[Illustration]

ADAPTATION

By MACK REYNOLDS

Illustrated by Schoenherr

 _When a man has a great deal of knowledge, it becomes extremely easy for him to confuse "knowledge" with "wisdom" . .. And forget that the antonym of "wisdom" is not "ignorance" but "folly. "_

FORWARD

_Hardly had man solved his basic problems on the planet of his originthan he began to fumble into space. Barely a century had elapsed in theexploration of the Solar System than he began to grope for the stars. _

_And suddenly, with an all but religious zeal, mankind conceived itsfantasy dream of populating the galaxy. Never in the history of the racehad fervor reached such a peak and held so long. The question of why wasseemingly ignored. Millions of Earth-type planets beckoned and with alemming-like desperation humanity erupted into them. _

_But the obstacles were frightening in their magnitude. The planets andsatellites of Sol had proven comparatively tractable and those that weresuited to man-life were quickly brought under his dominion. But there, of course, he had the advantage of proximity. The time involved inrunning back and forth to the home planet was meaningless and allEarth's resources could be thrown into each problem's solving. _

_But a planet a year removed in transportation or even communication?Ay! this was another thing and more than once a million colonists werelost before the Earthlings could adapt to new climates, new flora andfauna, new bacteria--or to factors which the most far out visionary hadnever fancied, perhaps the lack of something never before missed. _

_So, mad with the lust to seed the universe with his kind, men soughtnew methods. To a hundred thousand worlds they sent smaller colonies, asfew as a hundred pioneers apiece, and there marooned them, to adapt, ifadapt they could. _

_For a millennium each colony was left to its own resources, to conquerthe environment or to perish in the effort. _

_A thousand years was sufficient. Invariably it was found, on thoseplanets where human life survived at all, man slipped back during hisfirst two or three centuries into a state of barbarism. Then slowlybegan to inch forward again. There were exceptions and the progress onone planet never exactly duplicated that on another, however the averagewas surprisingly close to both nadir and zenith, in terms of evolutionof society. _

_In a thousand years it was deemed by the Office of GalacticColonization such pioneers had largely adjusted to the new environmentand were ready for civilization, industrialization and eventualassimilation into the rapidly evolving Galactic Commonwealth. _

_Of course, even from the beginning, new and unforeseen problemsmanifested themselves . .. _

 _from_ "Man In Antiquity" _published in Terra City, Sol Galactic Year 3, 502. _

I. 

The Co-ordinator said, "I suppose I'm an incurable romantic. You see, Ihate to see you go. " Academician Amschel Mayer was a man in early middleyears; Dr. Leonid Plekhanov, his contemporary. They offset one another;Mayer thin and high-pitched, his colleague heavy, slow and dour. Nowthey both showed their puzzlement. 

The Co-ordinator added, "Without me. "

Plekhanov kept his massive face blank. It wasn't for him to be impatientwith his superior. Nevertheless, the ship was waiting, stocked andcrewed. 

Amschel Mayer said, "Certainly a last minute chat can't harm. " Inwardlyhe realized the other man's position. Here was a dream coming true, andMayer and his fellows were the last thread that held the Co-ordinator'scontrol over the dream. When they left, half a century would pass beforehe could again check developments. 

The Co-ordinator became more businesslike. "Yes, " he said, "but I havemore in mind than a chat. Very briefly, I wish to go over yourassignment. Undoubtedly redundant, but if there are questions, no matterhow seemingly trivial, this is the last opportunity to air them. "

_What possible questions could there be at this late date?_ Plekhanovthought. 

The department head swiveled slowly in his chair and then back again ashe talked. "You are the first--the first of many, many such teams. Themanner in which you handle your task will effect man's eternity. Obviously, since upon your experience we will base our future policieson interstellar colonization. " His voice lost volume. "The position inwhich you find yourselves should be humbling. "

"It is, " Amschel Mayer agreed. Plekhanov nodded his head. 

The Co-ordinator nodded, too. "However, the situation is as near idealas we could hope. Rigel's planets are all but unbelievably Earthlike. Almost all our flora and fauna have been adaptable. Certainly our racehas been. 

"These two are the first of the seeded planets. Almost a thousand yearsago we deposited small bodies of colonists upon each of them. Since thenwe have periodically checked, from a distance, but never intruded. " Hiseyes went from one of his listeners to the other. "No comments orquestions, thus far?"

Mayer said, "This is one thing that surprises me. The colonies are sosmall to begin with. How could they possibly populate a whole world inone millennium?"

