Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition, December 1955 — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

84 ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION have an alloy that’ll come anywhere near standing up to those strains. And the Russians don’t have it, either.” ““How can you be sure?” “For one thing, there are several research projects that are awaiting this type of rig and the Russians have no more results on those projects than we have.” “Then something was produced from cadaver blood and was stored in those tanks,”’ said Lewis. Bellarmine nodded. “I checked. A fitting on the tanks matched one on the machinery.” | Lewis pushed himself upright, ignoring the pain in his chest. “Then this means an extraterrestrial in—’’ The pain in his chest became too much and he sagged back to the pillow. Dr. Bellarmine was suddenly at his side. “You fool!’ he barked. “You were told to take it easy.’’ He pushed the emergency button at the head of the bed, began working on the bandages. ‘““What’s matter?”’ whispered Lewis. ““Hemorrhage,” said Bellarmine. “Where’s that fool nurse? Why doesn’t she answer the bell?’’ He stripped away a length of adhesive. The door opened and a nurse entered, stopped as she saw the scene. “Emergency tray,” said Bellarmine. “Get Dr. Edwards here to assist! Bring plasma!” Lewis heard a drum begin to pound inside his head—louder, louder, louder. Then it began to fade and there was nothing. He awoke to a rustling sound and footsteps. Then he recognized it. The sound of a nurse’s starched uniform as she moved about the room. He opened his eyes and saw by the shadows outside that it was afternoon. ‘So you’re awake,”’ said the nurse. Lewis turned his head toward the sound. “You’re new,” he said. “‘I don’t recognize you.” “Special,” she said. “‘Now you just take it easy and don’t try to move.” She pushed the call button. It seemed that almost immediately Dr. Bellarmine was in the room bending over Lewis. The surgeon felt Lewis’ wrist, took a deep breath. ““You went into shock,”’ he said. ““You have to remain quiet. Don’t try to move around.”’ His voice low and husky, Lewis said, ““Could I ask some questions?” “Yes, but only for a few minutes. You have to avoid any kind of exertion.” “What'd the sheriff find out about the tanks?” Bellarmine grimaced. ““They couldn’t open them. Can’t cut the metal.” “That confirms it,” said Lewis. “Think there are any other rigs like that?” “‘There have to be,”’ said Bellarmine. He sat down on a chair at the head of the bed. “I’ve had another look at that basement layout and took a machinist with me. He agrees. Everything about it cries out mass production. Mostly cast fittings with a minimum of machining. Simple, efficient construction.” “Why? What good’s the blood from human cadavers?” “lve been asking myself that same question,” said Bellarmine. ““Maybe for a nutrient solution for culture growths. Maybe for the antibodies,” COMME SOOKS.COM