The Malthus Pandemic

by Terry Morgan

CHAPTER 38

  "Your bill is mounting up, Dan Dare," said Colin, "I hope you're covering your costs somehow."

  "Well, life can get expensive from time to time, Colin, I admit. But now and again we all need to take the plunge - speculate to accumulate so to speak - invest in the future - take a calculated risk."

  "Jesus, Daniel, is that really you ?"

  "Just trying to be a good businessman, Colin. Anyway - down to business. Malthus Society, Colin. Ever heard of it? It has a website, blog, a message board. Remember your history at school? It supports and promotes many of the views of Thomas Malthus. He wrote a book on population control in 1798 that many feel is now more relevant than ever. The website has facts, figures, references and also a lot of crazy, fanatical views - but a lot of sense, too."

  "Never heard of it."

  "Then can you check it out, Colin? I need to know who moderates it. He uses the name "Thalmus" - obviously an anagram of Malthus. I'm sure you have the technology so it'll be a quick and simple job for you."

  "Yes, we have the means."

  "Quick, easy, cheap. - that's what I like."

  "So what happened to your plans for taking calculated risks, speculating to accumulate and investing in the future, 007?"

  "Oh, I'm doing plenty of that. Colin," I said, "It looks like I'm getting married." Then I switched my phone off.