Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 42 — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION the larger tank that belonged to their father, King Patrick Reilly. There were six now: a good circle. Two outriders, two flankers, and Prince Jake’s tank and his own as rear- guards. He walked across, treasuring his pride in it and in the gold-banded shamrock which was its insignia. The mechanic stood back and bowe-l. *“Null-A. All O.K., Prince John.” He replied: “‘Null-A,” and climbed up and into the _ turret. He had a sick feeling of anticipation at the thought of the hunt and an urgent desire to examine the controls again. But to display any kind of ex- citement would be shameful. He stood erect in the turret, and watched his _ brothers arrive. Patrick, the eldest, walked across to the left-hand outrider, his face cold but looking strangely nervous. Bernard took the other lead tank and Hank and Norman the two flankers. Jake, walking across to the second rear- guard, paused by John’s tank. It was only six months since they had played together in the women’s quarters, but _ that was part of a different and forgotten life. 84 Jake said: “Don’t get ex- cited, kid.” John looked evenly at his brother’s sneering face. He recognised the fundamental weakness that lay behind his present arrogance, and des- pised it. Six months ago, in the women’s quarters, he, although the younger, had been the unquestioned leader. It would take a very short time, he knew, to regain that superiority, and with that certainty in mind he was con- tent to accept his brother’s patronage without resentment. He despised Jake, the weak- ling. The translation of his contempt into action could wait. He said: ‘“‘Where are we hunting today?’ Jake looked up. “The Hawkins. Pop wants to take their palace and install Patrick as king. We’re putting every- thing into it. We'll have over thirty tanks out altogether.” John glanced over again to where Patrick stood, tall and silent, in the turret of his tank. He looked down to see Jake’s face conspiratorial and sly. “If we don’t manage to take the Hawkins’ palace,’ Jake said, “. . . something may comiclooks.comn