. After a meal at a quiet restaurant in
Chelsea, they saw a new Italian film.
Anne had had several evenings out with Ray during the two
years she had been working for him, but Ray had never guessed
that she was in love with him.
"I suppose it's futile to hope that he would care for me,"
she thought, "but I could not bear to lose contact with him.
How I hope that I will be able to accompany him in his new
venture."
--------------
A few days later, Ray was driving into the East Anglian
village of Bextree, just beyond which lay the factory of
Associated Electronics where he had been asked to attend an
interview. There was nothing particularly impressive about
the exterior. Just a large, modern factory, that was all. It
was the centre of much activity; lorries appeared to be
arriving and departing incessantly.
Once inside, he was quickly shown to the office of one who
called himself the Director. After a short wait in a small
ante-room, he was ushered into the presence of a tall, dark
man, extremely thin, with cold blue eyes. The Director looked
a foreigner, but when he spoke, his voice had no trace of an
accent.
"Sit down, Mr. Thompson," he invited. "We are very
interested in you. Can you give me details of the work you
have been doing, during the past two years."
"I can give you an outline," replied Ray guardedly. "As you
know, an electric current is a flow of electrons along a
conductor. Well, I've produced a current of positrons or
positive electrons, particles which normally exist only
transiently."
A look of interest came over the Director's face, as Ray
went on to describe his work.
When Ray had almost finished, he interrupted and without
asking any further questions, he said, "We can offer you a
position here, salary &;#339;20,000 per year, accommodation
provided, and you may order, within reason, any equipment you
need. Will you accept it?"
"Yes," answered Ray. "I am pleased to accept your offer."
Outwardly he was delighted. The terms were far more
generous than he dared to expect. And yet, he had vague
misgivings. He looked about him, at the Director at his desk,
at the back of which was an assortment of switches, dials and
indicators, and above it, on the wall, a television screen.
He looked at the pale green walls, the brilliant white
ceiling, the one small window made of frosted glass and the
door without a handle through which he had come. Until now,
he had not noticed how closely it fitted into the wall, with
no visible means of opening. There was another similar door in
the wall opposite.
Apart from all this, the room was soulless. In most
offices, however efficiently ordered, there is some overspill
of their occupant's personality; a disordered in-tray, family
photographs, a picture on the wall, or simply the opulence of
a lush carpet. But here there was no humanity, only an
indefinable alienism.
"At least," Ray thought, "the instruments here could be
quite normal in a firm of electronic engineers," and he tried
to brush his intangible fears from his mind, as he spoke again
to the Director.
"There is something else I wanted to tell you. The current
of positrons was passed along a copper wire. In a few seconds
it had shattered with the emission of gamma rays. The whole
experiment was conducted in a vacuum, and the apparatus
weighed before and afterwards. Every time I was successful in
producing a current of positrons, there was a considerable
loss in weight. This loss was far too large to be accounted
for by radiation escaping from the apparatus. Some of the
copper wire had disappeared and it had not been converted into
energy. That has always been regarded as an impossibility. I
cannot understand what I have done."
An enigmatic smile flittered over the Director's face. "I
think I can help you there," he said. "Let me have some small
article of yours."
Ray handed him a handkerchief, which he placed in a small
glass box on the back of his desk, closing the lid. The lid
contained an electrical element, and was attached by a wire to
a plug on the wall. As the Director depressed a button, the
handkerchief became illuminated in an iridescent circle of
light. Ray was astounded to see it gradually disappear.
The light was turned off, and the Director said, "You may
open the box and see that it contains nothing. I can assure
you that it was not just a conjuring trick."
When Ray had examined the box, he said, "How is this
possible?"
"By your current of positrons," answered the Director. One
day I will show you how, but not now. Would you like your
handkerchief back?"
"Can you do that also?" gasped Ray.
The Director pressed another button, and there was a circle
of light where the handkerchief had been, light of a curious
quality. of ever-changing shades of blue and violet. Slowly
the handkerchief reappeared.
Then the Director handed it back to Ray, saying, "I shall
expect you to be here at nine o'clock next Monday."
"I'll be here," answered Ray. "but I have an assistant who
is out of work. Do you think it would be possible to give her
a situation here too? She is a qualified physicist, and has
assisted me in all my work."
"If she is helpful to you, bring her along with you on
Monday, when I shall interview her. But you can assure her
that a job is available."
"Thank-you, sir," said Ray. "That is very considerate of
you."
The door through which he had entered silently slid open,
and the Director said, "Now I have much work to do. Will you
see my secretary to arrange details."
Ray was still very bewildered when he found himself outside
talking to his secretary.
-----------
The drive back to town was slow and difficult, as thick fog
enveloped the country. It was midnight before Ray reached his
flat, tired out.
Next morning, Ray went to see Anne.
"We start work at Associated Electronics on Monday," he told
her.
"We?" queried Anne.
"I told them about you, and they've offered you a position
also."
"Without even seeing me?" said Anne in surprise.
"Apparently, they trusted my judgement. But you're willing
to come, aren't you?"
"Yes, indeed, I am," she replied.
Ray thought he noticed unusual eagerness in her voice.
"We're going to drive down on Saturday, and move into our
new apartments," he said. "Apparently they have excellent
accommodation there for single persons. However, with the
salary they'll be paying me, I'll soon be able to afford
something better. In about a year's time, I think."
Then, in stumbling words, he asked her to marry him.
Anne was astonished. "But Ray, in the two years I've known
you, you've never given me any indication that you regarded me
as anything but a colleague. We've been out together
occasionally, but you've never even kissed me. Do you really
love me?"
"Of course I do. I've been thinking about it for months."
"Then, you must let me think about it for two days," said
Anne.
"Today's Wednesday. Then you'll let me know on Friday,
before we go to Associated Electronics. Meanwhile, would you
like to come out to a few shows in London during the next
three days? Once we have started work, it will be unlikely
that we will visit London for some time."
Anne knew that only too well. Once Ray was absorbed in his
work nothing would drag him away. Nevertheless, she declined
his invitation, saying that she wished to think quietly about
his offer of marriage.
Before Ray left, he took her in his arms, and kissed her, it
seemed, without passion.
Anne knew very well what her answer would be, but did not
wish to seem too eager. For two years, this had been what she
had been waiting for, the reason why she had given up going
out with other young men. In fact, she thought, she might
have been waiting all her life. But she was lucky, being now
twenty-six and Ray thirty-four.
During the next two days, which rapidly passed, Anne packed
and prepared to leave. On Friday evening she saw Ray, and
told him that her answer was "Yes", and they had a wonderful
evening celebrating their engagement.
"There is one rule that we must keep to, and that is never
to discuss it during business hours," remarked Ray during the
course of the evening. "In fact it would be advisable if,
