THE PLANET THAT TIME FORGOT
By DONALD A. WOLLHEIM
Out beyond furthest Pluto, beyond pale Neptune,
roared the Stardust. Rocketing toward
the monstrous new planet that filled the heavens.
Planet "P"—the colossus that Time forgot!
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Planet Stories Fall 1940.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
She stood upon the high battlements of the palace, overlooking the landof Toom, with sunlight splashing over the beauty and radiance of her.She, Oomith, mataiya of Toom. Her eyes wandered to the road thatwound, ribbon-like, far beyond her land, out into the great reachesof her world, out into Nimbor. Nimbor, whose lords even now were insession with Toom's officials, demanding the land's surrender to theirsuperior forces. Nimbor, whose rulers offered life to the heads ofToom's commonwealth providing the mataiya mate with their prince.
She stood, trying to drink in the splendor of the land, for this mightbe a last time. What her answer would be as Directress of InternalRelations she well knew; what her answer, as woman, to Aald of Nimborwould be she knew even better. But now she must return to the councilmeeting.
Danuth, Head Center of Toom, was speaking as she re-entered. "Whatyou demand, Aald of Nimbor, is the commonwealth's freedom, and ourofficers, in return for petty sinecures under your proposed regime. Andthe mataiya in marriage, as if it were in the power of any save sheto grant that."
She did not flush as the insolent eyes of the young man across thetable fell upon her, appraised, then leered approval at her. Her voicewas clear and cold as she said:
"You boast loudly of your war-machine, Aald of Nimbor. You remarkcasually that you could crush our armies with a mere handful of men.But you say you are willing to spare our lives if we surrender withouta struggle.
"In return for what do you offer us life, prince of Nimbor? Serfdom andmisery for our people under Nimbor's hand; the stigma of cowardice uponus. I shall not argue with you. My answer is final: no!"
She glanced at Danuth, met the grim smile in his eyes. Was it possiblethat the careful building of decades would soon be wiped away? That thehopes and plans of Toom and her people lay helpless before the whims ofthis arrogant child with the lusts and appetites of a man? In Toom, hewould still be a student, learning the responsibilities as well as therights of citizenship. A coldness ran through her as she pictured Toomunder his rule. Then Danuth's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Even if the mataiya had not taken the initiative, my answer wouldstill be the same. No, Aald of Nimbor, no. If you mean to enslave us,you will have to work for your victory. And, superior war-machine ornot, the people of Toom will make your triumph a hardly-bought one, ifindeed you can triumph against a free people."
It was hard to keep a calm face as the prince tried first to scowl,then to sneer. If only this were the comic melodrama it should havebeen! But, no—if Nimbor's claims were based on fact, then therewould be no more laughter for Toom and her people. Aald's tones weremockingly courteous.
"You speak well, Danuth, but your words prove your incapacity tog