Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 56 — page 46: what you’re looking at

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

STRANGE SUICIDE somewhat apologetic fashion as his assistant entered. “Sorry I blew up on the visor just now,” he said, “‘but we can’t have unorthodox procedure in a case like this. If there’s a need for swift action, then give me the chief facts quickly and J’ll authorise you to go ahead if it seems fit to do so.” Kristofr sat down, lining up the “chief facts’ in his mind. “‘Well, sir, first there’s Mrs. Jaksn’s statements. You heard the recording?” “T did.” ‘And I expect you remem- ber that Jaksn was supposed to have had a ManUI assis- tant? Good. Well, our .check proved that the ManUI wasn’t a ManU/at all, but an A Class IntlectUl—an expert on posi- tronic robotics and and oid manufacture, and a brilliant surgeon besides.” ““But—but how in the name of Saturn’s rings could he take the place of a ManU1?” “There are members of the Heresy League everywhere, sir. Somehow they managed to deceive the authorities sufficiently to enable this man to pass himself off as a 45. ManUI when he visited Jaksn’s laboratory.” *““What else?” Kristofr fidgeted on the foamy softness of the null- grav cushion. Soon it might be too late. Soon they might simply be left with a handful of minor members of the Heretics who would probably know little or nothing about the major issue, instead of catching the really important prize. If only the old fool would let him get busy, in- sted of keeping him here in this St:A-damned building! “What else?” repeated General Lee. “I thought you were anxious to be off?” Kristofr clutched the sheaf of papers tightly in his hand. The veins on his forehead rippled into prominence with the effort of keeping his tem- per as hecontinued speaking... I. Hate. The. State. Go. Through. Quickly. The drum beats and the scenes. The darkness and the light. The crowding succession of bril- liant images seen and recorded, seen and recorded .. . The two men sat on the comiclooks.corn