A TRACE OF MEMORY 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 Copyright 1963 by Keith Laumer All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form. A short version of this novel appeared serially in Amazing, July-August-September, 1962. Copyright 1962 by Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. 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."