Read Online Thunderbird by Jack McDevitt - Free Book Online

“I’m sure you’re aware of the effect the Roundhouse technology would have on the economy if it could be widely applied, Mr. Chairman. I represent an organization that has been looking into the potential results. Their conclusion is that the prudent strategy would be to shut it down. To destroy all trace of the technology. To make it generally available in the economy would result in absolute chaos. We already have a problem with the concentration of wealth at the top of the social ladder. Instantaneous transportation sounds like a great idea, and in the long run, it might well be. But at the moment, in this economy, in this society, it would result in the probable collapse of every industry connected with moving people from one place to another. Think about that, sir.”
    Walker wondered if he’d been sent by the president. “So what are you suggesting?”
    â€œThat we take a safe route, one that would eliminate the negative effects, but still allow the Spirit Lake Tribe to profit handsomely.”
    The chairman could see clearly enough what was coming. “And what would that safe route be, Mr. Osborne?”
    â€œWe are prepared to offer you three hundred million dollars if you will allow us to destroy the Roundhouse. You’ll come out of it very nicely. Consider the alternative: If you proceed on your present course, and thetechnology can actually be adapted, I doubt there’s an economist in the country who would not predict a global crash. Not only transportation industries. But the entire defense establishment would be rendered useless. Retailers everywhere would close. Whatever profit you’d glean from the Roundhouse would very likely be worth nothing in a dead economy.” He smiled. “I’m sure you recognize that as well as we do.”
    â€œAnd you’re prepared to pay us three hundred million to turn everything over to you?”
    â€œI can write the check now.” He opened the briefcase and extracted a folder, which he opened and handed to Walker. “This is the agreement. If you wish to settle it, we can bring in someone to act as a witness and sign the deal.”
    Walker always thought of himself as decisive. But with regard to the Roundhouse, he faltered. He wasn’t sure what would be best for the tribe. Three hundred million dollars. Was the global economy really in that much danger?
    But if he sold the Roundhouse, and they actually put it to the torch, he had no way of knowing what might be lost. And he’d carry that responsibility the rest of his life. “I’ll get back to you,” he said.
    Three hundred million. He could solve a lot of the tribe’s problems with that kind of money. If he played this right, the people on the Rez would prosper. He didn’t want to give away the one thing that really mattered: This was an opportunity for the Spirit Lake Sioux to make an historic contribution to the global society. They’d never before been in a position to do that. Ultimately, the money would be there. But a great deal more was involved than simply turning a profit. This was a chance to acquire immortality. To create a world in which he and his people could live with pride. That was the prize being offered, and there was no way he was going to sacrifice that.
    They might emerge with the technology to create unlimited instantaneous transportation anywhere on the planet. Or to Mars. Or, for that matter, to the edge of the galaxy. The Roundhouse also possessed an ability tocreate substantial energy from sunlight, apparently far beyond anything that could be generated by solar collectors. At least, that’s what the experts thought was happening. So maybe they were looking at a solution to the world’s power issues. The president was concerned about putting airlines and automobile manufacturers out of business. But surely adjustments could be made. Should we have stopped the development of automobiles because of