Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 52 — page 74: what you’re looking at

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

It had to be done just that way. But poor Munson hadn’t reckoned on starting the—— CLEANSING FIRES a moment in the island of light that spilled from the open port of the empty scout ship. He watched as the door swung smoothly and closed with a light click. R° MUNSON STOOD FOR The ship lifted and hovered . for a moment, its stubby, dart-like shape limned by the violet glow of its damped drive. With a rush of displaced air it homed towards the parent ship in orbit five hundred miles out in space. Munson felt suddenly alone. He shivered as the warm night breeze of Manyh brushed past his features and wrapped the barbaric cloak closer round his stocky figure. “Trying to wish it back, son?” said a_ high-pitched, nasal voice, using the Many- hian language. “‘Don’t just stand there—I’m in a hurry.” Munson strained his eyes to pierce the blackness of the alien night. He could just distinguish the outline of a man and two large animals about ten yards away. *“*Rodell ?”’ he said, walking towards the group. 73 by DAN MORGAN *“‘Rodell Ba, hereabouts,”’ replied the other. ““What kind of a training do they give at Agency Training College these days?” Munson winced at the thrust. ““Sorry—I thought we were alone.” “Does that make any dif- ference?” said Rodell. One of Manyh’s four moons appeared over the horizon, bathing the alien landscape in a bilious glow. The two men stared at each other for a moment in silence. Clark Rodell; veteran of the Extra Solar Relations Agency, lean faced and sharp featured, with a bush of greyish, wavy hair. Rog Munson; relief Agent, round faced with black hair and soft dark eyes. **Did they teach you to ride a horse at A.T.C.?’’ asked Rodell. Munson felt a surge of annoyance at the patronising tone of the question. Hell— the man knew he had to be relieved some time. Why try to make things more difficult for his successor ? comiclooks.corn