after a time, you work independently of me."
"Yes, that would be better for both of us now," agreed Anne.
Viewing
Next day, Saturday, which was cold and wet, they packed
their luggage into Ray's car and drove out of London. When
they reached Associated Electronics, they were shown to a
hostel standing in the grounds of the factory, some distance
behind the main factory buildings. About ten other scientific
workers were accommodated there.
Ray and Anne spent a very quiet week-end at the hostel and
found it very comfortable. The food and attendance were
excellent, all the residents taking their meals in a pleasant
dining-room. Girls from the village had been hired as maids
and waitresses, but the cook was professional. Radio and
television were provided in each room, as well as in the
lounge.
Much as Ray appreciated this consideration for their
comfort, he remarked to one of his future colleagues that he
would soon be looking for lodgings in the village.
"I like to have independence, and to get away from the
surroundings of work in what little free time I shall have,"
he said.
"I shouldn't think of doing that if I were you," said the
other man, his neighbour at the Sunday evening meal.
"Is there any reason against it, then?" inquired Ray.
"The Director insists that all his personnel occupy quarters
provided by the company."
The speaker was a grey-haired man of about fifty, who had
previously been introduced as Mr. Stokes, an electronic
engineer.
"Did you notice those modern blocks of flats within the
factory grounds? Those are for the ordinary workers who are
married, some with children. In fact, there is a children's
playground and nursery provided, even though married women are
never employed here. It's somewhere for the mothers to leave
their children while they are out shopping. Naturally,
Associated Electronics' workers are very glad to have such
excellent living accommodation. There is another hostel for
single male workers, and a third for office staff."
"And has every home a television screen?" asked Ray.
"Yes, that's a present from the company. And radio too.
You will find that there are many advantages to be gained from
working for Associated Electronics."
Ray said nothing, but wondered if those television screens
were used for purposes other than entertainment.
"What is the real name of the one who calls himself the
Director?" he asked Mr. Stokes.
"That no-one knows," was the reply.
All this was causing Ray a degree of uneasiness. He
wondered if he had been right in bringing Anne here. He had
already decided that if he discovered anything unethical about
the way the business was run he would leave at once; but first
he had to have clear proof. If everything turned out to be
above board, and his fears groundless, then it would be a
first-class opportunity to continue his career.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice, relayed over the
building by a loudspeaker.
"Will you please turn to Channel X for an announcement by
the Director," it said.
The ordinary programme was promptly switched off, and the
features of the Director appeared on the screen.
"We are commencing a session of work in Section X, at eleven
o'clock on Monday morning," he announced. "Will all personnel
come suitably prepared. Would Mr. Thompson and Miss Rayner
kindly report to my office at nine o'clock for instructions."
With that he faded from the screen, and the ordinary
programme was resumed.
"I call that an intrusion on our privacy. Does it often
happen?" asked Ray.
Mr. Stokes smiled. "It is the small price we have to pay
for our entertainment."
"But it intrudes into every home. Even the children would
be able to see him."
"They would not understand."
"But I am not going to stand for it. Tomorrow evening I
shall look for accommodation in the village."
"But you can't do that. It is forbidden."
"What do you mean? Is this a prison?"
By now Ray was aroused and threw caution to the winds.
"Now calm down," said Mr. Stokes. "You will soon get used
to it here, and understand why things are arranged as they
are."
"Tomorrow evening I am going to move out of here. I don't
intend to have my life arranged for me."
"You will find that tomorrow evening is a very long time
coming," continued Mr. Stokes. "By that time you will have
changed your mind about moving. Now if you are sensible
you'll realise that the Director only spoke to give us an
advance indication that some extra work would be required of
us tomorrow. It doesn't usually happen more than once a week.
You will find that you'll have plenty of spare time, and you
are quite free to do what you like with it. A trip to London
- anything. Surely that cannot be regarded as an intrusion
upon your liberty?"
"I suppose I was too hasty," Ray replied. "I'll see how I
get on here."
He regretted his show of anger, though inwardly he was still
disturbed. Late that evening he took a solitary walk into the
village to make a phone call to his friend, Peter Forbes.
Next day, a cold grey Monday morning, Ray and Anne walked
over from their hostel to the main factory building. Its most
striking feature was that it appeared to be divided into two
halves. Lorries were busily being loaded and unloaded,
alongside the right-hand side, where the main gates were
situated. There were many entrances and exits, and it was the
site of much activity. In contrast to this, the left-hand
side of the factory was quiet; there appeared to be no
external exit from it; and its lower windows of frosted glass
were barred.
Without further hesitation they went to the Director's
office, where they were immediately received. His secretary
operated the sliding doors for them, which immediately closed
after they had entered. Ray turned and put his hand upon the
door, in an effort to open it, but this was impossible.
"Good morning, sir," said Ray to the Director, who was
seated at his desk. "This is Miss Rayner."
The Director beckoned them to be seated, and asked Anne a
few routine questions.
"I am quite satisfied that you are suitable for employment
here, and hope that you will be happy with us," he concluded.
He then enquired whether they had found their accommodation
comfortable, to which Ray replied in the affirmative. Ray
resolved to make no complaint, not wishing to put the Director
on his guard, before he had found out more about Associated
Electronics.
"I have much to explain to you in the next two hours, so
listen carefully," continued the Director. "Your laboratory
is beyond that door. We will talk in there."
The green door on the other side of his office was opening,
and the trio walked through into the most expensively equipped
laboratory Ray had yet seen. Its ceiling was almost covered
by what appeared to be neon lighting tubes, and there were
some on the walls and benches.
"Why are there so many neon lights in here?" asked Ray.
"Most of those are not neon tubes, but what we call positron
converters," said the Director. "But please do not ask any
questions until I have finished my explanations. Much will
then be clear.
"As you know, in this ordinary world, matter is composed of
protons with positive charge, neutrons with no charge, and
electrons with negative charge. However, a world can easily
be imagined where matter is inverse, consisting of protons
with negative charge or anti-protons as they are called, anti-
neutrons with no charge, and positrons, which are electrons
with positive charge. In ordinary experience these anti-
protons and positrons are extremely short-lived. But the
surprising thing which I have discovered is that this inverse
matter is quite stable in another world, this other world
being not in another part of space but in another sequence of
time. I have been able to make and stabilise inverse matter.
When this is done, it automatically passes into the other time
sequence.
"That is the secret of the phenomenal production of this
factory. Most of our work is done in another time, where six
months occupies but a second of our time. When our work is
done, we return to our time at the point at which we left it."

