Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 46 — page 106: what you’re looking at

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

PSYCHIC TWIN away, murmuring amongst themselves. Colson made to follow their example. “Just a moment there,” said Glassberg, his rotund - figure blocking the exit. “I would like a word with you. Perhaps you would like to explain exactly what happened —this sort of thing is bad for morale, you know.” “The little fellow jumped me, that’s all,’ said Colson. He disliked Glassberg’s over- zealous manner, and his throat was beginning to feel worse. **That is obvious,” said the Supervisor, icily. ““But what _ led up to the assault? What were you talking about ?” ‘The usual shop talk,” said Colson. “‘Bridger seemed a bit depressed about his work. He’s a good man—too good to be wasted on a routine job like lubricant testing .. .”’ “Ill be the judge of that,”’ snapped Glassberg, his small eyes bright behind rimless spectacles. ‘‘He said something about the motor he was using... Seems thcre was something queer about it,’ continued Colson. “I didn’t pay much attention to the details; we’ve all got our troubles. I thought it might make him feel a bit better if I told him what hap- pened to me this morning. For the past few days I’ve been working on an experimental U.H.F. rig. Just before lunch I switched it on for a short try out. It was short... The darn thing operated for less than five minutes and fell apart.” “Ceased to function,” said Glassberg, irritably. ‘“‘Why can’t you say what you mean in a scientific manner ?” ‘Fell apart is the best des- cription,”’ persisted Colson. “TI never saw a set blow like that before. The story raised a smile of sympathy from Brid- ger, and I went on to tell him thatI’m goingto build another, more durable rig the next time. You know how we techs talk when we get going about our specialities. Then the next thing I knew, I was lying on my back on the floor trying to prise his hands loose . from my throat.” “The man is obviously un- stable,’’ said Glassberg. “I advised the Director against taking him back.” Colson eyed the Supervisor with ill concealed distaste—he was so right, but he seemed so pleased about it. | Bridger opened his eyes. The ceiling of the room was blank, but familiar. He at- 105 : comicloooks.comnn