Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 48 — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION the Fighters surrender.” He resumed his seat amidst startled silence. “ Such an ultimatum makes immediate action impera- tive,’ said Marshal Takato. “Look at the chart to your right. You will see from it that we can reach Venus on full final-stage power, making use of boosters, within the next week. The curve will be uneconomic, but speed is the first consideration. Our only problem is that of supplies. We must assume that our mis- sion on Venus will be success- ful, for we shall not be able to return to Mars imme- diately. We would have neither enough food nor enough fuel. Fuel we should be able to obtain from the Moon if necessary. It is not likely that the Venusian rebels have supporters on any other planet. But unless we can actually regain control of Venus, we shall starve. Any questions so far?” A tense-looking young logistician rose: ‘‘ Marshal, I presume you will not commit 42 all the Fighting resources at once. I suppose you will hold some space craft and weapons .- in reserve here.” Takato answered briskly : “ The maximum strike will be mounted. Everything, every Fighter, every available space ship, will be put into this operation .. .” “ But sir .. .” protested the logistician. “Silence,” said Takato. “You, as a logistician, should appreciate that no_ other threat could possibly compare with this Venusian siege. Above all we must have nourishment. If this mission fails for lack of impetus we shall be worse off than we are now. We shall have squan- dered our Fighting resources to no end. No, one magnifi- cent strike must settle this business once for all.” There was a bustle about Major Vataron as two mes- sengers brought him tran- scripts. His face turned sickly grey as he read them. “ With your permission, sir...” he said. The marshal nodded. conmicloooks.com