"So that is your secret," gasped Ray. "It seems
incredible."
"All this part of the factory," continued the Director,
"which is called Section X, is irradiated with positron
converters, and everything in it, and all its occupants, are
transferred to the Inverse World. All the atoms of which it
consists have their internal electrical charges reorientated.
When we wish to return, the electron converters are switched
on, and we are brought safely back. However, no observer from
outside would see this part of the factory disappear, for it
would not have been absent for even one second of ordinary
time. When I started my experiments, I used mice and
irradiated them with a positron converter. When I tried to
bring them back, they were often dead, and sometimes I failed
to recover them. As time went on, my efforts were more
successful, and a man volunteered to be converted. The
experiment was successful. He was alive and well when he came
back, but unfortunately unable to report anything. I had left
him half an hour before using the electron converter; he said
he had not been away for a second; that half hour was
completely lost to him.
"Then I decided to go myself, but instead of leaving someone
behind to operate the electron converter, I took an electron
converter with me, hoping to be able to operate it from
wherever I found myself. Thus I discovered the Inverse World.
I was alone; it was night, but the familiar moon and stars
were shining, and the electron converter lay at my feet. The
room where I had conducted the experiment had disappeared, and
I was out in the open. On that first occasion, I did not wait
long to do any exploration. I switched on the electron
converter (by the way, it was running from a powerful battery)
and stepped into the patch of light which it cast upon the
ground ahead. Within a moment I was back in the room which I
had apparently left a few minutes before. There was a patch
of soil on the floor, but the electron converter had
disappeared.
"All the people watching thought the experiment a complete
failure. They said that I had not left the room, but had
instantaneously moved a few feet ahead of where I had been
standing. Then I realised that a few minutes (or maybe a much
longer period in the place where I had been) occupied only a
few seconds of our time. Conversely, an operation conducted
entirely in our time, as the previous experiments had been,
took not a second in this other time sequence. That was the
reason the other man had not been able to tell me anything of
his experiences.
Ray asked, "Why did you remember your experience, but the
other man did not?"
The Director said, "Perhaps I have special powers. But it
is possible to remember if one takes something back. In my
case it was a patch of soil. It could be a set of meticulous
notes of everything that happened. The first man to enter the
Inverse World recorded nothing. Therefore he remembered
nothing.
"But the important thing is that I have built a complete
factory in the other time zone. Many more tests were
necessary before I was able to run this factory as I do today.
At present, all work taking any length of time is done in
Section X. The only things done in normal time, which slows
us down, are of course, deliveries, the work of the salesmen
and bringing in our supplies. Thus, a year's work may be done
in a fortnight, and the men, although very well-paid, have
received only a fortnight's wages.
"Now you can understand why this company is prosperous. We
are going to expand into different lines of business. In
fact, one day all the industry of this country will be
controlled by us. We can even manufacture positron and
electron converters while in the Inverse World, and are
building up a considerable stock of them, for use in our
factories, which will spring up all over England.
The Director paused a moment.
"You have made a wonderful discovery," said Ray, "but don't
you think that it would be of more use to industry if you were
to sell positron and electron converters to other firms? You
would make an enormous profit in a very short time, if you
were to concentrate on that alone."
"later, perhaps, that will come," said the Director. "At
present, my discoveries must remain secret. You must regard
all the information I am giving you as highly confidential."
"At eleven o'clock this morning," he continued, "Section X
will be completely transferred. We shall remain there for an
apparent period of six months, before returning to the present
time. I shall be accompanying you, so there will be time for
me to give you further information. Is there anything you
wish to ask now?"
"We were hardly prepared for this tremendous adventure,"
said Ray. "When I was experimenting with the copper wire,
part of it disappeared. I suppose it is even now existing in
the Inverse World?"
"That is so," answered the Director. "You were on the point
of stumbling on this Inverse World. Later on, you will be
able to repeat that experiment here, and control it, so that,
without an explosion you will be able to transport the wire to
the Inverse World and bring it back.
"Then, when I have instructed you as far as I am able, maybe
you will proceed even further. Perhaps backward and forward
in time, as well as, in this strange way, parallel with it.
"But you may back out now if you wish, if you think this
work is too dangerous or objectionable. Are you prepared to
undertake it?"
"I'm quite prepared to do any work, however dangerous, if
for a good purpose," replied Ray, "but I must tell you now,
that there are certain things about Associated Electronics I
cannot understand. There was a man at the hostel, for
instance, who said that I would not be allowed to leave it for
lodgings in the village. And then, you have television
screens in every home so that you can speak to your staff at
any time in a far more intrusive way than individually by
telephone.
"And those sliding doors! You say that I could leave now,
but could I? We could not get out of here unless you were to
operate the doors. This place seems like a prison."
The Director smiled calmly. He did not appear angry, and
Ray could detect only a kindly look in his eyes. Ray could
not yet detect whether this man was truly evil.
"I guessed you might be puzzled by appearances here," he
said. "Certain precautions are necessary, for there are many
who might trip me up, even though the men for this work were
carefully selected. To answer your questions: firstly, you
are quite free to live in the village if you wish, but I
should prefer otherwise. As you will become an important man
in this organisation, I may want to get in touch with you
quickly in the evenings. Demonstrations can be made on those
television screens which would be quite impossible over the
phone. They have other purposes too, but if you come back to
my office I will tell you more about that.
"These doors are electronically operated, their purpose
being not to keep people in but to keep them out, this being
my private office and highly secret laboratory."
He glanced at his watch, which showed the time as 10
o'clock. They walked back into his office.
"Are you prepared to stay with me," he asked, "for at least
a year? I must have your decision at once."
"Yes, I would like to stay," answered Ray, and Anne also
assented.
"Would you sign these forms," requested the Director. "It
is a contract stating that you will stay for a year, for I
must be sure of your loyalty."
Ray read one of the forms, and signed it, for it seemed to
be in order. Anne also signed, and the Director locked the
forms away.
"I've burned my boats now," thought Ray, "but after all,
it's only a piece of paper. If we wanted to leave, the worse
that could happen would be that we would be required to return
all our salary, I suppose."
The Director seemed satisfied, and handed them both a small,
plastic, box-like object.
"This is a receptor," he said. "Would you please keep it
always with you. I'll show you their use."
He switched on the television screen in his office, saying,
"Some of my staff are away on business or on holiday. I like
to know where they are. This is no ordinary television
screen, as you may see."
Below it were some thousands of controls. He adjusted one
of them, and the figures of two men appeared upon the screen.
They were apparently having a business conversation concerning
an order for Associated Electronics radio sets.
"That is one of my salesmen with a customer," said the
Director. "No matter where they are, I can observe them, as
long as they are carrying a receptor."
"Then what happens when they lay it aside?" asked Ray.
"If it is in the same room or house, it does not matter, for
we can still trace its owner without difficulty. But if he
should go out without it, when he returns here, he will be
severely reprimanded, and I shall demand an explanation. But
my staff don't often forget my instructions."
Ray fingered the receptor in his pocket, and all his
suspicions came flooding back.
"I must leave you for a few minutes," continued the
Director. "Most of the men are entering Section X by the main
entrance, and I must see that everything is in order."
He left by the sliding door, leaving it ajar. Once they
were alone, Anne gasped, "What do you think of him, Ray? Do
you think we're really going into another time?"
"I think he's a crook; and we've got to live with him for
six months on the other side of that door." He glanced
towards the laboratory. "I think it will really be in another
time. I wish I had not brought you into this, Anne."
"I'd rather be with you!" answered Anne. "But do you think
he can hear what we are saying in here?"
"For the moment I am chancing it," answered Ray. "I expect
he is busy with his men. But in future we must be careful
what we say, especially while we have these receptors. Once I
get clear of here, mine's going into the river. I'm going to
find out as much as I can, and then report to the police.
Otherwise the Director will be in economic control of England
before anyone realises anything is wrong. From there it will
be a short step to dictatorship. Then he will be able to
undermine the trade of other countries, and finally have power
over the world."
"How can he do all this? Wouldn't there be war?" remarked
Anne.
"He already has virtual control of the radio and television
industry," continued Ray. "In a short time he will branch
out, for he has years to do his work, whereas others have only
days. He could take over the world without fighting, for
complete economic control of the world's resources would give
more power than any dictator has ever had."
"We'd better keep quiet," said Anne. "He'll soon be back."
At that moment the Director entered the office bringing a
second man with him.
"This is Dr. Arnott, my second-in-command," he said. "We
are going into the laboratory, while Dr. Arnott remains here
to operate the switch for the positron converters in Section
X. In a short while, the laboratory and the rest of Section X
will be converted."
With this he ushered them into the laboratory and closed the
door connecting it with his office. In a few moments the
whole place was bathed in a violet light, the light from the
positron converters.
Then Ray and Anne lost consciousness, and when they awoke,
found themselves on chairs in a large canteen. The Director
was with them.
When they were sufficiently aroused, he said to them, "This
being your first experience of the inverse state of existence,
it has taken longer for you to recover than for those of us
who are used to it. But how are you feeling now?"
They assured him that they were all right, and he continued,
"A meal will shortly be ready. In Section X there is complete
living accommodation and food stocks, for we are to be here a
long time."
After they had eaten, he invited them to accompany him on a
tour of the building. In many departments of the main factory
men were already at work. One large section was devoted to
the assembly of positron and electron converters. Other
sections were engaged in more orthodox work on radio and
television. Most of the place was artificially illuminated,
although daylight came through windows high in the outer wall.
"What is outside?" enquired Anne, pointing to these windows.
"This part of England is very different in this time," said
the Director. "I will give you a glimpse of it."
He produced a key and unlocked the door to a small room,
situated amongst the living quarters.
"This is where I sleep," he remarked.
On the opposite wall of this room was another door, which
was electronically operated.
He opened this, saying, "The only exit to the exterior. As
I am responsible for the safety of my staff while they are
here, I do not allow outside exploration."
They ventured a few steps outside. The heat was tropical.
They were on the banks of a river, flowing through a dense
jungle, whose penetration would be highly dangerous and
difficult.
"Have you ever been far outside?" enquired Ray.
"Further than anyone else," replied the Director. "There
are beasts in this forest unlike anything known in our time,
and in my sole attempt at exploration, I nearly lost my life."

