Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 51: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “Tl take the job,” said Frank. “I’d be bounced as a colonist. I tried before and was rejected. No skills,” he explained. “And now I’ve got a record.”’ “Things have changed.” Miles glanced at his watch. “‘Let’s have lunch. We can talk about things while we eat.” The food was good, the drinks better, and Frank re- laxed as Miles explained the new system. “It’s a one-way trip now,” said Miles. ““ColTerm isn’t playing any more. We send you out, supply you with what you need and the rest is up to you.” He gestured with his cigarette. “Naturally, we balance the shipments; a few technicians to run the power- equipment, doctors to run the medical services, people like that. We even provide a heap of hypno-tapes and tutors so that everyone can learn if they feel like it. But the majority of the colonists are plain, ordinary men and women who’ve had a raw deal and who want to make a fresh start.” *‘No coming back,” said Frank thoughtfully. “Is that good?” “It’s the only way. Once they accept the idea that there is no coming back, then they forget to be homesick. They don’t sit down like a lot of old women and dream of Earth and the life they have given up. They buckle down and make the best of what they’ve got.”’ Miles grinned. “And we’ve got another slant, too. We send out the men first, the women afterwards. On new colonies, that is, it gives the men something to look forward to, something to work for. And we make a charge for transportation.” **A charge ?”’ Frank slumped in his chair. “‘That lets me . out.” “It lets no one out.” Miles became serious. “‘People don’t value what they get for noth- ing. The charge is nominal and we let those with no money work it off by acting as touts or cleaners for a short while. The whole point is that people, if they are really sincere about going, won’t change their minds because of having to pay a slight charge. If they work it off a a | comiclbooks.com *