（外文电子版资料）Alfred Bester - Biped Reegan.pdfVIP

Biped Reegan, Part 1 THE BIPED, REEGAN by Alfred Bester The strongest man, the last woman, at bay against a world that had destroyed their fellows, take a last grim gamble with eternity that the human race might survive. IF IT please your Imperial Maternity, the day is won. I have here the full report of the last victory, and if your Imperial Maternity would deign to listen...? At the first light our forces were drawn up at the crest of the semicircle of hills surrounding the bipeds last citadel. In the ten moons following our first attack on their cities, only this last stronghold prevailed. Within were less than two hundred bipeds. Like a sickle, our armies pressed close. We were at all times within close observation of the enemy. Spy-alpha had slipped through their traps and barriers during the dark and had taken up a post in the vast room in which the bipeds were accustomed to meet and talk. Spy-alpha telecasted to us shortly after the first light that the bipeds were entering the room, and all of us picked up his thought band. They came in slowly, those bipeds, for they were desperate. The big one with flushed face and beard, called Otis, banged his hand on the table. Its hopeless, he said. What if we do win out? The biped with red hair interrupted. Not if, he said. We shall. Chung and I have something new. It cant fail. Weve been working on it for two months. Then the biped with slant eyes, the one called Chung, nodded. In some ways, he said, the attack of the ants has worked miracles. First, it ended a war between the Chinese and Whites. Second, it has provided a necessity that is proving to be the mother of miracles. Between Ivars technique and my theory we have created a new thermodynamics. . . Youre too long-winded, Ivar said. Youre both too optimistic, Otis added. When do we see this miracle worker of yours? Whats it all about? Not yet, Ivar replied. In three hours itll be ready for a final demonstration. Not now.