The Year's Best Science Fiction 11

Mr. Malec says the idea for “Project Inhumane” came out of eight years as a chemical-lab technician, and that the story itself was conceived while pushing stones out of a railroad car in weather 8 degrees above zero, working as a laborer for the N. Y. Central.

“Those Who Can, Do”—another “first”—also had its origins on the job: A student once challenged me during my lecture, “What’s this stuff good for anyway?” [Kurosaka teaches mathematics at a small Boston college.] Months later, I indulged in an l-should-have-said daydream. By the time I was through, I had a fantasy on my hands.

About himself, he adds: I keep myself surrounded by remnants of yet-unfulfilled dreams: an electric bass, a surrealistic chess set, hundreds of toys and puzzles, a trombone, a pair of dumbbells, a baritone saxophone, and a box of manuscript envelopes. I also enjoy joggling, performing magic tricks, listening to my hundreds of LP’s, and working crossword puzzles. [Some people’s days have more hours than others’—as you will see a bit further on. j.m.] I have often been advised to learn a trade in order to get my mind off my hobbies.