Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 44: what you’re looking at

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

42 ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION “Let me see him,” the Security chief said. He gazed directly at Olham where he sat, his hands in his lap, staring ahead. “So that’s the man.”’ He looked at Olham for a time. Olham said nothing. At last the chief nodded to Peters. “All right. That’s enough.” A faint trace of disgust wrinkled his features. “T’ve seen all I want. You’ve done something that will be remembered for a long time. They’re preparing some sort of citation for both of you.” ““That’s not necessary,” Peters said. »““How much danger is there now? Is there still much chance that—” **There is some chance, but not too much. According to my understand- ing, it requires a verbal key phrase. In any case we'll have to take the risk.” “T’ll have the Moon base notified you’re coming.”’ *"No,”’ Peters shook his head. “‘T’ll land the ship outside, beyond the base. I don’t want it in jeopardy.” THE BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY 12 BESSBOROUGH GARDENS, LONDON, S.W.1 Qe Membership is open to all inter- ested in Rocket engineering and space-flight. Full particulars, together with a free copy of the Society’s Journal and Programme of lectures, film shows, etc. will be sent on request. Annual Subscription . £1 1 (under 21): .» 1 0 Entrance Fee 1 6 1 0 0 6 “Just as you like.’’ The chief’s eyes flickered as he glanced again at Olham. Then his image faded. The screen blanked. Olham shifted his gaze’ to the window. The ship was already through the protec-bubble, rushing with greater and greater speed all the time. Peters was in a hurry; below him, rumbling under the floor, the jets were wide open. They were afraid, hurrying frantically, because of him. Next to him on the seat, Nelson ‘Shifted uneasily. “I think we should do it now,” he said. “I’d give any- thing if we could get it over with.” “Take it easy,” Peters said. “I want you to guide the ship for a while so I can talk to him.” He slid over beside Olham, looking into his face. Presently he reached out and touched him gingerly, on the arm and then on the cheek. Olham said nothing. If I could let Mary know, he thought again. Jf I. could find some way of letting her know. He looked around the ship. How? The vidscreen? Nelson was sitting by the board, holding the gun. There was nothing he could do. He was caught, trapped. But why? “Listen,” Peters said. “I want to ask you some questions. You know where we’re going. We're moving Moonward. In an hour we’ll land on the far side, on the desolate side. After we land you'll be turned over immediately to a team of men waiting there. Your body will be destroyed at once. Do you understand that?” He looked at his watch. “Within two hours your parts will be strewn over the landscape. There won’t be any- thing left of you.” | Olham struggled out of his lethargy “Can’t you tell me—” “Certainly, Ill tell you.” Peters nodded. ‘““ITwo days ago we received Comicbooks.com