Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 41 — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “They won’t,” Karl replied, confidently. “We'll have the support of the people.” Karl smiled. “Of course. That’s where matrix 24 comes in. Bax is an immensely popular public figure. His music is renowned all over the civilised world. The boogie will be irresistible—people will be fascinated by it, and at- tribute it to Bax’s genius. His popularity will increase even more. And then comes the arrest. When we occupy the Video Tower, and overthrow the government, liberating Bax at the same time, the ‘people will inevitably support us, because we shall be striking a blow for culture.”’ “The best blow for culture will be the destruction of the Culture Board.” “One of our first tasks, darling. You appreciate the simplicity and the logic of the plan... First, the incident— boogie and the arrest of Bax; second, retribution—the up- rising of the people, led by the Reversionists, against the despots. Zora nodded thoughtfully. “Tt sounds foolproof,”’ she ad- 70 mitted. ““And now, darling, I must go. But first—give me a shot of synapsin.” Karl produced a long, slen- der hypodermic, and carefully ~ measured a quantity of colour- less fluid drawn in from a sealed phial. He took her arm gently, pressing the flesh into a ridge, then quickly and skil- fully injected the contents of the syringe. Zora remained motionless and expressionless. “That will stop me from talking—just in case...” she © remarked. “In case of what?” “In case I run into trouble with the Secs. I couldn’t hold out against truth drugs, psycho-semantic analysers, and perhaps even torture— without synapsin.” Karl frowned and took her in his arms. “Let any man dare to lay a hand on you,” he said, quietly. “Ill tear him apart.” “T hope you won’t ever need to, Karl,” she replied, and kissed him. Down at street level again, Zora walked along Eastern Highway towards the north- connicloooks.Ccomn