Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 41 — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION assuringly, he leaned forward, and offered a silver cigarette case. Zora extended her hand automatically, selected a cig- arette, then suddenly dropped it. “They’re not drugged,” said _ Rondo. She made no reply. He shrugged his shoulders, and lit one up for himself. “First of all,’ he stated. “T must apologise for the dis- comforts you have endured, Miss Varney.” “You’ve made a serious mistake. That’s not my name,” she replied, flatly. Rondo smiled. “‘Pleasedon’t underestimate our intelligence, or the efficiency of the Bureau. We know your name. In fact, we've been watching you and your friends for some time.” “I’ve nothing to hide.” “Except your name? Never mind—we’ll forget about that for the moment. You mustn’t be afraid of us, Miss Varney. Ail we want is a little co- operation—the answers to a few questions, and then you can go free.” “‘T have nothing to say.” *“Not even after six hours in supersonics? How strange! 7@ We usually find that our pre- interrogation treatmentis quite successful. It makes people more co-operative—more obliging.” Zora said nothing. She felt quite calm and comfortable now, with only a ghost of apprehension fluttering in her abdomen. ““‘We have other methods,” Rondo went on, still talking in an even, almost pleasant, tone of voice. “‘But I’m sure they won’t be necessary. Lieutenant Pope here’’—he indicated the officer on his left—“is going to ask you a few questions. When you have answered them—to our satisfaction—you can go free.” He pressed another switch, and a blinding light came from a raised unit on the desk, etching every detail of her features in stark relief. Rondo disappeared into an obscure shadow beyond the light. This is it, the girl decided. She guessed that cameras would be photographing her, and that tapes would be recording what she said— but it didn’t matter. The synapsin would obliterate comicloooks.comn) *