Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 44 — page 69: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION Ished. “There’s nothing you can say—hold it! Stay down there.” As Steve tried to lever himself clumsily from the lock, Curry unzippered his pocket and hauled out the gun. He pointed it at the reporter’s head. “Don’t shoot!” Steve squinted his eyes upwards agonisedly, his hands clawing at the metal rim. “I know enough that my weight makes no difference to us until we start to land on the moon. Let me live a little longer. Curry! For God’s sake!” “So you can maybe jump me when I’m asleep?” “I promise si ““That’s a laugh.” Steve’s eyes were deep sunk in his head, light glinted from the moisture on his face. His whole body was shaking. “Curry, ’'m begging you— don’t do it! Turn back! Oh, God, I couldn’t stand to die that way.” “You should have thought of that when you stowed away. I’ve explained that it doesn’t matter to me what your fate is—I’m the man who is landing on the moon. I’ve given up too much in life to be cheated of that now.” Curry’s voice trembled. “I’m not throwing away the fruition 68 of a life’s dream. Get back in that lock!” “Listen to me, Curry.” Steve pleaded desperately, the glazed blank look in his eyes and the slackly drooling mouth sickening Curry. “You’re not the only one who dreamed a dream. You're not the only one who’s had it tough. I was born in the gutter, fought with my two hands for a better life, thought I could write a bit, took the kicks and abuse of a dog’s life. Oh, yes, Curry, I know all about the seamy side. It wasn’t only because of the money that I came aboard here—I’ve lain awake at nights, in stinking hovels, and dreamt of the new worlds that are coming. I’ve watched the moon swim- ming white and cold and so damned uncaring up there. And [I’ve told myself that one day everybody on Earth would have a better chance than I had. It’ s all crazy and mixed up . “You too?” Curry said softly, half surprised that he was listening. “I wonder how many other poor, grubbing mortals have ached for the clean reaches of a new world ?” “I waited for a chance,” Steve gabbled on, breathing shallowly and unevenly. “TI waited and waited—whilst you connicloooks.com