Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 65 — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION mental world, or whatever it is, and sort out the problem?” “‘That’s well spoken, Bill,” the doctor said. ““But I must stand by the equipment in the back room; it’s a highly skilled job. Though I must admit you’ve given me an idea. You could act for me.”’ *‘Me?” said Bill, a little alarmed, yet remembering the wonders of his first experience. **Y ou’ll have to brief me, doc. What would I do and how could we beat Bernard that way?” Phillman’s face was serious. **It would mean a conditioning trip first and it will be difficult to stand the strain.” “Tm game,” Bill agreed. *“When do we start?” “This is just a preliminary run, Bill. If we can _ get through this in a satisfactory way we'll go straight out for Bernard.” They moved into the room and Bill relaxed once more on the couch. The doctor went into the control room and the hum of machinery began. Bill felt less nervous. The colours came after the stars had twinkled their welcome. He 106 rose upwards and moved to- wards the golden firmament which attracted from afar. This time he went on reso- lutely, knowing that he must travel beyond the rainbows. Quickly, he thrust himself into the golden flames. He felt like a creature of fire as he drew from the mass of heaving energy, directing it into his innermost being. This gave him strength to rise above the spectacle of seething, yellow radiance. At first he could see nothing but a shining corona- light all around him. He rose higher and higher and there, in the distance, a purple pathway formed dimly. Ex- ultantly, he began to dive towardsthenew-found place... faster... faster... at tremen- dous speed... until everything blacked out. Phillman’s voice came faintly from afar: ‘“‘Wake up, Bill, it’s okay, wake up now.” Bill sat up and saw the doctor by his side. ‘‘What happened ?”’ he asked. “You were getting along fine,” Phillman said. ‘‘Too much of that would be bad. You blacked out; just as well. comiclooks.corn