Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 52 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

STAR HAVEN of the original settlers to be found, but I’ve made a few deductions.” “Save them.” Williams thrust away his papers and eased the collar of his too- tight blouse. “Seen Gerald?” ““He’s around. Why?” ““We’re having a conference as soon as he gets back. Something must have hap- pened to the colonists and I want to know what. Do I have to tell you why?” “You do not.’’ The doctor sounded very grim. “Now that the ship has gone we’re stuck here, like it or not. If there’s some bug lying in wait for us, or some native lurking in the forest waiting to use us as food, then we’d better get ready. Ten years is a long time.” “‘Regretting it, Hermitage ?”’ “Perhaps. Maybe it would have been a good idea if this half of the contingent had returned with the rest. Ten women and twenty men aren’t really enough to develop a new world.” 13 “But enough to find out just why it hasn’t been already done.” Williams glanced up as a second man entered the hut and frowned as he noticed the rumpled trousers and lack of uniform blouse. “‘Im- properly dressed, Gerald?” “Improper, hell! It’s crazy to walk about in uniform in this heat. The proper dress for Hyperon is shorts and a coat of suntan—and you could do without the shorts.” “Perhaps, but you will please remember to wear uniform at all times.” Gerald made a rude noise, grinned at the expression on the commander’s face, then winked at the doctor as he slumped in the remaining chair. “Shall we get on with iA a “A moment.” Williams stared through the open door- way. “What are the others doing ?”’ “As you ordered. Tidying up the settlement, checking stores and equipment, arrang- ing their stuff and setting up laboratories.” The ecologist comicloooks.com