Sjambak

Wilbur Murphy sought romance, excitement, and an impossible Horseman of Space. With polite smiles, the planet frustrated him at every turn—until he found them all the hard way!
Illustrated by VIRGIL FINLAY
Howard Frayberg, Production Director of Know Your Universe! , was a man of sudden unpredictable moods; and Sam Catlin, the show's Continuity Editor, had learned to expect the worst.
Sam, said Frayberg, regarding the show last night.... He paused to seek the proper words, and Catlin relaxed. Frayberg's frame of mind was merely critical. Sam, we're in a rut. What's worse, the show's dull!
Sam Catlin shrugged, not committing himself.
Seaweed Processors of Alphard IX —who cares about seaweed?
It's factual stuff, said Sam, defensive but not wanting to go too far out on a limb. We bring 'em everything—color, fact, romance, sight, sound, smell.... Next week, it's the Ball Expedition to the Mixtup Mountains on Gropus.
Frayberg leaned forward. Sam, we're working the wrong slant on this stuff.... We've got to loosen up, sock 'em! Shift our ground! Give 'em the old human angle—glamor, mystery, thrills!
Sam Catlin curled his lips. I got just what you want.
Yeah? Show me.
Catlin reached into his waste basket. I filed this just ten minutes ago.... He smoothed out the pages. 'Sequence idea, by Wilbur Murphy. Investigate Horseman of Space, the man who rides up to meet incoming space-ships.'
Frayberg tilted his head to the side. Rides up on a horse ?