Chapter 33: The Next Movement, Whale Song

"Whale Song?"

"Sounds a bit abstract. I can't quite imagine what kind of science fiction that would be."

John Campbell couldn't help but mutter, though he quickly regained his composure—this was, after all, Ernie’s signature creative style.

"This 'Whale Song' doesn't really have a specific genre. When it comes to writing fiction, I just write whatever sparks my interest. After my last piece, 'Morning Dao,' I wanted to write a story about 'anti-war' themes, which also happens to align quite well with the current sentiments among the American public. Of course, while it is anti-war, it won't be your typical story. I want to delve deeper into the nature of war."

"The story originates during the Battle of the Atlantic, centering on a 'whale control' technology invented by an American scientist named Hopkins..."

Ernie had been mulling over this story for some time. He had adapted the various elements of the original tale to better suit the current era, with the core philosophy being a timely "anti-war" message. As he explained the general plot to John Campbell, he spoke fluently and without hesitation, providing a clear overview of the core imagery and metaphors.

After listening, John Campbell felt a lingering sense of intrigue; just from the outline, he knew it was a good story. However, the core message it expressed...

John Campbell looked thoughtful. He took a few puffs of his cigarette and said, "This story is excellent—short, sharp, and the ending is full of irony. It’s just that the direction of the plot... I personally like it, but that doesn't mean the American public will. Aren't you afraid of being attacked after it's published?"

In the version of "Whale Song" that Ernie described, besides the crowd-pleasing critique of Germany, he was also using the story to take a jab at America. John Campbell finally understood why Ernie had said this novel was different from ordinary stories and would "delve deeper into the nature of war."

"Mr. Campbell, a man with many lice doesn't fear another bite—the novel I have pending at The Atlantic Monthly already touches on a significant amount of 'racism.' I'm just waiting for people to curse me out next month!" Ernie said, a smile still on his face, looking entirely unfazed.

"Racism?" John Campbell was startled. "Alright, I give you credit!"

He pushed up his sliding glasses and said with understanding, "I'll reserve this 'Whale Song' of yours. Get it written as soon as possible. Even though the plot takes an unconventional path, the metaphors and irony regarding war are fully realized, and the content possesses the same imaginative scope as 'Morning Dao.' I’m looking forward to it."

Ernie nodded and then joked, "You won't make me reply to all those reader letters again, will you?"

John Campbell gave a wry smile and shook his head. "If your 'Whale Song' is published and everyone writes in just to curse you, I certainly won't make you reply. But speaking of which, you truly are an excellent author, both in your writing and your conscience. After all, in any industry, most people just go with the flow, but you have the courage to never engage in intellectual self-censorship. There’s a bit of an Eastern knight-errant in you—using your pen like a sword."

Ernie hadn't expected such high praise from John Campbell. He offered a bitter smile and replied, "Don't flatter me to death. If 'Whale Song' flops, I’ll stop being so reckless and just focus on making money—that’s the real way to go!"

As the two chatted, having secured Ernie's manuscript, John Campbell relaxed, leaning back into the wide leather chair, and began to gossip with Ernie about various topics.

Just then, a commotion broke out outside the office. It seemed an uninvited guest had barged into the editorial department, and no one could stop them. Ernie and Campbell exchanged a look and rose to walk out of the office.

They saw a familiar figure shouting loudly: "I know Ernie Riser is here! Get him and John Campbell out here. Let them discuss whatever dirty deals they're making in front of me."

The intruder was none other than Frederik Pohl!

As it happened, Frederik Pohl had been in a nearby café assembling a story with another author. Since he used to work in the *Astounding Science Fiction* editorial office, even though he had changed jobs, he was still accustomed to operating in the area. When he saw Ernie enter the Smith Publishing building, he had rushed to finish his work and hurried over.

"Fred, you're in the wrong place," John Campbell said, holding a cigarette. Although he didn't know the history between Fred and Ernie, he knew his former subordinate too well; he must have smelled a good story and come to poach talent.

"Long time no see, Mr. Campbell," Frederik Pohl said, his voice dropping as he saw his former boss, offering a polite nod. He didn't beat around the bush; looking straight at Ernie in front of John Campbell, he said, "Whatever royalties Mr. Campbell has promised you, I will increase them, provided you grant the rights for your next novel to *Super Science Stories*."

Ernie hadn't expected Frederik Pohl to be so persistent. He felt embarrassed to refuse him directly, and as he weighed his words, just about to speak, Frederik Pohl interrupted.

"Don't be in such a hurry to answer, I'm not done... If you authorize your next novel to *Super Science Stories*, I guarantee I will publish it as a standalone book!"

Frederik Pohl’s expression carried a heavy "murderous intent." He was truly going all out against John Campbell, making such a promise to a rookie author.

However, Ernie looked somewhat awkward and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Mr. Pohl, I can't agree to that."

Frederik Pohl: "?"

He couldn't help but raise his voice: "Why on earth not? Did Mr. Campbell save your life or something?"

Beside them, John Campbell wore a smug smile and shook his head in sympathy for Fred: "Because I’m already planning to publish 'Morning Dao' as a standalone book. At this stage, Ernie naturally isn't going to agree to your terms."

Frederik Pohl: "..."

He was completely defeated. There was nothing he could do; he and John Campbell were former colleagues, and he had learned much of his craft working alongside Campbell at *Astounding Science Fiction*. You could say their editorial skills were "taught by the same master"—there was simply no way to break that defense!

Frederik Pohl felt deeply frustrated, his heart aching, and he didn't want to stay a moment longer. Before leaving, he remembered something and reminded Ernie: "By the way, that friend of yours—the Italian—do you know he's in the hospital?"

"You mean Puzo? What happened to him?" Ernie frowned.

"It seems he didn't tell you..." Frederik Pohl muttered, then added with a heavy tone, "He was beaten and sent to the hospital. He's currently receiving treatment at Bellevue Hospital."