Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 12: what you’re looking at

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

S 10 they can always find a species which is at home on any possible world.” Sevulan smiled. “I suggest, lord, that we complete the base ourselves and use it, since they were obliging enough to do all the real labor.” Hurulta stroked his massive chin. “We have no choice,” he said thinly. “If we don’t hold that system, they may. come back any time—and it is dangerously close to our home, and as you say their men can function better there than ours.” He muttered an oath. “It’s a nuisance. We need most of our forces to complete the conquest of Tukatan in a swift and orderly manner. But there’s no help for it.” “We were going to take Garvish eventually, lord,” said Sevulan re- spectfully. “Yes, yes, of course. Take this whole cluster—and after that, who knows how much more? Still—’’ Be- ing a realist, Hurulta dismissed his own annoyance. “As you say, this will save us time and money in the long run.” gag Ce : Sevulan was interrupted by the buzzing of the official telescreen. Hurulta switched it on. “Yes?” he growled. “General Ulanho of Central Intel- ligence reporting, lord.” ‘I know who you are. What is it?” “Scout just came in, lord. The Pa- trol is on Shang V. Apparently they’re building another base.” “Shang V—” ‘“Twelve-point-three light-years from here, lord.”’ “I know that! Stand by.” Hurulta switched off again. There was some- thing of a giant dynamo about him as he swung on Sevulan. “What sort of planet is this Shang V?” he snarled. “Little known, lord,” faltered the officer. “A big world, as I recall. Twice our gravity, mostly hydrogen ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION atmosphere—storms of unparalleled violence, volcanic upheavals, a hell planet! I don’t see how they would dare—” “They must be relying on sheer audacity,” snapped Hurulta. “Well, they won’t get away with it! No ultimatum this time—no message of any kind. You will organize a task force to go there at once and blow them off it!” The Arkazhik was in an ugly mood, and his subordinates tried to make themselves invisible as he stamped past them. But then, the whole planet was foul-tempered and jumpy. The Garvish and Shang operations had been—still were—messy and costly enterprises which completely disrupted the schedule for Tukatan. That the Patrol fleet had been gone when the Ulugani arrived at Shang, saving them a battle, was small consolation, for it meant that the enemy was still at large, he could strike anywhere, any time, bringing death and ruin out of the big spaces. That meant an elabo- rate warning system around Tumu, tying up hundreds of thousands of trained spacemen; it meant the incon- veniences of civilian defense, force- screens over all cities, transportation slowed, space-raid drills, spy scares, nervousness among the commoners that was not far from exploding into hysteria. It meant that the unreward- ing Shang System must also be gar- risoned, lest the Patrol sneak back there. It meant irritation, delay, ex- pense, and a turbulent cabinet meet- ing in which Hurulta had needed all his personality to control the dis- satisfied members. He took a grav-shaft now, dropping through many levels to a corridor hewn out of the rock below the capitol. Along this he stalked, the boots of his guards slamming a hollow rhythm. back from the walls, until he Conmielooo SaCO) im