Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, Issue 45 — page 121: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION tinued use of the BZ units willinduce supporting patterns. The attack policy is wrong.” The Minister frowned. *“Aren’t you theorising too much? If we stop using BZ attack what else is there to do? Supposing your theory is correct, how could we protect ourselves ?”’ *“‘That’s impossible!” *“‘To protect ourselves ?”” “Yes, Rendlow. We should remove ourselves while we can... to the 4D central area—I believe that will re- main stable, but time is short.” Rendlowlosthisselfcontrol. *“Naxos, you must be crazy to suggest that we abandon 3D without a struggle—after all we've gained since our history began.” “I know it sounds so, but I’ve given my opinion; submit it to the Council—at least do that.” Rendlow reluctantly agreed. Slowly, Naxos returned to the control room and reluc- tantly met Kleria’s question- ing blue eyes. “I’ve failed to convince him. It was my wish that we should abandon 3D and move to 4D Central.” Kleria was shocked, but she remained calm and comforted Naxos with an impulsive em- brace; she broke away, smiling, and urged him to sit down and 120 relax for a few minutes. There was weariness in his voice. ““Rendlow is putting it to the Council; I know what they’ll answer: ‘He’s crazy!’ They imagine that I don’t know what I’m talking about. It seems that they’re convinced that Intelligence is one hun- dred per cent. correct .. . so, BZ will continue and, in turn, bolster up the flow of this invading energy.” “Don’t anticipate so, my dear,”’ Kleria urged. A few minutes later Rend- low contacted Naxos: “The Council cannot accept your report. BZ attack is to be increased to maximum power at once.” Naxos and Kleria were relieved after twelve hours of hard work. Immediately, they went to see Ekrill, so that they might receive more news of the overall operation. Ekrill gave them a curt nod. It was obvious that he was over-tired and anxious. ““What news now, Ekrill?’” Kleria asked. “Very bad indeed; the force has increased its speed tenfold during the last few hours and it’s still increasing. We can’t control it, nor does it follow known laws. The encroach- mentcomesfrom a//directions. comiclooks.com