Astounding British Edition, Volume 8, No. 11 — page 24: what you’re looking at

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

22 ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION away from me sure. Some captain will get a new gig and I'll be issued another clunk from Base junkpile.” “Sure thing,” said Kurt. A moment later the flashing of a green light on the control panel signaled that the pressure in the lock had reached normal. “Back in a minute,” said Ozaki. “You wait here.” | There was a muted hum as the exit hatch swung slowly open. Two guards entered and stood silently beside Kurt as Ozaki left to report to Commander Krogson. CHAPTER XIII. THE battle fleet of War Base Three of Sector Seven of the Galactic Protectorate hung motionless in space twenty thousand kilometers out from Kurt’s home planet. A hundred tired detection techs sat tensely before their screens, sweeping the globe for some sign of energy radiation. Aside from the occasional light spatters caused by space static, their scopes remained dark. As their reports filtered in to Commander Krogson he became more and more exasperated. “Are you positive this is the right planet?’ — he demanded of Ozaki. “No question about it, sir.” “Seems funny there’s nothing running down there at all,” said Krogson. “Maybe they spotted us on the way in and cut off power. I’ve got a hunch that—” He broke off in mid sentence as the red top-priority light on the communication panel began to flash. “Get that,” he said. “Maybe they’ve spotted something at last.” | The executive officer flipped on the vision screen and the interior of the flagship’s communication room was revealed. “Sorry to bother you, sir,” said the tech whose image appeared on the screen, “but a message just came through on the emer- gency band.” “What does it say?” The tech looked unhappy. Sir.” “Well, decode it!” barked the executive. “We can’t,” said the technician diffidently. “Something’s gone wrong with the decoder. The printer is pounding out random groups that don’t make any sense at all.” The executive grunted his disgust. “Any idea where the call’s coming from?” “Yes, sir; it’s coming in on a tight beam from the direction of Base. Must be from a ship emergency rig; though. Regular hyper- space transmission isn’t directional. Either “It’s coded, the ship’s regular rig broke down or the operator is using the beam to keep anybody else from picking up his signal.” “Get to work on that decoder. Call back as soon as you get any results.” The tech saluted and the screen went black. “Whatever it is, it’s probably trouble,” said Krogson morosely. “Well, we'd better get on with this job. Take the fleet into atmosphere. It looks as if we are going to have to make a visual check.” - “Maybe the prisoner can give us a lead,” suggested the executive officer. “Good idea. Have him brought in.” A moment later Kurt was ushered into the master control room. ‘Krogson’s eyes widened at the sight of his scalp lock and paint. “Where in the name of the Galactic Spirit,” he demanded, “did you get that rig?” “Don’t you recognize an Imperial Space Marine when you see one?” Kurt answered coldly. The guard that had escorted Kurt in made a little twirling motion at his temple with one finger. Krogson took another look and nodded agreement. “Sit down, son,” he said in a fatherly tone. “We're trying to get you home, but you're going to have to give us a little help before we can do it. You see, we’re not quite sure just where your base is.” “Tl help all I can,” said Kurt. “Fine!” said the commander, rubbing his palms together. “Now just where down there do you come from?” He pointed out the vision port to the curving globe that stretched out below. Kurt looked down helplessly. “Nothing makes sense, seeing it from up here,” he said apologetically. Krogson thought for a moment. “What's the country like around your base?” he asked. “Mostly jungle,” said Kurt. “The garri- son is on a plateau though and there are mountains to the north.” Krogson turned quickly to his exec. “Did you get that description?” “Yes, sir!” “Get all scouts out for a close Sweep. As soon as the base is spotted, move the fleet in and hover at forty thousand!” Forty minutes later a scout came streak- ing back, “Found it, sir!” said the exec. “Plateau with jungle all around and mountains to the north. There’s a settlement at one end. GoOmicbooksnco