Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “You can call it that.” Mark crushed out the butt of his cigarette. “I want Col- Term to succeed, commander, and I’ve reached the point where I don’t much care what I do. You can give me the _ free hand I ask for or——” “Or what ?’’ “The Deneb affair would raise quite a smell, wouldn’t it? Those poor colonists, dying, dumped on Mirab by your orders just so you can remain in control of the project. A thing like that could blast you right out of the political picture if handled right. It could blast the Senator, too. You’ve both got enemies who would be only too happy to get the information.” Mark smiled. ““Eye-witness accounts, a statement from me, another from someone else.” ““Murbash ?”’ Jelks stiffened as he thought about it. “You 1?? wouldn’t dare! “No?” Mark shrugged. “What have I got to lose? Carry on as we are and I get canned for inefficiency, Col- Term dies and [ll be on relief. The other way I can, 46 maybe, get myself a good job with the opposition.” His voice hardened. “I mean it, commander.” Jelks believed him. Political manceuvring was something he was used to, something he had done often himself. He frowned as he assessed both sides of the picture. He could jump the gun himself and beat Mark to it, but that would mean the loss of his sinecure. On the other hand, if he played along and, in- credibly, Mark succeeded, then the credit would be his. And he could always pass on the blame. He had no doubts as to his ability, if it came to the point, of being able to outwit Mark in the political game hands down. “T do need a trip,”’ he said slowly. “‘My doctors have advised three months at the Polar resort.” “Six months would be better.”’ “Three months.” Jelks was definite, and Mark knew better than to argue. ““By that time the figures should have justi- fied your outrageous demands.” He glowered at comiclooks.corn