Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 51 — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION metallic echo. “ Perhaps we do not mean the same thing by the words. But you need not worry. She will be dealt with very well.” | “TIsn’t there any chance?” ““Chance?” The echo sounded almost mocking. “She has every chance. Her brain is probably undamaged. We shall take her over.” “But...” It was no use. What could he possibly say? The crowd murmured. Their buzz of _ restrained sound was like a resonance set off by his own despon- dency. Now Judith was stowed away inside the hospital car. She was gone. Warren leaned forward as though to rush the car, to put up a fight and take her back. The Grey who had spoken to him before said: “ You were a friend of hers?” “Yes. She andI...I mean...” “Never mind. It is of no consequence. All we require is her name and address for record purposes. We will 10 check on all other necessary details.” Warren made an abrupt decision. He said: “I'll tell you the name and address when we get to the hospital.” “It is better if you do not come.” “Tf I ask to come, you can’t stop me, can you?” There was no anger, no emotion whatever, in the measured reply. ‘‘ We could stop you if we wished. But it is not normal. If you insist, we will take you., But for your own sake it is better to go away and forget.” “I’m coming,’ said Warren. “Very well. In front, beside the driver, please.” Warren felt cold as he got in beside the motionless figure of the driver. ‘There was nothing real and human about these creatures. Per- haps he was a fool to put himself in their power. Then he smiled wryly. After all, wasn’t the human race entirely in their power: wasn’t this whole system something that human beings comicloooks.com