Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 67 — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION around. I was on my own ship. I knew every scratch on the bulkheads. ““What’s the idea?” “Don’t you remember?” He grinned at me, his seamed old face crinkling around his youthful eyes. ““We made a deal, we’re partners.” “Don’t try it,’ I said tiredly. “I’ve been taken by experts. You got me doped in Ku Fei’s. Why?” “I warned you about in- haling.” “TI didn’t inhale. I didn’t have to.”’ I ran my tongue over fur-lined teeth. “Got a cigarette?” He passed me one and I sucked it into life, letting the smoke bite some of the slime and fuzz from my mouth and throat. I took a second drag and squinted at him through the smoke. “‘Well?”’ “‘You’re a heavy smoker, Jim. You inhale without realisingit. I didn’t deliberately drug you; you just went on an opium jag.” “Then to hell with opium! I thought that you were sup- 12 posed to get some fancy dreams with that stuff.” “Not at first, you don’t. After you’re used to it a couple of pipes will send you to Paradise.’”” He looked at me, rubbing the short bristles on his chin. “You want to take another swing at me?” “After I’ve heard what you’ve got to say.” I sucked at the cigarette and relaxed, listening to him talk. “I was stuck when I met you, Jim. I won’t deny that. I was watching for you. I’d heard about what had hap- pened to your claim. [’d a little money and no ship. You had a ship and no money. I thought it would be a good idea for us to become part- ners.”’ He hesitated. “‘I didn’t realise that you didn’t know what you were saying. We made the deal and then you passed out. The Field Super- visor knew you and let me take out your ship.” I didn’t believe him. Not about the watching for me and the rest of it, but about us making a deal. I’ve never - comiclooolks.com