They retreated thankfully into the air-conditioned interior.
The Director said, as he closed the outer door, "We are safe
only within these walls. You can see why I do not allow
foolhardy attempts at exploration."
"Do you think there might be intelligent creatures anywhere
outside?" queried Ray.
"That I cannot tell. The whole Earth is outside, existing
in a very different form from that we know."
"Won't you ever try to find out?" asked Ray.
"Later on, when my plans are ready. Now I must waste no
more time. I have something serious to say to you two. While
you were waiting in my office, your conversation was
antagonistic towards me."
"So you heard what we said?"
"I took the precaution of doing so. You agreed to work for
me, and signed my contract and yet the next moment were
disloyal. For that you must receive punishment."
"What right have you to spy on all our private life?" said
Ray in anger. "I meant every word of what I said."
"Calm yourself," said the Director. "For the next few weeks
you and Miss Rayner will join the production line in the
factory, where you will have time to think. I cannot have you
working as physicists in my laboratory until you have
reconsidered your opinion of me. Remember that only I have
the power to see you safely back to the ordinary world, so you
have no choice but to do as I say."
"Very well," mumbled Ray.
Without delay, they were shown into the department making
electron converters, where the foreman instructed them in the
assembly work. Once they were used to it, it became
monotonous, and the weeks passed slowly. During this period
they saw nothing of the Director, except occasionally from a
distance, when he spoke to the foreman of their section. They
did their work attentively and conscientiously, giving no
cause for complaint. In the evenings they had some free time,
but even then, they hardly dared to speak to each other about
their present situation, for fear that others unseen were
listening. Working
When Anne began to despair, Ray took her into his arms to
comfort her.
"One day we'll get out of this, and then we'll get married,"
he whispered.
One morning, to their surprise, as they were beginning their
day's work, the Director spoke to them.
"I think you've had enough of this," he said. "Come with me
back to the laboratory."
When they reached the deserted laboratory, which they had
not seen since the first day they had entered this strange
existence, the Director requested them to sit down. Then he
said, "Your work and conduct during the past few weeks has
been satisfactory, and you may now start work in here, but
first I want to clear up a few of your suspicions. You were
saying once, that I intended to gain economic control over the
world. In this assumption, you were right. I fully intend to
gain that power. But I am not as brutal as you suppose, for
there will be no war. I shall not use force."
"No, your method would be far more insidious," replied Ray,
"and it would be an evil thing. Wouldn't millions starve as
you robbed them of their livelihood? Anyway, such power as
you suggest would corrupt any man."
"But look at he world today. Millions are starving even
now. When I am in power, extra food will be produced in giant
irradiated fields, in the same way as these radio sets. Seed
could be planted and the harvest gathered, apparently within a
second. Famines could be averted. The world would be united
in peace, and there would be plenty of every commodity for
all. War would become impossible as well as unprofitable, for
everyone would have enough material possessions to satisfy
them. With the extra time available to them, they could live
fuller lives and go on to further scientific achievement. And
I plan to accomplish all this gradually, imperceptibly, until,
when I have achieved my beneficial dictatorship, there can be
no possibility of return to the confusion and chaos in which
the world exists today.
"But there are many without jobs in England today, since you
have taken over the radio industry," said Ray. "Doesn't that
add to confusion?"
"Temporarily, yes," replied the Director. "But I am getting
richer. Very soon, I'll be able to absorb all of them into my
organisation. Next I plan to take over the motor industry,
the aircraft industry, heavy and light engineering, before I
proceed to food processing, drugs, clothing, then agriculture
and finally transport and the means of distribution. Then the
Government.
"Transport presents a difficulty; it is the only process
which can't be speeded up. Even now, it consumes more time
than anything else in my organisation. But when I am in
control, we can concentrate on finding a solution to that
problem."
"Do you think the people of England would tolerate the loss
of their freedom?" said Ray.
"Some of them already have. Most of those employed with me
consider only that their job is much more highly paid than a
similar one elsewhere. This so-called freedom will disappear
before anyone has realised it."
"Then it will be too late to run back," murmured Ray.
"Freedom is far more valuable than your material comfort. It
is only that which sustains the dignity of the human race."
"I see that you are an idealist," said the Director. "If
you could accept my point of view, you could be very helpful
to me."
Changing the subject, he continued, "You can start work
immediately. We have to generate our own electricity here,
and I would like you to try and make an electron converter
which uses less current. You have already had some experience
in their construction and --"
He was interrupted by a blow on his chin and staggered
backwards, Ray following to land another blow. With this he
collapsed on to the floor, some glassware falling from the
bench to make a loud clatter, as he did so. Ray knelt beside
him, satisfying himself that the Director was only stunned.

