The Next Tenants by Arthur C. Clarke

“When we came out into the open once more, it was almost dusk. It was then that the Professor made his final revelation.

“‘In a few weeks,’ he said, ‘I am going to take the biggest step of all.’

“‘And what is that? I asked.

“‘Cannot you guess? I am going to give them fire.’

“Those words did something to my spine. I felt a chill that had

nothing to do with the oncoming night. The glorious sunset that was taking place beyond the palms seemed symbolic-and suddenly I realized that the symbolism was even deeper than I had thought.

“That sunset was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen, and it was partly of man’s making. Up there in the stratosphere, the dust of an island that had died this day was encircling the earth. My race had taken a great step forward; but did it matter now?

“‘I am going to give them fire.’ Somehow, I never doubted that the Professor would succeed. And when he had done so, the forces that my own race had just unleashed would not save it … .

“The flying boat came to collect us the next day, and I did not see Takato again. He is still there, and I think he is the most important man in the world. While our politicians wrangle, he is making us obsolete.

“Do you think that someone ought to stop him? There may still be time. I’ve often thought about it, but I’ve never been able to think of a really convincing reason why I should interfere. Once or twice I nearly made up my mind, but then I’d pick up the newspaper and see the headlines.

“I think we should let them have the chance. I don’t see how they could make a worse job of it than we’ve done.”

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