Stranger in a Strange Land

But, after two hours of painful arithmetic, although she had completed findings for Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, she had nothing for Smith. The trouble was simple — and insuperable. Smith had not been born on Earth.

Her astrological bible did not include such an idea; its anonymous author had died before the first rocket to the Moon. She had tried to find a way out of the dilemma, on the assumption that principles were unchanged and that she must correct for displacement. But she grew lost in a maze of unfamiliar relationships; she was not sure the signs of the Zodiac were the same from Mars … and what could one do without signs of the Zodiac?

She could as easily have extracted a cube root, that being the hurdle that had caused her to quit school.

She got out a tonic she kept for difficult occasions. She took one dose quickly, poured another, and thought about what Simon would have done. Presently she could hear his steady tones: «Confidence, kiddo! Have confidence and the yokels will have confidence in you. You owe to them.»

She felt much better and started writing the horoscopes for the Douglas's. It then turned out to be easy to write one for Smith; she found, as always, that words on paper proved themselves — they were so beautifully true! She was finishing as Agnes Douglas called again. «Allie? Haven't you finished?»

«Just completed,» Madame Vesant answered briskly. «You realize that young Smith's horoscope presented an unusual and difficult problem in the Science. Born, as he was, on another planet, every aspect had to be recalculated. The influence of the Sun is lessened; that of Diana is almost missing. Jupiter is thrown into a novel, I should say “unique,” aspect, as I am sure you see. This required computation of — »

«Allie! Never mind that. Do you know the answers?»

«Naturally.»

«Oh, thanks goodness! I thought you were telling me that it was too much for you.»

Madame Vesant showed injured dignity. «My dear, the Science never alters; only configurations alter. The means that predicted the instant and place of the birth of Christ, that told Julius Caesar the moment and method of his death … how could it fail? Truth is Truth, unchanging.»

«Yes, of course.»

«Are you ready?»

«Let me switch on “recording” — go ahead.»

«Very well. Agnes, this is a most critical period in your life; never have the heavens gathered in such strong configuration. Above all, you must be calm, not hasty, and think things through. On the whole the portents are in your favor … provided you avoid ill-considered action. Do not let your mind be distressed by surface appearances — » She went on giving advice. Becky Vesey always gave good advice and gave it with conviction because she believed it. She had learned from Simon that, even when the stars seemed darkest, there was always a way to soften the blow, some aspect the client could use toward happiness …

The tense face opposite her in the screen calmed and began nodding agreement as she made her points. «So you see,» she concluded, «the absence of young Smith is a necessity, under the joint influences of three horoscopes. Do not worry; he will return — or you will hear from him — very shortly. The important thing is to take no drastic action. Be calm.»

«Yes, I see.»

«One more point. The aspect of Venus is most favorable and potentially dominant over that of Mars. Venus symbolizes yourself, of course, but Mars is both your husband and young Smith — as a result of the unique circumstances of his birth. This throws a double burden on you and you must rise to the challenge; you must demonstrate those qualities calm wisdom and restraint which are peculiarly those of woman. You must sustain your husband, guide him through this crisis, and soothe him. You must supply the earth-mother's calm wells of wisdom. That is your special genius … you must use it.»

Mrs. Douglas sighed. «Allie, you are simply wonderful! I don't know how to thank you.»

«Thank the Ancient Masters whose humble student I am.»

«I can't thank them so I'll thank you. This isn't covered by retainer, Allie. There will be a present.»

«No, Agnes. It is a privilege to serve.»

«And it is my privilege to appreciate service. Allie, not another word!»

Madame Vesant let herself be coaxed, then switched off, feeling warmly content from having given a reading that she just knew was right. Poor Agnes! It was a privilege to smooth her path, make her burdens a little lighter. It made her feel good to help Agnes.

It made Madame Vesant feel good to be treated as almost-equal by the wife of the Secretary General, although she did not think of it that way, not being snobbish. But young Becky Vesey had been so insignificant that the precinct committeeman could never remember her name even though he noticed her bust. Becky Vesey had not resented it; Becky liked people. She liked Agnes Douglas.

Becky Vesey liked everybody.