Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 72 — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION “Depends on what?” Mark glanced down at the application form. It was a shop-window gesture; the pre- liminary interview was always verbal, the printed forms not entering into the picture unless the applicant showed promise, but it served to hide his expression. “Things,” said Hanorhan vaguely. He seemed to arrive at a decision. ““‘Look, mister, does Earth law extend to the colonies ?”’ “The constitution of each colony is based on Terrestrial Law,” said Mark cautiously. “If you committed a murder, for example, you would be lobotomized.”’ He smiled at the ridiculousness of Hanor- han doing any such thing. **The colonies are civilized, if that’s what you mean.” “T don’t,” said Hanorhan. “Not exactly.”’ He pulled at his collar again. “‘It’s my wife,” he explained. ““The day we married she told me that I’d have to support her until she died. She meant it, too, and she’s a healthy woman. Would she be able to grab my pay if I signed on?” “Pay?” Mark looked puzzled. “What makes you think that you'll be getting paid?” ““Y ou expect me to work for free?’ Hanorhan rose with outraged dignity. ‘““What’s the idea of advertising for people if you don’t want to pay them ?” ““You’ve got it all wrong,” said Mark. He reached for a folder and handed it to Hanorhan. “‘Take this, read it and, if you’re still interested, come back later.”’ *“But———_?”” “Show him out, Susan.” Mark snatched up a rubber stamp and banged a big “‘rejected”’ sign on the applica- tion form. “‘Next!” The next was a gangling youth who had distorted ideas of being given a planet of his very own, complete with slaves and a harem. He went the same way as Hanorhan. The one after was a_ withered spinster, who obviously was only interested in the colonies as a happy hunting ground for unattached males. Mark lis- tened until she betrayed her firm resolve never to have children, and then rejected comicloooks.com