Authentic Science Fiction, December 1951 — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

THE MOON IS HEAVEN 63 back to everybody, reading, Although he miist know who it is coming in, he doesn’t look up. “Don’t provoke him,”’ you say to Clavier before he gets his helmet off. ‘‘ Just ignore him. Have some tea and tucker.’ Clavier sends Schnabel one short glance and then does aS you say. Reina has already poured out two more cups and arrange more sandwiches on a plate. You're pleased you’ve been able to bring some bread up in air-tight containers; bread that’s been sterilised by electron bolts. You lay your own helmet down on the floor and tuck into the sandwiches. The tea is hot and strong, just the way you like it. Maybe it was a good idea bringing Reina—apart from her just being Reina. ‘“ We'll have a better meal soon,” she says. ‘‘ As soon as everything’s organised. I hope you’ll all be prepared to eat three meals a day at set times. That’ll help the rationing scheme and divide the day for us.”’ ‘“ So,’” says Leeson, with a sly glance at Reina. ‘‘ So, we're going to have a woman nagging us, even on the Moon!’’ Reina turns her nose up at him and calls across to the reading Schnabel. “Would you like some tea? And some sandwiches, Schnabel ?’’ The man’s head shakes twice. ‘‘ No, thank you.’’ ‘You'll be hungry soon, and then there won’t be any left.’’ “No, thank you!”’ Reina gives up. She looks at the rest of you and shrugs. She begins to clear away. Atah looks across to Schnabel and coughs. ““When d’you intend to get back to the air-lock, Schnabel? That’s your priority number one. And you ought to start teaching these others to use the mining apparatus.”’ Everyone except Atah looks deep into their teacups, or suddenly finds something of absorbing interest in their sand- comicbooks.com