The Swamp was Upside Down

The Swamp was Upside Down

A senior officer of the Colonial Survey, Hardwick, is unexpectedly summoned to Sector Headquarters on Canna III, a planet characterized by its vast water coverage and a precarious geological situation. The narrative begins with Hardwick aboard a Survey ship, where he experiences disorientation due to the ship's maneuvering. He is informed by a junior officer, Barnes, that they will be landing by boat instead of the ship, which raises Hardwick's irritation at being treated condescendingly. Upon arrival, Hardwick learns that the planet is facing a significant crisis: the soil is sliding into the ocean due to excessive irrigation, which has created a dangerous underground swamp. The local population is anxious about the situation, fearing that vibrations from landings or other disturbances could trigger catastrophic landslides. The Survey's presence is resented by civilians, who feel their needs are being overlooked. As Hardwick investigates the situation, he discovers that the irrigation practices have destabilized the soil, making it slippery and prone to movement. He realizes that the island's inhabitants are in grave danger, especially with the potential for heavy rains that could exacerbate the problem. The narrative explores the tension between the Survey's authority and the civilian population's fears, as well as the bureaucratic challenges of addressing the crisis. Hardwick devises a plan to stabilize the soil by introducing saline water to counteract the effects of the fresh water used for irrigation. He collaborates with Barnes and other Survey personnel to implement this plan, which involves drilling holes and injecting a mixture of seawater and ship-fuel to create a coffer-dam effect. The urgency of the situation escalates as a storm approaches, threatening to unleash further chaos. The climax of the story occurs when Hardwick initiates the plan to vent steam from the ground, which helps to alleviate pressure and prevent a catastrophic explosion of the ship-fuel stored underground. The operation is successful, and the island's soil stabilizes, allowing for the safe return of the civilian population to their homes. In the end, Hardwick reflects on the nature of service and duty, recognizing that the true reward lies in the successful resolution of crises and the safety of the people. The story concludes with a sense of accomplishment and the acknowledgment of the challenges faced by those in positions of authority, particularly in balancing the needs of the Survey with the concerns of the civilian population.

By Murray Leinster · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 4 chapters · 23,753 words

First lines

Hardwick knew the Survey ship had turned end-for-end, because though there was artificial gravity, it does not affect the semicircular canals of the human ear. He knew he was turning head-over-heels, even though his feet stayed firmly on the floor. It was not a normal sensation, and he felt that queasy, instinctive tightening of the muscles with which one reacts to the abnormal, whether in things seen or felt.

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Science Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Mystery · Thriller · Action · Suspense · Dystopian · Alternate Reality · Parallel Universe · Swamp World · Alien Invasion

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More by Murray Leinster