12 Pieter Lawrence you this may be the origin of our comet?” asked “And Blake. an interesting idea but it does have problems,” she “It’s replied. been linked with many of the catastrophic events in “It’s history. For this reason it’s sometimes known as the Death Star. The theory has captured the imaginations of some people. Certainly, Edward Hurst is convinced it exists. That’s why he’s been working on the theory of a companion star to our sun for some years.” There was a long pause as the two Ministers tried to End their way forward in the conversation. At last Bill Charman broke the silence. you say that Mr. Hurst is about to announce his ‘And discovery of the comet?” she replied. have regular contact with Edward. He has “Yes,” “I told me his plans in confidence. However, in view of the circumstances, I thought it right to bring the information to you,” we are very grateful,” said Bill. Again there was a long ‘And pause before he continued. what is your view of his “But impending announcement? Do you think it’s a good thing? Do you think it’s in the public interest?” a free agent,” she replied. aware of the need to “He’s “I’m avoid public panic but I don’t see how it’s possible to suppress the information.” one is suggesting suppression. On the hand, we all “No have to behave responsibly As you say, we don’t want any panic.” Bill paused again. we offered Mr. Hurst a job. Could he “Suppose fit into your team?” Sandra Dale’s response was imine diate. wouldn’t be “He intereste d and nor would it work. Edward Hurst is a brilliant and dedicated amateur, but he is very much an individualist. He
12 Pieter Lawrence “And you this may be the origin of our comet?” asked Blake. “It’s an interesting idea but it does have problems,” she replied. “It’s been linked with many of the catastrophic events in history. For this reason it’s sometimes known as the Death Star. The theory has captured the imaginations of some people. Certainly, Edward Hurst is convinced it exists. That’s why he’s been working on the theory of a companion star to our sun for some years.” There was a long pause as the two Ministers tried to End their way forward in the conversation. At last Bill Charman broke the silence. ‘And you say that Mr. Hurst is about to announce his discovery of the comet?” “Yes,” she replied. “I have regular contact with Edward. He has told me his plans in confidence. However, in view of the circumstances, I thought it right to bring the information to you,” ‘And we are very grateful,” said Bill. Again there was a long pause before he continued. “But what is your view of his impending announcement? Do you think it’s a good thing? Do you think it’s in the public interest?” “He’s a free agent,” she replied. “I’m aware of the need to avoid public panic but I don’t see how it’s possible to suppress the information.” “No one is suggesting suppression. On the hand, we all have to behave responsibly As you say, we don’t want any panic.” Bill paused again. “Suppose we offered Mr. Hurst a job. Could he fit into your team?” Sandra Dale’s response was imine diate. “He wouldn’t be intereste d and nor would it work. Edward Hurst is a brilliant and dedicated amateur, but he is very much an individualist. He