Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 48 — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION described three days ago hasn’t recurred. Nielson end- ing.” Nielson’s hand froze on the cutoff switch as the box burped again, and a tinny voice came from the small speaking unit : “One minute,’ someone on Mars was saying. “‘ Moore is authorised to report from this ship. Put him on.” Nielson stared at the small cone from which the clerk’s voice had emanated. “Put him on, I say. I’ve got to handle another call in four minutes,” “He doesn’t feel good.” Nielson wondered if his voice was as badly out of control as his thoughts. “Then why did you say that all was well aboardship? Describe his illness.” Nielson’s eyes turned un- controllably to Moore’s body ten feet away. He forced them away, shuddered, and said: “It’s a bad headache. He—he got nauseated two hours ago. He’s resting now.” 70 “You sure he can’t talk?” Nielson fought a wild im- pulse to break out laughing at what sounded lke a bad joke. But he managed to inform the man on Mars that Moore definitely was in no condition to talk. “Damn all two-person spaceships... It sounds like a stroke might be coming on. When they certify you for space, they find almost any- thing else that might make you sick. Wait a minute, while I talk to this other ship.” The box went dead for two minutes, then re- sumed : “Look at the medical sec- tion of your emergency manual and follow instruc- tions. I can’t fit you in for another report ahead of your schedule. Be sure to keep a written record of any other symptoms and I'll have a doctor here for your next report. Ending.” Hastily, Nielson shut off the red eye of the transmitter. He had a dozen hours ahead, comiclooks.com