Logan's Search Read Free Page A

other near-identical worlds. We are concerned in monitoring certain of these alternate worlds, utilizing basic vibrations in the space-time continuum to effect a passage from one world to another on a direct line. This direct line limits our activities and knowledge on any given world.
    “Just what does that mean?”
    It means we cannot enter the past or future of any world. We can monitor them only in their current, present-time status.
    As the aliens spoke, their words were enhanced for Logan within the holographic universe. A tiny craft, representing the alien starship, hovered above a twin solar system on a direct line between two Earths. The configurations of the planets were identical.
    With the elimination of a computerized death system, your Earth has now stabilized. It is this second planet that now concerns us. We know that some thing—or someone—controls its world-computer programming. A dark force, possibly supernatural, guides the system.
    One of the two tiny Earths darkened, as if denied the light of the sun.
    This dark force must be rooted out and destroyed. We feel that you are uniquely qualified for this mission. For you, it will be much like a time trip—a return to your yesterdays.
    Now the holographic show was over. The images died.
    Logan swung back to face the aliens.
    We sense confusion. You have many questions. Ask them.
    “I’m just one man. How can I change a world?”
    You changed your own.
    “I don’t see the logic of this. With the powers you possess, why not simply brainwash the other me and send him back to change his own planet?”
    Our powers are limited. We have no way of effectively overcoming young Logan’s lifelong conditioning. You must take his place.
    “And do exactly what?”
    Prior to our removing him, young Logan had been preparing for a ritual known as Godbirth, which for certain Sandmen of high rank is an alternative to Deep Sleep. We think that through Godbirth you will be able to penetrate the planet’s central power base.
    “Will I be given any special weapons?”
    No weapons. But, since there appears to be a form of indoctrination connected with this ritual, we have provided mental shielding. You are now immune to any mind technique they may attempt to employ.
    Logan found the concept of a double world hard to assimilate: the same, yet not the same. 
    “Is there a Ballard on this Earth?”
    Ballard does not exist. No Sanctuary Line. No base in Washington. No escape rockets at Cape Steinbeck.
    “Then—there’s no Sanctuary for runners!”
    A few female runners seem to have vanished, but we have not been able to determine their fate. They may still be alive somewhere on the planet. There is much we do not know.
    “What of Francis? If Ballard does not exist—”
    Each world has its own structure, Logan. Francis is very real on this world, a key Sandman, a Master of the Gun. He has also been selected for Godbirth, and will accompany you through the ritual.
    “But as a fanatic to the system, won’t he be dangerous?”
    Not at first. He is young Logan’s best friend. Thus, he will trust you. Eventually, of course, you will have to kill him.
    “And just what becomes of young Logan?”
    We shall return him safely to his world as we shall return you to yours. But only if your mission is a success. His life, therefore, depends on you.
    Logan’s emotions toward his duplicate were mixed: he didn’t want to be responsible for the death of this young man. He would, in effect, be killing himself. Yet, face to face, one would be forced to destroy the other, runner against Sandman. A paradox, the two of them—exactly the same, yet so different. Literally, worlds apart.
    New questions kept crowding into Logan’s mind; there was so much he needed to know. Was there another Jessica on this new Earth? Would she recognize him?
    The reply came instantly: She exists. But Jessica and Logan have never met. Your strong emotional ties to your own Jessica make it imperative that