Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 67 — page 113: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION think of roast beef and port wine, deep and throaty, but pleasant to listen to. He gave you the feeling that even if you didn’t really believe in all the things he stood for, it was nice to know that there were still people like that around. I could see the shad- ows in the dark-etched lines on his strong face. “Would you have a look at the ventilation system in here?” he asked. “Seems to be rather stuffy, don’t you think?” “Yes. sir.. Fil check, it right away.” I walked over and put my head close to the grille. There didn’t seem to be much joy, so I started to unscrew the front panel. The colonel went back to the sheaf of reports he had been check- ing when I came in. I must have been messing around there for about ten minutes, when there was a knock on the door and Wilson entered. He was more sub- dued than he had been in the Mess a few minutes before. I wondered for a minute whether something serious had happened between him and Chambers. “Could I speak to you, colonel?” he said, hesitantly. “It’s about my leave.” 112 ““Of course, man,” said the colonel sharply. ‘““What is it? You should be well satisfied with the arrangements. As I remember, you’re first on the list.” “That’s right, sir.” The big man was fumbling for words, avoiding the Old Man’s eyes. “I wanted to know if I could change my turn with Chambers.”’ “‘What the devil for?” ex- ploded the Old Man. “Well . . . I’ve been talking to him, and he sort of ... I don’t mind waiting another six months after all this time, and I thought that you.. .” The Old Man was nobody’s fool; he could smell something rotten as quickly as the next man. He flipped on the inter- com. “‘Mr. Chambers report to Base H.Q.—at the double!” he roared. He turned his attention back to the quiver- ing Wilson. ‘“‘Now, perhaps you would care to tell me what lies behind this sudden burst of altruism ?”’ “It was Chambers’ idea, sir...” The big blustering fool was completely un-nerved by the Old Man’s anger and spilled the whole story. Cham- bers had offered to give Wilson practically the whole of his comicloooks.com