Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 48 — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION nature. I wondered how you would behave in that hive of orthodoxy. My fears have been confirmed. You are in- deed my son, except in one respect. Like me, you think for yourself. Like me, you have challenged the system. But, unlike me, you have not made certain of your chances of success.” The boy licked his lips. He was puzzled. “But father, surely you disapprove of my views. I thought you agreed with the ‘concept of ageres- sion’ as the masters called it. I thought you had won your fame as the greatest killer of all time.” The marshal squeezed the stub of his weed and vapour- ised it. He tapped a grey panel and a robot appeared. “The files on Son Takato at college,” said the marshal. The files arrived in a few seconds and the robot bowed and withdrew. “*T shall ignore the main burden of the report from the college,” said the military man. “I am interested in the 16 report furnished by the elec- tronics master. It says here that you showed great apti- tude in your studies, that you have a quick and original brain, and that you show an inventive turn of mind.” Son Takato nodded his head. “Good. You will now be- come a Constructor. In that group you should be able to do some good. But I warn you, if I hear so much as a rumour of irresponsible con- duct on your part, you shall die. You will leave for the Moon tomorrow. Now go to bed.” “Father, I cannot under- stand why you agree with my views...” “ T did not say that I agreed with your. views. Your opinions, in any Case, are worthless. You are little more than a child. I have my own reasons for tolerating you. Now go.” The marshal was left alone. He sat for a few moments without movement, his. face comiclbooks.conrn