"Surely the conceited little rat didn't think I'd work for
him," he said. "Help me tie him up and when he wakes up,
we'll threaten to kill him unless he gives the order to return
to our own time."
Anne found some string, and they had tied his legs, when
they glanced round to see a bunch of workmen entering the
room. Unfortunately, they had heard the noise of the scuffle.

"What has been happening?" one of them enquired. Then he
noticed the still form of the Director and said, "Have you
dared to assault our Director?" Another man seized Ray's
arms. He attempted to put up a fight, but was soon
overpowered by the five of them. Soon both he and Anne were
bound hand and foot, while someone propped up the Director and
cut his bonds.
"As soon as he recovers he'll order your punishment," said
the workman who had previously spoken. "No-one has ever
defied him before."
"Do you trust him, then?" asked Ray.
"He's done more for us than anyone else has," said the
workman, evidently a devotee. "As an employer, he's a good,
considerate man, and I haven't known anyone to say otherwise."
The Director was already stirring, and rose shakily to his
feet.
"Are you all right, sir?" enquired the workman anxiously.
"Only a little dazed," he replied. "I'm thankful that you
acted so promptly. You will be rewarded for it. Now, take
these two along to my room, and don't mention this incident to
anyone else."
When the group had entered the Director's sleeping quarters,
he cut the bonds of Ray and Anne. Then he opened the door to
the exterior, and threw out a basket of food and a rifle.
"Go outside," he ordered them.
There was nothing for it, but to obey. "Are you going to
abandon us so that we can't return to our own time?" called
out Ray, but the door was closed behind them without a reply.
Anne was sobbing in fear. "At least he's left us some food
and a rifle to keep off the wild beasts," he said to comfort
her.
"It's daylight now, but what will happen when night fall?"
she screamed. "He'll leave us here for ever, and we'll die."
"Then at least we'll die together. Now cheer up, and we'll
find a place to sit."
He spread his jacket upon the river bank and they gazed upon
the seething, turgid stream. There were brilliantly plumaged
birds and exotic butterflies flying amongst the tree-tops, and
over the river hummed myriads of the ephemeral insect life
which abounded near its banks. They walked a little way into
the forest, but saw nothing to alarm them seriously. The
jungle made a hundred noises. There were kinds of monkeys,
and many smaller animals about. They heard sounds like larger
animals crashing through the bush, and Ray held the rifle
ready, but they saw nothing.
When night fell they returned to the river-bank where Anne
slept while Ray kept watch. He insisted upon this, saying
that he would sleep the next day. When dawn came, they had
some sandwiches and a drink from the food-basket.
Ray suggested that they take a walk round the factory to see
if there was any possible means of entrance. In his heart he
knew it was hopeless, for the walls were solid, but at least
it would keep them occupied for a time. There was a small
natural clearing round the site of the factory, so the going
was not too hard. When they had completed the circuit, they
found they had passed three entrances, all securely closed.
There were high double doors, the main entrance to Section X
presumably, through which machinery could be carried; and the
small entrance which had connected with the Director's office.
These two entrances, they had been informed, were
electronically operated in such a way, that they could only be
opened in the normal world. The third entrance was that
through which they had been ejected.

Despairingly, they settled down again upon the river bank,
where Ray slept, while Anne took a turn at keeping watch.
After a few hours he awoke, and they sat talking. As dusk was
falling they ate the rest of the food in the basket.

"Now we are left to starve," remarked Anne, when they had
finished their meal.
"Perhaps I can shoot something, or there may be berries in
this forest," suggested Ray. "Now you must sleep again, while
I keep watch."
Another long night passed uneventfully, and there came
another dawn. A dawn without hope, without food or water, and
they knew that at any moment the entire factory might
disappear, leaving them alone and stranded in this
inhospitable world.
Once more they pushed their way into the forest, where they
eventually found a few berries. Birds had been pecking at
them, so they assumed them harmless. Ray was feeling very
tired by this time, for he had had little sleep, so after
eating a few berries, he retraced his steps and sank down upon
the river bank.
While he was sleeping, Anne glanced round, from time to
time, towards the factory. On one occasion she was surprised
to see that the small door was open, and two men were walking
towards them.
"Wake up, Ray!" she said, rousing him from his exhausted
sleep.
By the time he had awoke, the men had reached the spot where
they were sitting. One of them was the Director, and with him
was one of his senior engineers.
"I guessed your food would be gone by now," he said. "You
may come back with us."
"I thought you were going to leave us here to rot," remarked
Ray.
"My intention was only to frighten you," replied the
Director. "You have received enough punishment for the time
being. But when you are back with us, you must learn to obey
my orders. Otherwise if you show any signs of insubordination
again, I cannot be so lenient."
Ray was so relieved that he and Anne were not to be
abandoned that he mumbled, "Anything you say."
When they had reentered the factory, the Director addressed
them as if nothing had happened.
"When you have taken a little rest, I want you to start work
on designing an electron converter which uses less current. I
will give you further instructions later."
"Yes, sir," replied Ray docilely.
Later he and Anne began this work, in which they became
engrossed for the next few weeks. Ray showed no further signs
of revolt, although, beneath the surface, he was just as
rebellious, but dared not even whisper it to Anne. Anne also
adopted an outwardly resigned attitude. They became quite
interested in their work, and eventually produced a
satisfactory improved form of electron converter.
The Director was delighted with their progress. "If further
tests confirm that this new electron converter is
satisfactory," he said, "we will go into production, and it
will replace the old type. I am pleased that you have been so
co-operative. You will find that loyalty to me will bring a
high reward."
"Thank-you, sir," replied Ray in a weary voice. It seemed
that all his fire was gone.
"But you will have to prove your loyalty. Naturally, I
cannot overlook your assault on me so quickly."
"I suppose not," said Ray, "but you seem to trust me now.
You are here with me alone, and you know that I am,
physically, the stronger man."
"I don't think you would try to attack me again, not after
the consequences of your last attempt," answered the Director.
"But am I not right in thinking that you are coming to
accept my views? Of late you have been more ready to help me,
than even I expected."
"You are a great man. Maybe your rule would be wise," said
Ray, attempting to lull his suspicions. "For the present, I
will go on testing this electron converter."
For the rest of the time, they lived together in Section X,
apparently in perfect amity. At last came the great day when
the Director announced to his assembled workers, that they
would return to that Monday, on which they had left the
ordinary world.
"I wish to thank you for all your work here," he said.
"When you have finished loading all you have produced into
lorries, which I think will take about two days, you may all
take a week's holiday."
At this there was a loud cheer. X Section
Ray and Anne were in the laboratory, when the Director asked
them to be ready for the conversion from the Inverse World.
"Do we get a week's holiday, too?" they enquired.
A few moments later the violet light of the electron
converters illuminated all Section X, and they again lost
consciousness. When they awoke they were sitting in the
Director's office. Dr. Arnott was there.
"How are you feeling?" asked Dr. Arnott. "To us, it seems
that you have been away only a few seconds."
Ray and Anne realised that they were safely back in the
present day world. This was Monday, the first day in their
new employment apparently, but they remembered clearly all
that had befallen them.
"The Director will be with you in a short while," Dr. Arnott
informed them.
At that moment he entered the office. "Well, I expect you
are glad to be back," he said. "Now I must discuss your
immediate future with this organisation. I have bought three
factories in Manchester. You, Mr. Thompson, will go there and
supervise fitting them with positron and electron converters.
I have taken over the entire company which owned them, which
manufactured motor cars. Their present staff will stay on in
my employment."
Ray could see that the Director's insidious plan was
beginning to work.
"Then I am free to travel about," he thought, "The Director
must think he can trust us."
"While you are doing this work, Miss Rayner must remain
here," continued the Director. "For the time being,
unfortunately, confined to Section X, where there is self-
contained accommodation for her."
"You mean that she will be a prisoner here," said Ray. His
heart sank.
"At present yes. Later on, she will have an opportunity to
travel, while you are confined here. For the time being, you
must understand that I cannot trust you completely, for it was
not so long ago, that you were openly rebellious of my
authority."
"But that will not happen again," said Ray.
"I hope not," said the Director. "You still have your
receptor with you, Mr. Thompson?"
Ray took it from his pocket. He had completely forgotten
it, for in the Inverse World, it had no function.
"That's right," said the Director. "While you are away, you
must keep it with you, all the time. This is of the utmost
importance. You must not attempt to communicate what you have
learnt here to anyone, either in conversation or in writing.
If you should wish to write a letter, then you must hold it
up, vertically, for five minutes, so that its contents are
clear to us; for you will be watched all the time on your
first trip by means of your receptor. If you should disobey
these instructions, then I cannot be responsible for Miss
Rayner's safety."
The tyranny of this maddened Ray. In this way he would be
forced to work for the Director, and would be watched at every
step.
He bit back any angry reply, and said, "How long have I to
go on carrying this receptor about with me, then?"
"Always," replied the Director. "All my employees carry
one, although their activities are checked on only
occasionally."
"Supposing I were to lose it?"
"You must take care not to lose it, although if you have a
genuine accident with it, then telephone me immediately. And
remember Anne's safety would depend upon it."
------------------
The next day Ray travelled up to Manchester, where he stayed
a fortnight. During this period all his duties were carried
out in detail and with alacrity. A few trained staff from
Associated Electronics had come with him to convert the
factories, whose original workers were confused and puzzled.
Ray tried to explain the new set-up to them, taking care that
all his references to the Director were deferential.
A plan was forming in his mind, by which Anne and he might
escape, but until the opportunity arose, he resolved to give
the Director no grounds for complaint. To all outward
appearances, he was not only resigned to his position but
satisfied with it. On his return the Director congratulated
him.
"You would be a suitable man to be my deputy at this new
factory when production starts," he said. "Would you accept
that position?"
"You are very kind to offer it to me," replied Ray, "and I
would be pleased to accept it."
"Later on there will be a similar position for Miss Rayner.
I expect you would like to see her, now. She is in Section
X."
Ray was certainly pleased to see Anne, but infuriated by the
news that she had not been allowed to go out, since he had
left the premises. She told him that, confined to her
apartments and unable to take any exercise, she had resorted
to taking drugs in order to sleep.
Ray took care not to express his annoyance, but merely said,
"Be patient, Anne. Everything will be all right soon. The
Director is going to offer me a good position in a new
factory."
Surreptitiously he passed her a note, which she concealed in
a book. Later she was able to read it.
"I have a plan for escape," it said. "Our chance will come
when we next take a trip to the Inverse World. I can't
explain now, but trust me - Ray."
During that day, they were introduced to a new electronic
engineer, Peter Forbes. Neither Peter nor Ray gave any signs
that they had known each other previously. On the day before
Ray started work with the Director, he had phoned Peter to
make this arrangement, but in the light of his new knowledge,
would have warned him further, had it been possible, against
accepting employment at Associated Electronics.
Peter had only just settled down, when the Director informed
Ray that, while he had been in Manchester, a new load of
materials for making positron and electron converters had been
shifted into Section X.
"I want Mr. Forbes to be introduced to the Inverse World
immediately, where he can eventually take charge of this
work," said the Director. "There will be no delay. We will
be ready to go at four o'clock this afternoon."
Ray was pleased to hear this news. It was then three
o'clock, and while the Director hurried away to make final
arrangements, Ray gave Peter a few details about the Inverse
World. Peter, having only just arrived, had no idea of the
purpose behind Associated Electronics, and Ray dared not give
him any indication of the real situation. Accordingly, their
conversation was rather stilted.
When the Director returned, the quartet entered Section X,
and were immediately transported to the Inverse World. Here
life continued very much as it had in Ray's previous
experience of it.
Both Ray and Anne appeared to be calmly continuing with
their work, but each day Ray concealed about his person a
small part of an electron converter. This he was able to do
unobtrusively, while engaged in his work. He wished he could
include Peter in his plans for escape, but knew that it was
essential not to jeopardise his chances by attempting to speak
to him about it. For anywhere his careless conversation could
be recorded.
---------

