Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition) — page 45: what you’re looking at

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

THE TEST | 43 he said. “‘They are very efficient. Al- ready they are screening us. In an- other week we shall be fighting again.” Otto nodded again. His plans did not include joining the Free Europe units of the UN forces, but he saw no reason to say so. The Stahlgesetz was a blabbermouth, probably good enough as a fighter, but no man to confide in. In any case, the conversa- tion had served its purpose, he had made contact with a man who might later prove useful; the more useful perhaps for his tendancy to gossip, if properly exploited; and there was no need to prolong it. Otto turned casually away. The Stahlgesetz went back to the hut and Otto strolled over toward the compound fence, studying the Ameri- can sentry on the other side. Warm clothing, automatic carbine, body ar- mor—What we couldn’t do with that, Otto thought with sudden envy. He smiled at the sentry. “Do you have a cigarette?’ he asked in English. To ask for some small gift was always good tactics with the Amis, it made them feel big. The sentry eyed him stonily. “Back from the fence, buster,” he said. “Three yards back.” Otto felt his smile turn rancid in his mouth. “Sorry,” he said politely. He walked back toward the hut. They’re so superior now, he thought, but just wait, just wait— That afternoon another lieutenant, an American this time, came to the hut followed by a sergeant with a handful of mimeographed papers. The lieutenant swept the refugees with a bored superficial glance. “Eighteen in this hut?” he asked. “That’s right, sir,” the sergeant said. The lieutenant turned again to the refugees, who were watching him with silent wariness. “Attention,” he said in their own tongue, speaking with good enough grammar but a poor accent. “In order to avoid unnecessary hardship and make the most effective use of friendly personnel, United Nations forces have been directed by the Secretary-Gen- eral to screen displaced persons as — rapidly as possible and release them for useful occupation, if they so de- sire. Are there any here who do not wish to serve with the United Na- tions?” No one moved or spoke. “I have here a simple Intelligence test,”’ he continued, “‘which I would like you to fill out as a preliminary step in assessing the kind of work best suited to your ability and temperament. The sergeant will pass these around to you. Please mark each question you are able to answer. If you are in doubt, leave the question blank. Are there any here who cannot read or write?” Five men raised hesitant hands. The lieutenant motioned them over to him. ‘‘Sit down there,” he said, in- dicating a bench along the wall. The Sergeant gave each of the remaining men one of the mimeographed sheets. Otto took his and walked over to the lieutenant. “Please,” he said in English in a confidential tone, “I am an engineer, a chemist, well-educated. This test is, for me, a waste of time. The lieutenant shrugged. “You don’t have to fill it out, if you don’t want to,” he said indifferently. “Just put your name on the sheet and leave it blank.” “I see,” Otto said. He juggled the paper thoughtfully, studying the American’s noncommittal face. “Sorry.” He smiled deprecatingly, “I thought perhaps we might save some time; cut the, uh, red tape.”’ He went back to his bunk and sat down. “Test 43b,” the paper was headed “Preliminary Screening. Write your name clearly in the space provided.” EComichbooks co im