Adventures in the Far Future & Tales of Outer Space — page 319: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“Perhaps,” said Gedso. “But if we can get permission to go where we have to go, the recent excursion will be mild by comparison. Are you sure you wish to accompany me?” “Don't gimme that,” said Stewie, and he tagged the towering Gedso out across the parade ground. Drummond was at his desk, drinking thick, green britt and waiting for a target upon which he could vent his frustrations. “No!” said Drummond. “I have already heard in full how you went about your last trip. This is all complete nonsense! You have abused one of my very best combat engineers and you have overreached the authority you were given!” “| accumulated certain data,” said Gedso hesitantly. “Perhaps | may be able to do something if | am allowed to have a company of troops.” “You know as well as | that technicians have no power to command troops.” “But | want a company of engineers,” said Gedso. “Just one company of armament engineers. This area has never been examined properly. We have gone outside and now we must go deeper into the tunnels.” “Nonsense. You would be engulfed by the ‘things’ before you had reached a point thirty kilometers hence. This Is folly and stupidity! We must have a weapon and you Nave only two days left! The complaint has been transmitted and | intend to follow it with all vigor. Devise that weapon and | will do what | can to mitigate the severity of the reprimand you will certainly receive.” “Then you refuse to give me any further help?” “| refuse to let you command this post, sir!” Gedso looked uncomfortable and unhappy. He finally turned to the door and laid his hand on the knob. He was trying to think of something further to say, but failed. The door stuck and came off its shattered hinges before he could CORniclooo SS CO