Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition, December 1955 — page 119: what you’re looking at

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

THE LONG WAY HOME 117 said, “‘she’s on automatic, a high-acceleration path. We’ll reach our ship in half an hour. You may as well relax.” ‘‘Easier said than done,” grunted Brannoch. It grew very still in the narrow metal chamber. Langley threw a glance at Saris. The Holatan nodded, ever so_ faintly. Marin saw the gesture, and her own head bobbed. It was time. Langley put his back to the wall near the controls. He drew his blaster. “Don’t move,” he said. Someone cursed. A gun jumped up with blinding speed. It didn’t fire. “Saris has a grip on every weapon in here except mine and Marin’s,” said Langley. ““You’d better sit still and listen— No, you don’t!” He sent a beam roaring at the tall man with the old-style weapon. The trader howled as it fell from -seared fingers. “Sorry to do that.” Langley spoke low. There was sweat trickling down his face. “I don’t want to hurt anybody. But there are some pretty big issues involved. Will you give me a chance to explain?” “Captain—” Valti shuffled closer. Marin waved him back with a ferocious gesture. Saris crouched in the after end of the room, shivering with effort. ‘Listen to me.” Langley felt a vague annoyance that his tone should be pleading. Wasn’t the man with the gun supposed to be unquestioned boss? But Valti’s little eyes were shifting back and forth, watching for any chance at all. Brannoch’s legs were gathered under his chair, ready to leap. The pr} Ccommicloooks. conn