Production had been under way for a few weeks, when the
Director summoned the chief of his workers to his office. He
informed them that enough positron and electron converters had
been made to take over all England's major industries.
Then he said, "Action is to be speeded up. I am confident
that within three months I will be in control of England. As
you are my first adherents, you will form the nucleus of those
who will enforce my rule. Each of you will be in charge of a
certain industry, thus ensuring that there can be no
independent production. You will start with England, but
proceed to command your industry throughout the world, subject
of course to my orders. This will make our position for ever
impregnable, as no-one will ever have the access to the
materials to oppose us."
During his stay in Section X, Peter Forbes had been growing
increasingly suspicious that something was seriously amiss. He
could get nothing out of Ray, who had been curiously quiet,
but this speech of the Director's confirmed all his
misgivings. It did more; it brought home to him the enormity
of the Director's plan. Peter felt he had to put a stop to it
at once.
Ray saw his hand go to his pocket to bring out a revolver
which he levelled at the Director's heart. Without saying a
word he pulled the trigger, but Ray was as quick as he,
pushing his arm aside as he did so. The deflected bullet
wounded the Director in the left shoulder. Peter tried to get
the gun into position to fire again, but Ray held his arm
above his head, and another of those present seized the gun.

Others present in the room had been transfixed in terror
during the incident, but now became busy, one tending the
Director's wound, others holding Peter between them. Ray took
the gun from the man who had seized it, and laid it upon the
Director's desk.
Once the commotion had ceased the Director spoke again.
"Thank you for saving my life, Mr. Thompson," he said "Not
only mine, but the lives of all of us, for I don't think
anyone else could successfully bring this factory back to
ordinary time. There are many switches to set, all over the
factory and only I have the details. Now that I know that I
can trust you implicitly, I shall pass on that information to
you. But I am gratified to find that you are ready to defend
me, and to leave yourself in my hands." He fingered the gun.
"I have convinced you, then, that my course is right?"
"Well, yes," mumbled Ray without enthusiasm.
The Director appeared satisfied with this reply, and
continued, "Now you can take the traitor away, and abandon him
outside. Here are the keys to my room. You will find the
outer door open, for I can operate it from here."
He threw a bunch of keys over to Ray, who, with the
assistance of another man, led Peter from the room. Anne
slipped quietly out, and followed him.
Once outside Peter remonstrated, "Why did you stop me from
killing him? What has he done to change you during the last
few weeks, that you now support his vile scheme?"
"In a moment, Peter, I'll explain." He turned to Anne and
said, "There is a large battery in the laboratory. Bring it
to the Director's quarters, and hurry."
When they had entered the Director's room, Ray told his
helper to leave them. After Anne had returned with the
battery, he locked the door on the inside and turned to Peter.

