Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 42 — page 140: what you’re looking at

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

PROCESS *That’s what I meant about not giving you time for non- constructive thinking. You’ve had too much free time, Ker- mit. You’ve lost contact with reality. You're at the stage now where you’d argue with Aquinas about how many angels could sit on the point of a pin.” It was plain the discussion was over. Samuels marched to his desk and jabbed at a button on its surface. “If it were up to me Id liquidate you,’”’ Samuels said. “You can thank Father’s wis- dom and mercy for your survival.” Suddenly Kermit was aware that the door had opened be- hind him and that two men had come in. Friend and Servant. *“Take him down,”’ Samuels said. Rough hands had him, were spinning him about. Inside, Kermit cringed, feeling already the threats of fists and truncheons. But no blow fell until they were in the hall. Then it came unexpectedly, catching him behind the ear and hurling him forward into the waiting elevator. Lying on the car floor, Ker- mit barely heard their voices. 139 “T hope Father doesn’t decide to save him.” ‘“‘Why should he?” ““Father can’t stand seeing one of Us hurt.” “This isn’t one of us.” “You're right.” A series of kicks lifted Ker- mit out of the car. He felt him- self being dragged along. Then he was in a large room, with Servant, Friend and several others. There was a table with clamps for hands and feet. There were metal rods. There was some sort of electronic machine with dials. “I hope Father doesn’t intervene.” “Why should he? This isn’t one of US.” Another kick, drawing a scream from Kermit. Some- thing hard and thin flailed across his back. Shirt and skin both parted. Unbearable pain. And with each pain the question of whether Father would rescue Kermit. How long it went on he couldn’t tell. There was only pain and momentary release from pain. He was on the table, unable to move. He was paralysed by electrical jolts. Without being able to hear himself, Kermit knew he was shrieking, shriek- comicloooks.com