Astounding Science Fiction (UK Edition) — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

64 Pills. So what? How can you prove a man’s been swallowing them? His production steps up, sure, but the tarkomars can’t clamp down on everybody with a good turnout. They tried that, and a lot of guys who never tried the Power Pills got mad. They were fast workers, that was all.” “The demonstration we put on was a good idea,” Thirkell said. “It was convinc- ing. I’ve had to cut down the strength of the pills—we’re running low—but the power of suggestion helps us.” Underhill grinned. “So the base—the man-hour unit—had gone cockeyed. One little monkey wrench, thrown where it'll do the most good. It’s spreading, too. Not only Vyring. The news is going all over Venus, and the workers in the other cities are asking why half of Vyring’s laborers should get better pay. That’s where the equal standard of exchange helps us—one’ monetary system all over Venus. Nothing has even been off par here for centuries. Now—” Munn said, ‘“‘Now the system’s toppling. It’s a natural fault in a perfectly integrated, rigid set-up. For want of a nail the tar- komars are losing their grip. They’ve forgotten how to adjust.” “It'll spread,” Underhill said confidently. “It'll spread. Steve, here comes another customer.” Underhill was wrong. Jorust and the Vyring tarkomar leader came in. “May you be worthy of your ancestors’ names,” Munn said politely. “Drag up a chair and have a drink. We've still got a few bulbs of beer left.” Jorust obeyed, but the Venusian rocked on his feet and glowered. The woman said, “Malsi is distressed. These Power Pills are causing trouble.” “I don’t know why,” Munn said. “They increase production, don’t they?” Malsi grimaced. “This is a trick! A strata- gem! You are abusing our hospitality!” “What OMEN Bronson wanted to know. cae YX OU: hreatened the system,” Malsi plunged on doggedly. “On Venus there is no chance. There must be none.” “Why not?” Underhill asked. “There’s only one real reason, and you know it. Any advances might upset the tarkomars— threaten the power they hold. You racketeers have had the whip hand for centuries. You’ve suppressed inventions, kept Venus in a backwater, tried to drive initiative out of the race, just so you could stay on top. ASTOUNDING SCIENCE-FICTION It can’t be done. Changes happen; they al- ways do. If we hadn’t come, there’d have been an internal explosion eventually.” Malsi glared at him. “You will stop making these Power Pills.” “Point of law,” Thirkell said softly. “Show precedent.” Jorust said, “The right of free gift is one of the oldest on Venus. That law could be changed, Malsi, but I don’t think the people would like it.” Munn grinned. “No. They wouldn’t. That would be the tip-off. Venusians have learned it’s possible to make more money. Take that chance away from them, and the tar- komars won't be the benevolent rulers any more.” Malsi turned darker green. power—” “Jorust, you’re an administrator. Are we protected by your laws?” Underhill asked. She moved her shoulders. “Yes, you are. The laws are sacrosanct. Perhaps because they have always been designed to ePreiee! the tarkomars.” Malsi swung toward her. “Are you siding with the Earthmen?” “Why, of course not, Malsi. I’m merely upholding the law, according to my oath of office. Without prejudice—that’s it, isn’t ita ae Munn said, ‘“‘We’ll stop making the Power Pills if you like, but I warn you that it’s only a respite. You can’t halt progress.” Malsi seemed unconvinced. “You'll stop?” “Sure. If you pay us.” “We cannot pay you,” Malsi said stub- bornly. “You belong to no tarkomar. It would be illegal.” Jorust murmured, “You might give them a free gift of—say—ten thousand sofuls. “Ten thousand!’ Malsi yelped. “Ridicu- lous!” “So it is,” Underhill said. “Fifty thousand is more like it. We can live well for a year on that.” “No.” A Venusian came to the valve, peeped in, and said: “I made twice as many difals today. May I have another Power Pill?” He saw Malsi and vanished with a small shriek. Munn shrugged. “Suit yourself. Pay up, or we go on handing out Power Pills—and you'll have to adjust a rigid social economy. I don’t think you can do it.” Jorust touched Malsi’s arm. “There is no other way.” “I—” The Venusian by now was almost Continued on page 16 comiclooks “We have (©