"I know what you must be thinking of me," he said, "but it's
entirely untrue. I detest the Director as much as you do. We
are coming with you to the forest to escape."
"But how?" asked Peter. "Or is this another trick on your
part?"
"Believe me, he is on our side," said Anne earnestly. "But
there's no time to convince you, for we must hurry."
"I have the necessary equipment," said Ray, " but we must
go, as fast as we can, into the forest before anyone suspects
we are missing."
Peter seemed mollified, and so, without further delay, they
plunged into the forest, Ray leading the way. All their
attention was needed to guard against the dangers which lay
about them. Ray could attempt to give Peter only a few words
of explanation.
"I did not let you kill the Director, Peter, because the
safety of all the other men lies in his hands," he said.
"Moreover, he is a fanatic, it is true, but he has never
physically harmed anyone, and I don't believe he would. But
your attempt on his life produced one good result; it gave us
the chance to escape through the outer door, a chance I have
been waiting for."
"I was enraged by that man," exclaimed Peter. "I still
think he deserves to die. There are some things worse than
death or physical harm, to which he subjects men."

They pushed on in silence, until Ray reckoned they had
walked about a mile. There had been no signs of pursuit.

Ray motioned them to halt and said, "We are now in a part of
space which in ordinary time would be somewhere outside the
factory precincts, near Bextree. I have all the parts of an
electron converter with me, and I am going to assemble them
here. When this is done, we can transport ourselves back to
ordinary time and wake up in one of the fields around Bextree.
From there I'm going straight to the police. Would you two
help me, by keeping watch, while I do my work?"
Accordingly Anne and Peter strained their ears and looked
backwards through the dim depths of the forest. Realising
that the forest itself was their best protection, they spoke
only in low tones.
"As the Director is wounded, he won't miss Ray and me for
some time, I hope," said Anne.
"That's true," replied Peter. "He trusts you both, and
would not suspect you of desertion. Do you think Ray can put
that instrument together? If we were left here, marooned in
another time, we would never see our own world again."

"You can trust Ray," Anne reassured him. "We have both had
weeks of experience assembling electron converters, although
here in the forest without tools, the task is much more
difficult. But Ray won't let us down."
It seemed that hours had passed, during which, every so
often, Peter or Anne thought they heard pursuers. The natural
clamour of wild life alarmed them every instant. Actually only
half an hour had passed when Ray informed them that the
electron converter was ready. Anne connected it to the
battery she had been carrying, and all three huddled within
the violet beam of light which it emitted.
----------
It was just after four o'clock, the same hour of the same
day when they had entered the Inverse World. When Ray awoke
he was lying in a ploughed field near the main road to London.
The others were nearby.
He quickly roused them, saying, "Get on to the road and
we'll get a lift."
All three were supremely thankful to experience once again
the sights and sounds of their own time. It suddenly seemed
so wonderful, after the horror of the forests of the Inverse
World, from which each had secretly feared there would be no
return.
A lorry was coming which luckily did not bear the crest of
Associated Electronics. Ray and Peter waved their arms, and
it drew to a halt.
"Where to?" asked the driver.
"Could you take us as far as you are going along the London
road, please?" requested Ray.
"You're in luck. I'm going nearly all the way," said the
driver. "Not to central London, but as far as Ilford. There
is room in the back for all of you."
They thanked him and climbed in. The lorry held furniture,
but it was not full. Here at last they were able to relax.
"I'm glad to be out of the Director's clutches," said Peter.
"I'm sorry I misjudged you, Ray, but for a moment I thought
you were on his side."
"you can hardly be more thankful than we are," replied Ray.
"We have been virtually his prisoners for months."
Then he gasped, "There's something I've forgotten."
He took his receptor from his pocket and threw it out on to
the grass verge.
"Throw yours away quickly or we'll be traced," he said.
Peter and Anne did likewise.
"We should have got rid of those before," Ray groaned.
"They are probably already following us, confound it."

There was other traffic on the road, but none appeared to be
interested in them. None the less, they were apprehensive and
crouched well back in the lorry. After about two hours,
Ilford was reached, and the driver drew up outside a
warehouse. A few men were lounging about outside, but
otherwise the road was deserted.
They alighted, and Ray had turned to tip the driver when,
suddenly, they were seized from behind and thrust forcibly
into the gloom of the warehouse. A small group formed around
them.
"What is the meaning of this!" gasped Ray, as they were
pushed into a small office on one side of the huge building.
Their erstwhile driver, drawing a gun from his pocket,
leered at them, "You'll have a visitor in a short while.
Meanwhile, keep quiet, and don't try any tricks."
"If it's money you want, take all I have, but only let us
go," spluttered Ray. "We have urgent business to do."
All three turned out their pockets and about fifty pounds
fell on to the table.
"Not enough," grunted their captor laconically.
"What then? I'm not rich, but I can give you a cheque for a
hundred pounds," said Ray in desperation.
"And I'll do the same," said Peter.
The driver smiled. "Do you think I could accept a cheque,
and be nabbed when I went to draw it? He brushed their money
scornfully to the floor.
"It's not your money we want," he said. "Pick it up."
"What then, do you want with us?" said Peter.
"It amuses me to let you guess," taunted the driver. "Pick
up your money and maybe I'll tell you."
Anne hastily retrieved the fallen notes. Meanwhile there
was a commotion outside. Two men pushed their way through the
assembled group.
"Your visitors are here," announced the driver.
"I do not like your behaviour." A grim voice addressed the
driver and he was relieved of his weapon.
"Firearms are not to be produced except when absolutely
necessary," it continued. "I heard your remark to the
prisoners. In future they are to be addressed with civility."
"I'm sorry, sir," mumbled the driver.
The newcomer turned, and the frightened trio found
themselves gazing into the steely eyes of the Director.
"So we meet again. I'm pleased to see that you have arrived
safely."
He looked at Ray and Anne and said sadly, "So you are
traitors after all. I had hoped differently. There's only
one way left to deal with you."
"You dirty rat," seethed Ray. "One day you won't be so
happy, when the authorities catch up with you. But how did
the driver come to be working for you?"
"That is quite simple. I was observing you all the time.
You forgot one thing, that you still had your receptors with
you when you returned to the present time. When you did not
come back after disposing of Mr. Forbes, I became suspicious.
I could not trace you in the surrounding district, but I found
the apparatus you had to leave behind, one of my electron
converters. So when I returned to the present time I traced
you, and saw that you were unconscious in a filed. It was
convenient to my plans to bring you to London, so I arranged
for an un-named lorry to be passing when you awoke."

