A Trace of Memory

Front matter

Reading edition

KEITH LAUMER

TOR

A TOM DOHERTY ASSOCIATES BOOK

This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

A TRACE OF MEMORY

A TOR Book

Published by Tom Doherty Associates, 8-10 West 36 Street, New York, N.Y. 10018

Cover art by Bob Layzell

First TOR printing: November 1984

ISBN: O-812-54373-4 CAN. ED.: O-812-54374-2

Printed in the United States of America

[Transcriber's Note: Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]

"Let's get out of here fast," I said. "We've probably set off an alarm already."

As if in answer, a low chime cut across our talk. Pearly light sprang up on a square panel. Foster and I stared at it.

"What do you make of it?" he said.

"I'm no expert on stone-age relics," I said. "But if that's not a radar screen, I'll eat it."

I sat down in the single chair before the dusty control console, and watched a red blip creep across the screen.

"That blip is either a mighty slow airplane—or it's at one hell of an altitude." I sat upright, eyes on the screen. "Look at this, Foster," I snapped. A pattern of dots flashed across the screen, faded, flashed again....

"I don't like that thing blinking at us," I said. "It makes me feel conspicuous." I looked at the big red button beside the screen. "Maybe if I pushed that...." Without waiting to think it over, I jabbed at it.

"I'm not sure you should have done that," Foster said.

"There is room for doubt," I said in a strained voice. "It looks like I've launched a bomb from the ship overhead."

A TRACE OF MEMORY

Look for these other TOR books by Keith Laumer:

THE BREAKING EARTH THE GLORY GAME THE INFINITE CAGE KNIGHT OF DELUSIONS THE MONITORS THE HOUSE IN NOVEMBER AND THE OTHER SKY ONCE THERE WAS A GIANT PLANET RUN WORLDS OF THE IMPERIUM