WHISTLE STOP IN SPACE A Novel by KENDELL FOSTER CROSSEN [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Thrilling Wonder Stories August 1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] I The Draco Vacation Service occupied one floor in Interplanetary Towers in Nuyork. The seventy-second floor, to be exact. It had been decorated by one of the best robot-decorators in the Federation and looked it. On one wall of the large reception room there was a three-dimensional mural of Caph II. The blue sand and towering purple trees seemed so real that many of the more bucolic visitors bumped into the wall before they realized it was a painting. In front of the mural there was a fountain spouting the pink water of Caph that tasted like champagne. On another wall was a montage of photographs of Caph, and blazoned across it: YOU CAN CHEAT TIME BY VACATIONING ON SUNNY CAPH, THE PLAYLAND OF THE UNIVERSE. A TWO WEEK VACATION IS TEN MONTHS ON CAPH. THE ONLY PLACE IN THE GALAXY WHERE LIFE PAYS YOU TWENTY-TO-ONE. YOU OWE CAPH TO YOURSELF. Business was rushing, as it had been every day since the Draco Vacation Service had opened. Despite the fact that there weren't enough tour-managers to take care of the crowd, and that there was a Fomalhautan millionaire who thought it was demeaning to discuss his vacation with anyone except the president, it was only two o'clock when Manning Draco left his private office. He stopped for a moment beside the receptionist, an attractive Martian female. There were at least a dozen persons crowded around her as she answered their questions. Manning stood by her desk, apparently paying no attention to her. Dhena, he thought, I have to leave. It's possible that I may be gone several days. Paul Sterling will be in charge. This was the chief reason he had hired a Martian receptionist. Telepathic communication was a great advantage when you didn't want to be overheard. Yes, Mr. Draco. Her answering thought was clear and strong as she continued to deal with the questions of would-be vacationists. Where will you be if we need you? With my back against a wall, if I know anything about it, he thought sourly. He walked across the office and took the level converter. Downstairs, he climbed into an air-cab and gave the driver the address of his home.
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