Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 67 — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “‘That’s generous of them.” I didn’t trouble to hide my sneer. “Then what? They fix the rents and cost of staples, and get what they’ve always wanted. A_ nice little slave state right under their thumb. That’s not for me.” “You've still got that chip on your shoulder, haven’t you, Jim?” He stared down at his coffee bulb. “Look, get some sense for a change. Have you ever stopped to wonder why the company pays a fair price for your claims? If they were what you think they are they could beat you right down and you couldn’t argue. They don’t. Do you know why?” “We wouldn’t sell to them, that’s why.” “Wrong again. Who else would you sell to? Consoli- dated’s the only company in this decant. How else would you be able to buy food and fuel if they didn’t buy?” “All right, so [ll ask the question. Why do they pay?” “So that you can go out and find more claims.” Harry 16 grinned at me. “‘Simple, isn’t it? Basic economics. It’s cheaper for the company to let independent prospectors find the pay-rock than to employ their own. You work harder, take more risks, pro- vide your own ships and fuel, need no insurance, claim no compensation in case of in- jury.” He shrugged. ““Why go on? Boil it down to man- hours against money received and you independents work for peanuts. The company pays you a fair price because they can’t afford to let you go out of business. They need you.” “Fine way they’ve got of showing it.” “Consolidated isn’t respon- sible for what happened to you, Jim. Some smart-Aleck operators have seen the chance to work a racket and they’re doing it. The company know it, but what can they do? On the surface everything is legal. Can they refuse to buy? Can they accuse the recorder of theft? And they need the raw materials, Jim. They’ve comicloooks.conm