09/03/2026 07:40

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This is the black diamond. My God, I’ m an old man. He gave it to me and Iheld the miracle in the palm of my hand. This Richard was eating well,so I told the guy behind the cash register not to take his money, that I was paying for it, and Richard couldmaybe have a second meal, or buy a hat, or get a life.

The price was oncemeasured in pieces of silver, but the true measurement has always been and remains much higher. “ Along the Scenic Route” (under the title “ Dogfight on 101” ) originally appeared simultaneously in Adammagazine and Amazing Stories magazine; copyright © 1969 by Harlan Ellison. The charge builds and builds, surging down the line seeking a focus. In more than thirty years of linkage with sf andits fandom, I have made friends whose decency and support have made life (infinitely) more tenable.