Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 56 — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

PERSONAL CALL no news of these uproarious occasions ever reached home. But now the rectifier was no longer working. And that meant trouble. They were heading into the solar system, with several calls to make on the way home—and the cities of the home planets were more riotous and had more to offer returning voyagers than the scattered outposts they had been visiting during the last few months. Masterman said: “All right, let’s get it fixed. Top priority. This is Wilson’s job, I think.” “Yes,” said Hardy, and looked at him. Masterman groaned. Wilson was dead. 9 S™ hours later Hardy came to report to the captain. The expression on his face was enough. “No luck?’’ terman. “None at all. It’s not an ordinary electronic engineer’s job. Very specialised stuff— and they don’t go out of their way to train everybody in repair work on it.” said Mas- 85 “This is just wonderful,” growled Masterman. Hardy said: “Of course, sir, it’s not what you could call essential equipment. I mean, it won’t prevent us getting home safely.” “Quite a few men on this ship won’t be safe once they've got home,” said Masterman grimly. “There are two possible courses of action,” said Hardy. Masterman’seyes narrowed. He studied the young lieu- tenant with something amounting to distaste. He was not optimistic about the forthcoming suggestions. “Tell me,” he invited dourly. “Well, sir, either we must rule out visits home, or else cancel shore leave. It’s only a week or two before we get home. The men can manage that long without—er—in- dulging in too much fun and games.” Masterman nodded sadly. His worst fears had been realised. He said: “There are times, Hardy, when I wonder what made you take comicloooks.com