Small Steps Giant Leaps

Magazine Overview

Title: Small Steps, Giant Leaps
Issue Date: 1971
Publisher: Albert S. Greenfield Memorial Press
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of "Small Steps, Giant Leaps" presents a collection of stories exploring themes of societal control, economic principles, and individual rebellion. The magazine features works by Gerald W. Page, John Ulrich, Glen T. Brock, Dawn Early, and Susan M. Patrick.

Consuming Passion by Gerald W. Page

The story "Consuming Passion" introduces Max Gilbert, a man who prides himself on being an "economic rebel." He lives by paying cash for everything and avoids credit cards, viewing the modern consumer society as insidious. His principles are challenged when he is unexpectedly 'married' to Serafina Pratt, a bride arranged by the "Happy Life Mating Center." Gilbert suspects this is a scheme to force him into debt, as he cannot afford a wife and lives on a modest income. Serafina, initially presented as a naive and loving bride, reveals that the arrangement was paid for with cash, which further confuses Gilbert. He believes that Burt Hebron, his rival in the "Newsworld Magazine" poll for "economic rebel of the year," is behind this plot to jeopardize his reputation and way of life. Gilbert confronts Hebron, who admits to orchestrating the situation to ensure his own political career by removing Gilbert from the top spot in the poll. Hebron explains that a credit economy is becoming a major political issue, and he needs to be the one to champion economy. Gilbert, using a transmitter, records Hebron's confession, which he shares with Serafina. Serafina disappears from her apartment, and Gilbert later finds her in a crowded living situation, where he apologizes. Hebron's plan involves making Gilbert appear economically irresponsible by marrying and incurring expenses, or facing legal bills if he breaks the contract. The story concludes with Serafina, unbeknownst to Gilbert, ordering a bride for Burt Hebron and paying cash, suggesting a complex twist in the narrative.

Final Encounter by John Ulrich

"Final Encounter" presents a starkly contrasting narrative set in a dystopian future. Billings, a powerful figure within the "Hierarchy," confronts Crankshaw on a cold parapet overlooking a gleaming, emotionless city. Billings reveals his philosophy of absolute social control, which has eradicated individuality, family ties, and emotions like joy, love, and happiness. He explains that this system provides security and eliminates the complexities of human nature, which he views as inherently cruel and selfish. Billings justifies his actions by referencing dystopian literature like Orwell's "1984" and the historical precedents set by utopian thinkers such as Plato and Bacon, arguing that their ideals, though well-intentioned, were ultimately flawed and required force to implement. He claims that the "Hierarchy" has perfected a scientific theory of human politics, using coercion and control to maintain order. Crankshaw, a former idealist, accuses Billings of corrupting the revolution's principles and betraying the people by instituting tyranny and fear. Billings dismisses Crankshaw's idealism, asserting that power is the ultimate motive and that Crankshaw himself is a living verification of this thesis. He threatens Crankshaw with physical pain and psychological manipulation. The story highlights the stark contrast between Billings' cynical view of humanity and Crankshaw's lingering belief in idealism and compassion, set against the backdrop of a society engineered for total control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue seems to explore the tension between individual freedom and societal control, particularly through economic and political means. "Consuming Passion" critiques the consumer culture and the manipulation of personal finance for political gain, while "Final Encounter" presents a chilling vision of a society where human emotions and individuality are systematically suppressed for the sake of order and power. The editor, Allen H. Greenfield, through the selection of these stories, appears to be questioning the direction of modern society, its economic systems, and the potential for both utopian aspirations and dystopian realities to manifest. The emphasis on 'economic rebellion' and the critique of 'credit economy' suggests a concern with financial independence and resistance to systemic pressures. The dystopian narrative, on the other hand, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of absolute power and the suppression of human nature.

Title: Cries In The Dark
Issue: 9
Publisher: Albert S. Greenfield Memorial Press
Country: U.S.A.
Date: Undetermined

This issue of 'Cries In The Dark' presents a collection of articles and narratives exploring themes of control, subversion, the occult, and encounters with the unknown. It features a blend of news-style reports, personal accounts, and fictional stories, all contributing to an atmosphere of unease and mystery.

"Cries In The Dark" by Allen H. Greenfield

The lead article, "Cries In The Dark," by Allen H. Greenfield, compiles excerpts from various sources between April and December 1979, painting a picture of a society under increasing governmental control and media manipulation. Key events include:

• April 29, 1979: The FCC announces the removal of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) from public airwaves, following similar decisions for NBC and CBS. This marks a significant shift in media control.
• April 30, 1979: The FCC states that the Public Television System (PTS) will expand its broadcasts to fill the void, promising to maintain a policy of 'neutrality and objectivity.'
• June 11, 1979: The Transportation Department announces plans to extend the interstate highway system, projecting thousands of new jobs.
• June 12, 1979: An unknown shortwave broadcast, identified as 'Emergency Free Radio,' begins offering point-for-point commentary on PTS newscasts. This broadcast criticizes the government's actions, particularly the highway extension, arguing it's an unnecessary evil that encroaches on national parks. It also highlights the apparent high unemployment rate, suggesting the government's job creation efforts are frantic and ineffective.
• September 8, 1979: Rumors surface about an illegal radio station, 'Emergency Free Radio,' operating from a clandestine location, broadcasting subversive material. The FCC denies knowledge of such a station.
• Confidential Communication (FBI to FCC Chairman): The FBI assures the FCC Chairman that the illegal radio station, believed to be operating from a boat in international waters, is being handled. They note the station's difficulty in being pinpointed due to constant location changes.
• October 9, 1979: A shortwave broadcast from the Atlantic describes vessels that appear to be 'gun-boat type' and expresses concern about being captured or attacked.
• November 11, 1979: Three young men are sentenced to life in prison for subversive activity.
• December 30, 1979: A PTS broadcast, 'A Look At 1979,' mentions the rumor of the illegal radio station, suggesting it may have ceased operations or the rumor has died down.
• December 31, 1979: The Department of Labor announces a drop in unemployment, interpreted as a sign that the economic crisis is over.
• January 1, 1980: 'Emergency Free Radio' resumes broadcasting after an intermission, continuing its critique of PTS and the government, and urging listeners to take up the cause.

