Astounding British Edition, Vol. 9, No. 6 — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

om - io » > wat | er Laat 4 te 4 rs . yma Dir ie = . fs ~~ * 2 at » » . pestilence, fire and the sword will surely visit them.” He paused. “I can assure you that fire and the sword are awaiting any open disobedience,” he added. The priest lifted his head. “These things, I will do,” he said decisively. Philar, Kalidar of the Imperial Guard of the Dalturan Empire, leaned back at his ease in his own quarters. At last, this assignment was nearly accomplished. Soon, he’d be able to go back and relax for a while. In the privacy of his room, he had removed his helmet, and the golden. circlet glowed against his dark hair. “Well, Marc,” he was thinking, “I’m coming after you tomorrow. How do you feel?” “Swell,” came the answering thought. “By the way, did you run to comple- tion on this one?” Philar asked. Marc was disdainful. “Think I’m a snail? Great Space, they gave me almost four years. I had the job done in three. I beat it all through their heads, then clinched it on the other side. Picked up more recruits than we actually need for the job, too.” Philar started ticking off points on his fingers. “Philosophy, Ethics—” “Yeah, yeah,” he was interrupted. “Philosophy, Behaviorism, Organization, Techniques, Ethics, the works. I even got time to throw in a lot of extra hints that’ll take two or three periods to de- cipher. They’ve got physical and bio- logical science, up to and including longevity. They’ve got Galactic Ethics. I even slipped them a short course in Higher Psychology. Course, they'll have to do all the groundwork for themselves, but my recruits understand a good share of the stuff. When they’re able to release their knowledge, this planet’ll be on the team.” “Nice going, pal,” Philar chuckled. “Well, as I said, I’m coming after you tomorrow, complete with a whole bunch of nice, tough Dalturan guardsmen. Hope your body shield’s in good shape.” “You space worm,” stormed Marko. “If you let those primeval monkeys get rough with me, so help me, I’Il—” ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION “Ah, ah,” Philar shook his finger, “naughty thoughts.” “Master Intelligence Technician Philar!” A third thought broke in sternly. Philar groaned. “Oooh, I’ve done it again. Yes, sir.” “Attention to orders. After completion of your assignment tomorrow, you will march to the seaport, Dalyra. There, you will embark for the capital, Baratea. During the voyage, you will fall over the side and be lost.” An impression of amusement intruded. “T’'ll be at the con- trols, sergeant, and for your sins, I’m going to bring you in wet. My friend, you will be so waterlogged that you'll be able to go without water for at least half a period.” “Yes, captain.” Philar was doleful. He took the circlet off, holding it at arm’s length and looking at it sourly. “Thought control,” he snorted aloud. “Thought control, that’s what it is.” He clapped the mentacom back on and com- posed himself to sleep. Kloru Noile, High Priest of Kleedra, sat at his worktable. As he read, he nodded his head. Finally, he looked up. “Well, Plana,” he remarked to his assis- tant, “looks as though the last of the despots has called it a day.” He held out the paper. The man took it and read. Informal Report - From: Barcu Lores, Security Technician . Second Class To: NCOIC, Philosophical 5 /G3-4/572 Subject: Duke Klonda Bal Kithrel 1. Psychological work on the subject is nearing completion. Bal Kithrel has decided to allow elections of all magis- trates, as well as three members of the advisory council. He is also considering a revision of the property laws. It is be- lieved that this is the beginning of con- stitutional rule in this area. Work is conpaLIne Section Plana handed the paper back. “I be- lieve, sergeant,” he remarked, “that we’Jl get a good inspection report this time.” THE END 7 iti — CORMIE IOOKS (€@) ‘ALA