Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, Issue 45 — page 115: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC Class One, but not at once; only pin-pricks, although they keep the emergency squads on their toes.” *“Exactly,’’ Naxos answered. *““That’s just the point, every- thing is boiling up, and soon well be faced by unusual hazards in the extra-dimen- sional border zones. If we’re not fully prepared we shall lose many of the perimeter galaxies, and you know how the Supreme Council will react if that happens.” The Chief rose to his feet and strode irresolutely about | the room. Abruptly, he stopped and spoke quietly: “It can’t be done, Naxos; I’ve told you the emergency squads are available continuously...” “Yes, yes, Ekrill,” Naxos broke in. “I understand all that, but under Class Three there’s not the same co- ordination . , AS 2 strictly localised direction.” Ekrill nodded his head. “Isn’t that better than inter- ferencefromhigher up ?Surely, Naxos, you’re the last person to advocate top-level direction when the perimeter sections can cope?” The official from Zenkal looked uncomfortable. Ekrill eyed him with interest, think- ing: What a fine person Naxos is; recently, one of our finest 114 SCIENCE FICTION perimeter administrators, an expert dimensional scientist. He looks worried, his keen grey eyes have lost their usual sparkle, and.there are extra furrowed lines on his fore- head, but he still possesses his regal bearing, handsome face, perfect physique and, above all, a gentle dignity. Naxos turned to go, hesi- tated, and then leaned for- ward over the desk. “I'd like | to speak as a friend, an un- official chat.” “Certainly, Naxos. I’m puzzled as to the way you’re acting; it’s not like you.” “Perhaps not. This is off the record ... it conflicts with all known data and I, as a dimensional scientist, cannot, for the moment, understand it. There’s fear in my heart.” “Surely, not afraid... not you, Naxos ?”’ ““Yes, it’s true, but hear me out; then, maybe you’ll under- stand too. You are familiar with routine perimeter activi- ties; how we’re bounded by the dimensional frontier, dis- covered when the old astrono- mers believed that the 3D universe was infinite. Later, the dimensional boundary, billions of light years from the inner galaxies,was discovered.” Ekrill, rather testily: “TI know all that. Wait! Refresh- comiclooks.conn