The Incredible Tide Read Online Free PDF Page A

the opportunity you’re being given.”
    â€œWhat opportunity?”
    â€œTo become a citizen of the New Order, of course! You’ll begin as an apprentice citizen, and the rest is up to you. Nothing is free in this world. It must be worked for.”
    He forced back his sudden anger and strode glumly beside her. They crossed a square littered with what seemed to be plastic building supplies, and turned toward a long, grimy structure pierced with rows of small windows. The red pennant of the New Order flew defiantly over the entrance.
    Just before they reached the place, a sudden down-draft from one of the smokestacks bathed them with acrid fumes. The doctor paused, threw back her gaunt gray head, and breathed deeply. “Ah, that is a good smell!” she cried. “The best smell in the world!”
    Conan choked and managed to stutter, “W-what’s so good about it?”
    â€œBecause it is the smell of life, and progress,” she reminded him sharply. “It has kept us alive ever since the Change. Someday it will help us rule the earth.”
    She led him into a long, bare hall and through a door on the left. They entered a bleak outer office where several men were in close consultation over a wall map. Beyond them in an adjoining room he glimpsed a huge, red-bearded figure hunched over a desk that seemed much too small for him.
    Conan was wondering why every man he’d seen was bearded, when Red Beard glanced up, raised bushy eyebrows, and suddenly roared, “Citizen Doctor Manski! I thought it was about time you were back. Come in and tell me what you found.”
    â€œWe didn’t find much, Citizen Commissioner,” the doctor replied as she entered. “Very little, I’m afraid, that you’d care to hear about. I’m sorry—”
    â€œStop being sorry,” he ordered, “and give me the facts. What did you find?”
    â€œTwenty-seven new islands, all practically worthless. The captain will bring you a full report when he comes.”
    â€œNo survivors?”
    â€œJust one. He’s young, but he should make a good worker.”
    â€œNo sign of that fellow we want?”
    â€œNot a trace! I’m beginning to think that bunch at High Harbor are keeping something from us.”
    â€œWell, Dyce is there now. He should be able to pry the truth out of them. In the meantime, keep searching. Try Area Three this time.”
    â€œBut that’s where the compass always goes bad,” she reminded him.
    â€œI’ll speak to the captain about it. You should be able to check it before the fogs come. If there’s land there, Briac Roa could be on it.” The commissioner paused and scowled at Conan, waiting in the doorway. Abruptly he exclaimed, “Don’t tell me that’s the survivor you brought back!”
    â€œIt is. And I certify him as physically perfect, strong, and intelligent. But he’s rebellious—he doesn’t appreciate his opportunity.”
    â€œHa! A little work will take care of that. But he’s amazing! Such health! Come here, young fellow,” the commissioner ordered, “and let’s have a look at you!”
    Inwardly raging, Conan entered and submitted to the big man’s questions. They were the same ones he had been asked before, but they were sharper, and his bullying questioner was far more demanding. Conan’s rage mounted. Only the memory of the voice he had heard enabled him to hold his temper in check.
    But suddenly he burst forth, “Why are you treating me this way? I’m willing to work for my keep, but is there any reason you can’t—”
    â€œShut up!” the commissioner ordered. “You’re a Westerner. You’ll have to prove yourself before we can accept you as a citizen.”
    â€œBut I don’t want to be a citizen! All I want is to go to High Harbor. The next time one of your boats—”
    Dr. Manski snapped,