Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 52 — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION and the concept of unchange- ability, the symbol of which is _ the palace of the Khurus, which has dominated the city for over five thousand years. The system works, providing a social stability that many allegedly more civilised worlds would envy.” Munson realised with horror that Rodell was actually en- thusiastic about the barbaric social system of Manyh. Twenty-five years is a long time to spend alone on an alien planet, he thought. Further discussion was ren- dered impossible as they reached the front of the palace. Two brutal looking guards rushed forward and took charge of their mounts as they alighted. Munson followed the cloaked figure of Rodell up the steps of the building, his stomach muscles a hard knot of apprehension. A labyrinth of gleaming corridors with armed guards posted at regular intervals ended finally at the entrance of a large hall filled with richly clad Manyhians. With- out hesitation Rodell strode down the centre aisle towards the golden throne that domi- nated the room. The Khuru of Manyh, an obese giant, naked but for a golden harness, ob- served the approaching Earth- 76 men in silence. In his right hand he held a shining metal object about nine inches long, which Munson supposed to be some symbol of office. About ten feet away from the throne Rodell halted and bowed reverently. Munson followed his example. “Greetings, great Khuru...” Munson listened with growing impatience as Rodell’s nasal voice droned on through a flowery speech of introduction. He took the opportunity to glance covertly at the crowd of aliens. Apart from the fact that their eyes drooped down- wards at the outer corners, giving their faces a curiously sleepy appearance, their re- semblance to Earthmen was striking. Rodellcompleted his speech. The Khuru rose and walked ponderously towards them. Munson moved forward at a gesture from Rodell—and stopped in confusion as he realised the nature of the objectin the alien ruler’s‘hand. — “Welcome, Munson Ba, kinsman of our servant Rodell Ba. You come amongst us at a happy time. Tonight there will | be great feasting and enter- tainment,” said the Khuru. He touched Munson’s shoul- der lightly in a gesture of friendship with the butt of the comiclbooks.cormn