THE DISCIPLINARY CIRCUIT
By MURRAY LEINSTER
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Thrilling Wonder Stories Winter 1946.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
CHAPTER I
Victim of Tyrants
Kim Rendell stood by the propped-up "Starshine" in the transport hallof the primary museum on Alphin III. He regarded a placard underthe space-ship with a grim and entirely mirthless amusement. He wasunshaven and hollow-cheeked. He was even ragged. He was a pariahbecause he had tried to strike at the very foundation of civilization.He stood beside the hundred-foot, tapering hull, his appearance markinghim as a blocked man. And he re-read the loan-placard within therailing about the exhibit.
Citizens, be grateful to Kim Rendell, who shares with you the pleasureof contemplating this heirloom.
This is a space-ship, like those which for ten thousand years were theonly means of travel between planets and solar systems. Even aftermatter-transmitters were devised, space-ships continued to be usedfor exploration for many years. Since exploration of the Galaxy hasbeen completed and all useful planets colonized and equipped withmatter-transmitters, space-ships are no longer in use.
This very vessel, however, was used by Sten Rendell when the firsthuman colonists came in it to Alphin III, bringing with them thematter-transmitter which enabled civilization to enter upon and occupythe planet on which you stand.
This ship is private property, lent to the people of Alphin III by KimRendell, great-grandson of Sten Rendell.
Kim Rendell read it again. He was haggard and hungry. He had beenguilty of the most horrifying crime imaginable to a man of his time.But the law would not, of course, allow him or any other man to becoerced by any violence or threat to his personal liberty.
Freedom was the law on Alphin III, a wryly humorous law. No man couldbe punished. No man could have any violence offered him. Theoretically,the individual was free as men had never been free before in all ofhuman history. Despite Kim's crime, this space-ship still belonged tohim and it could not be taken from him.
Yet he was hungry, and he would remain hungry. He was shabby and hewould grow shabbier. This was the only roof on Alphin III which wouldshelter him, and this solely because the law would not permit any manto be excluded from his rightful possessions.
A lector came up to him and bowed politely.
"Citizen," he said apologetically, "may I speak to you?"
"Why not?" asked Kim grimly. "I am not proud."
The lector said uncomfortably:
"I see that you are in difficulty. Your clothes are threadbare." Thenhe added with unhappy courtesy, "You are a criminal, are you not?"
"I am blocked," said Kim in a hard voice. "I was advised by the PrimeBoard to leave Alphin Three for my own benefit. I refused. They put onthe first block. Automatically, after that, the other blocks came onone each day. I have not eaten for three days. I suppose you would callme a criminal."
"I sympathize deeply," the lector answered unhappily. "I hope that soonyou will concede the wisdom of the advised action and be civilizedagain. But may I ask how you entered the museum? The third blockprevents entrance to all places of study."
Kim pointed to the loan-card.
"I am