"At Hell's Gate" by Glen T. Brock

This narrative is a first-person account of a disturbing discovery made during the demolition of the narrator's deceased father's house. The story unfolds as follows:

• Inheritance and Demolition: The narrator inherits his father's dilapidated property, including small parcels of slum property and the family estate. He agrees to the demolition of the house for a new apartment complex.
• The Basement Discovery: During the demolition, specifically when examining the cellar to seal a sewage line, a hidden brick wall is discovered. Behind this wall is a stout, metal-reinforced door with a warning painted in his father's hand: "DAMNED FOREVER IS HE WHO OPENS THIS DOOR."
• The Diary: A police officer finds a diary on the person of a man found dead in the cellar. The diary, dated March to July 1927, details the narrator's father's deep involvement in the investigation of the black arts. It mentions his research into hyper-dimensional transmission, geometric patterns, and the significance of the pentagram. The diary entries suggest a dangerous experiment and a 'breakthrough into another world.'
• The Confrontation: The narrator, accompanied by two policemen, reluctantly opens the sealed door. Inside the basement library, a completed pentagram drawn in chalk emanates a pale blue aura and boiling smoke. Beings of 'unspeakable horror'—horned devils, gigantic cats, and serpentine things—emerge from the symbol. The encounter is terrifying, with a policeman's revolver proving ineffective against the creatures.
• The Aftermath: The narrator and the remaining policeman barely escape, securing the door as the creatures attempt to break through. The wall is reconstructed by brickmen. The narrator reflects on his father's descent into alcoholism and fanaticism, realizing he has inherited his father's knowledge and potentially unleashed ancient demons upon the Earth. He contemplates the cyclical nature of progress and the potential for this 'gate to hell' to be reopened in the future.

"The Master Thief" by Susan M. Patrick

This is a fictional short story about a mysterious thief named Malgreth and his dealings with a wizard named Vandor and a magician named Karwyck.

• Malgreth's Reputation: Malgreth is known as a thief who operates on assignment, stealing items with public knowledge but without causing excitement or drawing attention to himself. He is described as calm and businesslike.
• The Investigation: Two tavern patrons, Parval and Jermyn, are intrigued by Malgreth's methods and wish to discover his secret. They decide to enlist a magician, Karwyck, to commission Malgreth for a task, hoping to follow him.
• The Heist: Karwyck, posing as a magician from 'far Limfrath,' commissions Malgreth to steal a piece of a great forgotten idol named Kash from the ruined temple K'lanth. Malgreth agrees, and Parval and Jermyn follow him.
• The Twist: Upon reaching the temple, Parval and Jermyn are captured by giant stone hands. They discover that Malgreth does not steal but trades. The missing piece of the idol is revealed to be a chip from Kash's ear. Malgreth's whisper, "I trade," suggests a complex exchange rather than simple theft.
• The Disappearance: Parval and Jermyn do not return, and Karwyck is left to ponder the fate of those who hired him, while Malgreth implies that his 'enemies' (presumably Parval and Jermyn) may have been dealt with.

"The Last Priest"

This is a short poem that evokes a sense of desolation and forgotten divinity.

• Setting: The poem describes a cold, black hall deep beneath the ground where an old God sits, motionless and silent.
• The Visitor: A bent, old, and frail man, described as an 'old old God, and an old old man, Both beyond the pale,' walks down a corridor.
• Themes of Loss: The temple is closed, the way is lost, and no one comes anymore. Time has taken people away, and there is a pervasive sense of indifference.
• Concluding Despair: The poem ends with a somber reflection that no one cares about the God, the Priest, or the Temple, as their time has come and gone.

"The Watcher's Vale" by Susan M. Patrick

This is a science fiction story about an alien entity observing human visitors.

• The Setting: The story takes place in a valley beneath rings, possibly on Saturn, where a shimmering bubble-like entity exists.
• The Visitors: Men from the third planet (Earth) land their ship and explore the valley. They are burdened by protective apparatus.
• The Entity's Observation: The bubble entity observes the men, noting their awe at the valley's beauty and the crystalline music in the air. The men spend time observing the moons and rings.
• Misinterpretation: The men return to their ship and send back details, but their message advises that the environment is a 'mass hallucination' and unsuitable for man.
• The Aftermath: After the ship departs, the bubble entity shimmers and hums. The valley is then filled with miniature golden-furred, green-eyed creatures, described as chipmunk-like, dancing and feasting under Saturn's moons.

"The Editor acknowledges"

This brief note thanks Mr. Sam Gastfriend for his aid in the development of this publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around hidden truths, external control, and the unknown. The 'Cries In The Dark' section highlights concerns about media manipulation and government overreach, suggesting a clandestine 'Emergency Free Radio' is attempting to counter official narratives. 'At Hell's Gate' delves into the occult and the terrifying consequences of tampering with forbidden knowledge, presenting a stark warning about unleashing malevolent forces. 'The Master Thief' explores themes of deception and hidden motives within a more fantastical setting, while 'The Last Priest' and 'The Watcher's Vale' offer poetic and speculative explorations of forgotten entities, cosmic indifference, and alien observation. The overall stance of the magazine appears to be one that questions authority, explores the fringes of human experience (both supernatural and societal), and presents narratives that challenge conventional perceptions of reality.