Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 48 — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

TABARNI DOCUMENT * Listen, Cha. There would be no need for the translation if the ceiling in the radio- active atmosphere could be raised. I’ve got an idea fora neutraliser which might clear the atmosphere for countless thousands of metres above the surface of a planet. Look, I’ve done some sketches on the back of the notes I made for Sarvit when I was on Earth.” Tabarni poured a couple of drinks and set a tray of rourishment floating before Takato. He munched the Venusian rice paste as he studied the sketches. - “Mm. Yes, I think you’ve got something here. It looks -as if... Hello! What's this ?” Takato glanced at _ the paper Cha was studying. He blanched. “Let me _ have that,” he said quickly. “Of course,’ murmured Tabarni, very softly. “Of course, my friend. This is not the sort of thing one usually writes on the back of one’s notes. You really can’t be too careful about these things, 29 Takato. I think I’ve told you that already.” Takato snatched the paper from the Venusian’s hand. It bore the transcription of the three sentences he had read in the Solar Records Centre. “'Takato will make his son powerful. But every man...” He found Tabarni’s fiery eyes burning into his own. “Well?” he asked, tensing himself for what was to come. Cha Tabarni allowed Takato’s sketches to float to the floor before he answered. “Son Takato,’ he said quietly, “you present.me with quite a problem.” “ Why?” “ Because, Son Takato, I am the Thought Guardian assioned to you during your days on the Moon.” Tabarni towered above Takato. He-wagged his hand weapon warningly. “ Just sit still,” he said. The small man eased him- self back on the rest platform, but his body had a latent tenseness. Tabarni knew he would spring at any moment. comiclooks.corn