Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition, December 1955 — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

8 ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION that’s saved her for the time being is Marak’s inability to move in without first slapping down Genis—and vice versa. “So, Marak’s asked us for a man who’ll keep Genis off balance until Marak can move in on Farla and consolidate. That’s you. You'll handle strategy, maybe do some on-the-spot generaling.”’ Demaris nodded. “Sounds good.” He grinned fiercely. “Sounds damn ood!” : Kaempfert handed him a file. ““Here’s most of your poop. You get a full-scale briefing tomorrow at eight. That’s Ante Meridiem, son. You’re scheduled for Make-up and Indoctrination at eleven.” Demaris whistled softly. “Shooting me out in a hurry, huh?’ Kaempfert nodded, his face grave. “It’s faster than I'd like. One day isn’t enough to set up an air-tight job. But it’s a hurry-up situation. We'll just have to take our chances. If you think somebody’s spotted you, you’re hereby authorized to take the most logical preventive steps under the cir- cumstances.”” -Demaris nodded as though in echo to Kaempfert’s expression. The neces- sity was obvious, but nevertheless, the Agency didn’t often work that way. Kaempfert broke the silence. “Well. That’s that. Where’re you staying tonight, Thad?’ Demaris shrugged. “Hotel of some kind, I guess. I got here straight from the airport. Still got my bags out in the front office.” “Well, how about staying over with us?’ Kaempfert stared down at his fingertips. Demaris laughed. “I guess that’s one way of making sure I won’t get into a fight before morning. Sure, Bill. Be glad to, and thanks.” Kaempfert looked up at him with the traces of guilt fading out of the corners of his eyes. Demaris winked at him. ““Where’d you get the idea I was the pugnacious type, Bill?” Kaempfert grunted. Demaris sprawled his bulk in an easy-chair, his feet thrust out atop a hassock. Cigarette smoke trickled slowly from his nostrils, then puffed out as he stretched and yawned. He felt free and relaxed for the first time in weeks. He’d eaten a quiet meal, unconstrained by any necessity for making intricate small-talk. Now he had a lazy evening to look forward to; some- thing he hadn’t had since the last time he’d known he was going out in the morning. He whistled a snatch of “Heroes All’ and chuckled softly. Leni Kaempfert smiled fondly at her husband as she shut the nursery door behind her. “Adding a new verse, Thad?” ‘Me? I never wrote that thing.” Leni’s tongue bulged in her cheek. ““No?”’ “Why, no.” She shrugged agreeably. “O. K. But if Old Man Sullivan ever proves his suspicions, you'll be in deep trouble.’’ She looked at Demaris with mock- solemnity. ‘““The Agency is a serious business enterprise. Let us not go around making snide remarks.” : Gomicbooks7zeom