e of atomic
fission and fusion, and they use the knowledge to butcher and destroy
each other. We tried all the minor shock treatments. They have failed.
The time has come for the final treatment. The major shock. We--you and
I--must give them the ultimate weapon."

* * * * *

Newlin knew his humanity. He protested. "But why? If they have misused
everything else. Why give them something still more hideous? Why give
them means for further destruction?"

Her answer pulsed through darkness which glittered like black crystal.

"Because it is the final experiment. The last hope for your people, your
system. We cannot help them beyond that. They must choose for
themselves, as you did. We must go back to Earth, this time. And it is
our task to give them the final treatment and test. The ultimate weapon.
Gravity displacement. Once used, it is the end. Planets will be wrenched
from the Sun, electrons from their parent nuclei within the very atoms.
It is the same force. The choice is theirs--kill or cure. Sanity or
destruction. You and I will stay, try to guide and help, advise, but not
interfere. Like you, your people must have free choice.

"We must stay with them, and share whatever happens. This is their shock
treatment--and yours. We will share it together. But come, the Masters
are waiting. I will take you to them."

"Together!" said Newlin, awed. "You will stay with me and share my--our
shock treatment!"

"Together, always--now. It is a small price to pay, whatever happens,"
murmured Songeen.

Her hand drew him close, and she led him outside the zone of crystalline
murmurs. Darkness leaned closer, solid, tangible. Ahead, was a great and
terrible light.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Shock Treatment, by Stanley Mullen

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