Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, Issue 45 — page 123: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION us to escape into the 4D realms. Now, owing to the collapse of the translation devices, it is impossible. “The Council feels that everyone be left to his or her own devices—the automatic services may function a little longer. In the name of the Council, I, Rendlow, bid you all farewell, and may your remaining hours hold some happiness in the company of your loved ones .. . farewell!” Rendlow’s voice almost broke as he ended his speech. His serious countenance faded from the many screens and officials began to make their way, very quietly, to their homes. Hurried good-byes were made and Ekrill took leave of Naxos and Kleria. **Kleria, let’s not go home,”’ -Naxos said. “Why not?” “It would please me to make a short journey—to Meldrith’s Mausoleum and the Dimensional Museum, as we did so often in our young days.”’ “All right,’ agreed Kleria. “‘So long as we are together it doesn’t matter any more where we are.” Arm in arm they browsed round the various exhibits, occasionally commenting on their merits or demerits. They 122 tired of this and went outside to rest in a beautiful wooded glade. They thought, nos- talgically, about the past— deliberately not mentioning the subject which was really uppermost in their minds. Kleria spoke: “Perhaps we should go home, Naxos, and await the end there.” “Yes, [supposeso, although I hate to leave this lovely spot,” he answered. * At the moment when they rose to leave a loud clap of thunder shook thetrees. Heavy clouds piled up overhead and a sharp breeze smote their faces. They ran to the building for shelter. | A storm of tropical intensity broke out—such a storm as the earth had not seen for centuries. The couple showed no fear; their scientific train- ing allowed them to view with more than a passing interest the display of nature’s un- leashed energy. They were stirred and excited by an hitherto unknown spectacle. Their faces, intense, yet calm, gazed at the constant flashes which illumined the premature darkness. The gardens were whipped about by the slashing gusts and rain flew in all directions—beating like demon tom-toms against the building. comicloooks.com