"We should have got rid of those receptors before," groaned
Ray. "But what are you going to do? Don't you dare lay a
finger on Miss Rayner."
"I don't intend to harm any of you," said the Director, "but
I can no longer keep you in my employment."
"You mean you'll let us go," gasped Peter incredulously.
"That is not my intention," snapped the Director. "Come
outside."
They remained seated. "I don't see why we should obey you,"
said Peter.
"Don't be foolish! My men will drag you along, if you
prefer it that way."
"We've no choice but to go," said Ray, rising, and they
followed the Director to an area covered by positron
converters.
The Director, Dr. Arnott and three others stood with Ray,
Anne and Peter within their light, and swiftly they were
transported to the Inverse World. When they awoke they were
among green fields and cultivated land. In the distance there
lay a city. The atmosphere was hot and humid like that of the
forest.
The Director, seeing the amazement on their faces, said,
"From where did you think I came?"
"You are alien, then," replied Ray. "You don't belong to
our time?"
"I am not of your time. Here lies my home," replied the
Director. "Everything I told you before was true, except that
my experiments were originally performed in this Inverse
World."
"Why couldn't you leave the people of our time alone?" said
Anne. "Here you have a beautiful land of your own."
"Beautiful, perhaps, to the eye, but unpleasant to live in,"
replied the Director. "But let us go inside, out of the
heat."
There was a low building by the side of the broad, white
road, upon which they were standing. When they entered it, it
was into a deliciously cool, air-conditioned interior.
"I'll phone for the transport to the city," said the
Director. "While we are waiting, we'll have a meal, which my
men can prepare."
Accordingly the three men who had accompanied them
dispersed, while the Director and Dr. Arnott, with their three
captives, seated themselves comfortably in one of the rooms,
for this building was arranged like a private house.
"I've brought you into the Inverse World to stay, this
time," the Director informed them. "You will be taken to the
city, where you will be treated kindly and may occupy
yourselves as you so desire. But care will be taken that you
do not have access to an electron converter."
"You mean that we may never return to our own time?" said
Ray.
"It will be impossible for you to do so, until we are ready
for the general exodus. At present we have no electron
converters here, except a little shaky, experimental
equipment, the first I ever made. But I must explain further.

"In this Inverse World, conditions are very difficult. The
forest covers the whole area of the globe, save this little
space we have wrested from it, to feed our people. Once there
were many more of us, but a horrifying disease came from the
forest to wipe out most of the inhabitants of this world.
Those who remained banded together, trying to build a
civilisation again, but we were few, and the greedy, thirsty
jungle swiftly swamped our fields and towns. In the chaos
that followed the disease, we were hard put to find food. We
have recovered somewhat now, and our race, once possessing a
high degree of technology, is arising anew. Wishing to find a
more hospitable place to live, we long ago visited the other
planets, finding there also intolerable conditions. Then we
stumbled upon Earth itself, existing in another state, and
this seemed ideal for our purpose. Unfortunately it was
already inhabited, and so, we resolved to be in a position to
subject its occupants to our rule, for we are a proud race,
born to rule, and much more advanced than you, in many ways.
I am its leader and the project was entrusted to me.
"After living amongst the people of your time, I realised
that force would be unnecessary. Our purpose could be
accomplished in a more subtle way, to benefit not only
ourselves, but you also."
"Will you allow us to return to our own time, eventually?"
stammered Ray.
"When I have assumed command of the Earth, you can do no
harm," replied the Director. "When all my people are
transferred, you will accompany them."
"A slight consolation," murmured Ray.
Their meal arrived, and during this, he racked his brains
desperately, for a way out of their predicament. Once
transport had arrived, and they were taken to the city, he
knew that escape would be impossible. But here, on the road
outside was an electron converter.

He noticed that the Director and all his staff were drinking
wine with their meal, but Peter and Anne had both refused it.
There was a large bottle unopened, upon the sideboard. Ray
felt in his pocket for his handkerchief. His hand felt a
small glass bottle. Then he remembered that his doctor had
given him tranquillisers during his last few weeks with
Electrical Products Ltd., as he had felt on edge and worried
about their decline in sales. Three per day did no harm, but
he had hardly taken any of them, and he thought, "What would
one hundred do in that bottle of wine?"
"Excuse me, but I feel sick," Ray announced, rising from the
table. In his hand were concealed one hundred small tablets.
He edged round, standing with his back to the sideboard, with
his hands behind his back. Without being noticed, he slipped
the tablets into the bottle.
The Director looked up, and said, "One of my men will escort
you outside."
A few moments afterwards, when Ray and his escort had
returned to the room, the Director announced, "We will drink
to our victory with the best wine of our country."
To Ray's satisfaction he poured glasses for them all from
the drugged bottle.
"Even you must taste this," said the Director.
"No thank you. None of us wish to drink in these
circumstances," replied Ray.
He was relieved that they were not pressed and that Peter
did not query his decision. The large bottle was soon empty.
The Director and Dr. Arnott relaxed while the men cleared the
table.
"It is astonishing how sleepy I feel," murmured the doctor.
Very soon Dr. Arnott was asleep, and the Director remarked,
"I'm going to take a short rest."
He went into the kitchen, intending to ask his men to keep
an eye on the prisoners. To his surprise, his men were all
sprawled out asleep. Ray came up behind him.
"Have you tricked me?" he asked suspiciously, trying to
rouse one of his men.
His drowsy efforts were of no avail.
"The transport will arrive in one minute," he murmured
before losing consciousness completely.
Peter and Anne were on their feet.
"I drugged their wine with tranquillisers which happened to
be in my pocket," Ray told them. "Now to get away; and I mean
to take the Director along with us."
Peter and Ray carried the Director outside, and saw a kind
of bus speeding towards them along the wide, white road.
"When it stops, we'll overpower the driver," said Peter.
The two men stood in the shelter of the porch. When the
vehicle reached them, they were relieved to see its driver
unaccompanied. He was striding unsuspected towards the door,
when both men leapt from the shadows of the porch. One of
them landed a blow which stunned the driver. Then they
deposited the Director in the bus, and loaded the electron
converter on to it.
"It is fortunate to have this transport for the electron
converter," remarked Peter. "It is a very large one, which we
couldn't have carried, and we certainly don't want to return
to our own time to find ourselves back in the warehouse."

Ray drove the bus about a mile further away from the city.
"We will be safe here," he said, as they set up the electron
converter.
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When they recovered consciousness they found themselves in
hospital. A Police Inspector was standing alongside Ray's
bed.
"You've just been brought in," he said. "We found three of
you unconscious. There was another man with you, but he is
dead, from a sleeping draught taken unwisely. We think he had
a weak heart."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Ray, sitting up in bed.
He was glad to see that Peter was in the next bed.
"Is Anne O.K.?" he asked.
He was reassured on this point, and as they were both
feeling none the worse for their adventures, they were allowed
to dress. Later they joined Anne and the Police Inspector in
a small waiting-room, where they told the Inspector the
details of their incredible experiences. He listened
patiently during the narration and told them that Associated
Electronics was already under investigation.
"Suppose these inhabitants of the Inverse World desire
revenge for their leader?" said Peter.
"We'll be ready and waiting for them," the Inspector
reassured them, "now we know the danger. As you said, there
cannot be many of them, and they will have lost the advantage
of their method of attack, for with your help, increased
production in the Inverse World will be freely available to
our industry."
"I intend to see that the Director's discoveries, of which I
have adequate knowledge, are put to good use," said Ray. "My
old company, Electrical Products Ltd. can be the first to use
it, though I assure you, will not have a monopoly."
"Thank you for your help," said the Inspector. "I must go
now, but the authorities will be contacting you."
The Inspector and Peter left the room, leaving Ray and Anne
alone. Then Ray took Anne into his arms and kissed her
passionately.
"We are free," he said, " and the world has lost a tyrant.
And I can turn the works of his evil genius to good use. And
when that is done, another task, not without danger, remains
for me."
"What is that?" asked Anne.
"To explore the city of the Inverse World and to come to
know its people," replied Ray.
"Wherever you go, I'll come," said Anne.
"But we'll have a little holiday first," said Ray, "our
honeymoon."

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