Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition, December 1955 — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

THE LONG WAY HOME 105 to us. Nor need you worry about betraying Saris; he’ll be no worse off on Thor than on Earth, indeed you will be in a position to bargain and assure good treatment for him. But I must have your decision now.” Langley shook his head. This was too much, too suddenly. ““Let me think a bit. How about Brannoch’s gang? Have they been in touch with ou?” “No. I know only that we are supposed to get them out of the embassy tower, where they are being kept under house arrest, and provide trans- portation to Thor for them. I have papers from the Technon which will get us in there too, if we use them right.” “Haven't they contacted anybody?” It couldn’t be seen through the rigid spacesuit, but Valti must have shrugged. “Officially, no, Certainly not us. But in practice, of course, the Thrymans must have variable-frequency communicators secreted in their tank, where human police could hardly go to search. They must have been talking to their agents on Earth by that means, though what was said I don’t know. Chanthavar realizes as much, but there’s little he can do about it except to have the Thrymans destroyed, and that goes against the gentle- manly code. These high-ranking lords of different states respect each other’s rights . . . they never know when they might’ find themselves in the same fix.” “So.” Langley stood immobile, but the knowledge was rising in him and he wanted to shout it. He hadn’t been wrong. The Technon did rule the Society. But there was, there must be, an additional complication, and he thought he had grasped its nature. “IT ask you again, captain,” said Valti. ‘““Will you help?” “If not,” said the spaceman dryly, “I suppose your disappointment would be quite violent.” “TI would infinitely regret it,’ murmured Valti, touching the blaster at » his side. “But some secrets are rather important.’ His small pale eyes studied the other. “I will, however, accept your word if you do agree to help. You’re that kind of man. Also, you could gain little or nothing by betraying us.” Langley made his decision. It was a leap into darkness, but suddenly he felt calm rising within himself, an assurance which was like a steadying hand. He was going somewhere again—it might only be over a precipice, but he was out of the maze and walking like a man. “Yes,” he said. “I'll come along. Jf.” Valti waited. “Same terms as before. The girl Marin is to accompany us. Only first I’ve got to find her. She’s been manumitted—down on low-level somewhere. When she’s back here, I’ll be ready to leave.” “Captain, it may take days to—” “That’s too bad. Give me a fistful of money and I'll make a stab at locating her myself.” “The operation is set for tomorrow night. Can you do it by then?’’ COMIC OOOKS:COM