Authentic Science Fiction, December 1951 — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

THE MOON IS HEAVEN ‘45 As you all stand and watch, the level of the mercury stays the same. There are no leaks. No appreciable leaks, that is. And it’s only appreciable leaks that count. “ Alors|”’ says Clavier. ‘‘ You can go in now, Reina.’’ Schnabel has made just as good a job of the air-lock as he has of the welding. It functions perfectly. Only large enough to hold two at a time, it is absolutely air-tight and safe. The door to comfort and security. Reina and Schnabel go through, followed by Leeson and Clavier. Then you and Atah step inside and fasten the outer door. Inside the dome the others have already removed their suits and are looking flushed with excitement and exertion. Reina looks marvellous. You take your own suit off and feel a new springiness in your step come with the freedom. Reina had already placed certain things on the site before the dome was put up. Now she starts to make good use of them by preparing a cup of tea. A great shout of approval goes up, from Atah as well. You must admit, the scene looks quite cosy. Light comes from the lamps attached to the space suits, which have been laid around the floor. Later on there will be a single ceiling lamp fitted. Six bunks are arranged round the circular wall. At’ the moment they are just rude supports, but soon the. mattresses from the control room will be brought down. They should make for a good night’s sleep. In the centre of the room is a. small nuclear heater, its temperature level controlled by cadmium rods, on which Reina made the tea. It will have the second function of keeping the dome warm during the long lunar night. You remember that Atah chose it because it’s the only form of heater that doesn’t consume air. For air will not be all that plentiful. Next to the heater stands a cabinet that houses Reiha’s domestic utensils—the bare essentials for eating and drinking. There won’t be any washing on this trip. No shaving either. You reckon the men are going to look pretty grim by the comicbooks.com