Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 47 — page 109: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “Don’t be a damned fool,” Bill roared. “‘It’s suicide to go in there for at least a week. There must be a way.” Turning away from the instrument panel he walked over to the window, gazing moodily at the glittering stars. He couldn’t really blame Shir- low. It was one of those things ‘that happened once in a life- time. Some particle of foreign matter in the fission material and a quick change in vital mass. A rise in the potential radiation output and in a matter of minutes the excess radiation is building up in the chamber and playing hell with the finely set pile. “We'll have to take a chance,” he announced a moment later, swinging briskly from the window and staring at the white-faced Shirlow. “‘This part of the ship is shielded against radia- tion, so we can seal the doors and open the fission chamber by remote control. After that we'll just have to. keep our fingers crossed. and hope that the radiation expends itself in this room before tonight.” “It might work,”’ exclaimed 108 John, his face lighting hope- fully. “It’s got to work. You clear out our gear and fix things up so that we can operate from the control room. I’m off to see the captain.” He was at the door when John stopped him. “Bill, does this mean a court martial ?”’ For a moment he was tempted to scare the pants off the lad, but the tight lipped mouth and steady gaze took the hardness out of him. ‘‘No, John, it could have happened to anybody. I could throw the book at you, but instead I hope that in future you will realise that regulations are made for just such an emer- gency as this.” The gratitude in John’s eyes made him feel uncomfort- able and with a grunt he left the room. With the captain’s approval he sealed the engine room doors and opened the fission chamber. The readings from the control room weren’t very hopeful, and with a worried frown he returned to his room. ““Mr. Kane?’’ conmmiclooolkks.comn |