QRM--INTERPLANETARY By George O. Smith Illustrated by Kolliker [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science-Fiction October 1942. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] _QRM--International code signal meaning "Interference" of controllable nature, such as man-made static, cross modulation from another channel adjoining or willful obliteration of signals by an interfering source._ _Interference not of natural sources (designated by International code as QRN), such as electrical storms, common static, et cetera._ --_Handbook, Interplanetary Amateur Radio League. Korvus, the Magnificent, Nilamo of Yoralen, picked up the telephone in his palace and said: "I want to talk to Wilneda. He is at the International Hotel in Detroit, Michigan." "I'm sorry, sir," came the voice of the operator. "Talking is not possible, due to the fifteen-minute transmission lag between here and Terra. Interplanetary Communications will not permit audio. However, teletype messages are welcome." Her voice originated fifteen hundred miles north of Yoralen, but it sounded as though she might be in the next room. Korvus thought for a moment and then said: "Take this message: 'Wilneda: Add to order for mining machinery one type 56-XXD flier to replace washed-out model. And remember, tobacco and sublevel energy will not mix!' Sign that _Korvus_." "Yes, Mr. Korvus." "Not _mister_!" yelled the monarch. "I am Korvus, the Magnificent! I am Nilamo of Yoralen!" "Yes, your magnificence," said the operator humbly. It was more than possible that she was stifling a laugh, which knowledge made the little man of Venus squirm in wrath. But there was nothing that he could do about it, television still being distant by the same five years that it was behind in 1929.