Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 54 — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION all births. A simple operation, but a serious psychological blow to the morale of the project, unless carried out secretly. The old surgeon’s joke: “The operation was a success, but unfortunately the patient died,” was a mirthless echo in his mind. Tutin looked up from his desk, as Admans entered the office. ““Well—what did he say ?”’ The medic leaned against the closed door, his mind still in a turmoil. Mayo had made no specific request as to what he should do with this newly acquired information. A man could go mad, trying to carry a thing like this alone. He wondered for a moment what the admin officer’s re- action would be when he was told that the project of which he was so proud was nothing more than a garbage disposal operation. Despite his per- sonal dislike for the man, Admans could not do it. “He'll work with us,” he replied. Tutin smiled thinly. ““Good! He hadn’t really much choice though, had he?” 32 “Don’t underestimate Mayo,’ Admans said. ‘‘He’ll do what you want—just as long as it suits him.” “I never. underestimate people,” snapped Tutin. He rose from the desk and picked up a folder of notes. “Come on, let’s get going. I want to get to this general meeting before that fool Johnson has a chance to spread any more stupid rumours.” The two men strode out of the admin office and along the corridor towards the main assembly hall. Captain Bowles, O.I.C. ship’s police, clicked to attention as they ap- proached the entrance. “All colonisation and staff personnel, apart from essen- tial duties, present, sir.” Tutin acknowledged the in- formation with a curt nod and walked in. The tall, red-headed farmer was ad- dressing the crowd. from a dais at the far end of the hall. . You’ve had proof that what I’m telling you is right. Who sabotaged the air con- ditioning plant? Mayo—and he was in charge of the androids, He’s a traitor to his conmicloooks.conrn