Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 42: what you’re looking at

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

THE GIVE-AWAY WORLDS against the fortunes of chang- ing governments. But how to make it a success was some- thing else. The intercom hummed, he depressed the switch and snapped into the machine: “Yes?” ““Mr. Cameron to see you, sir.’ His secretary was duly respectful. “Are you en- gaged?” “Show him in. Have you seen Captain Murbash?’’ ““No, sir.” **He’s at my place.”? Mark entered the office and closed the door behind him. “I heard what you said over the intercom.”’ He jerked his head beyond the door towards the secretary’s office. ‘“You should get those things toned down.”’ “I didn’t expect you to listen.” Jelks was cold. Undue familiarity with lower mem- bers of the staff was not to be encouraged. Especially when he was being prepared for a scapegoat. “Don’t worry about Mur- bash,”’ said Mark cheerfully. “‘He won’t talk about the Deneb affair.”” He sat down and lit a cigarette. “I’ve been 41 thinking about the ultimatum you gave me.” “Ultimatum ?” “Deliver or else.”” Mark gestured with his cigarette. **Let’s not fence with words, commander; we both knew just what you meant.” He relaxed, smiling, thinking of what Miles had told him only a few hours ago. Now that it had been explained the prob- lem no longer existed. Instead, a new problem had risen; that of making Jelks see that his way was the wrong way and that Mark’s suggestions would - do the trick. “All right,” said Jelks. “You know the problem and you know my feelings in the matter. You’re in charge of applications, and if you can’t find colonists, then it’s only fair to admit that you are to blame.” He reached for a cigar. ““Any suggestions ?”’ “Plenty.” Mark smiled through his cigarette smoke. “In fact, I’ve solved the problem. I can get you all the colonists you need.” “You can? How?” *“Not so fast.’”? Mark was enjoying himself. “First, com- comiclooks.cormn