The Co-ordinator said, "Man adapts, Amschel. Have you studied thedevelopment of the United States? During her first century and a halfthe need was for population to fill the vast lands wrested from theAmer-Inds. Families of eight, ten, and twelve children were the commonthing, much larger ones were not unknown. And the generations crowdedone against another; a girl worried about spinsterhood if she reachedseventeen unwed. But in the next century? The frontier vanished, thedriving need for population was gone. Not only were drastic immigrationlaws passed, but the family shrunk rapidly until by mid-TwentiethCentury the usual consisted of two or three children, and even thechildless family became increasingly common. "

Mayer frowned impatiently, "But still, a thousand years. There is alwaysfamine, war, disease . .. "

Plekhanov snorted patronizingly. "Forty to fifty generations, Amschel?Starting with a hundred colonists? Where are your mathematics?"

The Co-ordinator said, "The proof is there. We estimate that each ofRigel's planets now supports a population of nearly one billion. "

"To be more exact, " Plekhanov rumbled, "some nine hundred million onGenoa, seven and a half on Texcoco. "

Mayer smiled wryly. "I wonder what the residents of each of theseplanets call their worlds. Hardly the same names we have arbitrarilybestowed. "

"Probably each call theirs _The World_, " the Co-ordinator smiled. "Afterall, the basic language, in spite of a thousand years, is stillAmer-English. However, I assume you are familiar with our method ofnaming. The most advanced culture on Rigel's first planet is to becompared to the Italian cities during Europe's feudalistic era. We havenamed that planet Genoa. The most advanced nation of the second planetis comparable to the Aztecs at the time of the conquest. We consideredTenochtitlán but it seemed a tongue twister, so Texcoco is thealternative. "

"Modernizing Genoa, " Mayer mused, "should be considerably easier thanthe task on semiprimitive Texcoco. "

Plekhanov shrugged, "Not necessarily. "

The Co-ordinator held up a hand and smiled at them. "Please, no debateson methods at present. An hour from now you will be in space with a yearof travel before you. During that time you'll have opportunity fordiscussion, debate and hair pulling on every phase of your problem. "

His expression became more serious. "You are acquainted with the uniqueposition you assume. These colonists are in your control to an extent nosmall group has ever dominated millions of others before. No Caesar everexerted the power that will be in your educated hands. For a halfcentury you will be as gods. Your science, your productive know-how, your medicine--if it comes to that, your weapons--are many centuries inadvance of theirs. As I said before, your position should be humbling. "

Mayer squirmed in his chair. "Why not check upon us, say, once everydecade? In all, our ship's company numbers but sixteen persons. Almostanything could happen. If you were to send a department craft each tenyears . .. "

The Co-ordinator was shaking his head. "Your qualifications are as highas anyone available. Once on the scene you will begin accumulatinginformation which we, here in Terra City, do not have. Were we to sendanother group in ten years to check upon you, all they could do would beinterfere in a situation all the factors with which they would not becognizant. "

Amschel Mayer shifted nervously. "But no matter how highly trained, norhow earnest our efforts, we still may fail. " His voice worried. "Thedepartment cannot expect guaranteed success. After all, we are thefirst. "

"Admittedly. Your group is first to approach the hundreds of thousandsof planets we have seeded. If you fail, we will use your failure toperfect the eventual system we must devise for future teams. Even yourfailure would be of infinite use to us. " He lifted and dropped ashoulder. "I have no desire to undermine your belief in yourselvesbut--how are we to know?--perhaps there will be a score of failuresbefore we find the ideal method of quickly bringing these primitivecolonies into our Galactic Commonwealth. "

The Co-ordinator came to his feet and sighed. He still hated to see themgo. "If there is no other discussion . .. "

II. 

Specialist Joseph Chessman stood stolidly before a viewing screen. Theoretically he was on watch. Actually his eyes were unseeing, therewas nothing to see. The star pattern changed so slowly as to be all butpermanent. 

Not that every other task on board was not similar. One man could havetaken the _Pedagogue_ from the Solar System to Rigel, just as easily asits sixteen-hand crew was doing. Automation at its ultimate, not eventhe steward department had tasks adequately to fill the hours. 

He had got beyond the point of yawning, his mind was a blank duringthese hours of duty. He was a stolid, bear of a man, short and massiveof build. 

A voice behind him said, "Second watch reporting. Request permission totake over the bridge. "

Chessman turned and it took a brief moment for the blankness in his eyesto fade into life. "Hello Kennedy, you on already? Seems like I just gothere. " He muttered in self-contradiction, "Or that I've been here amonth. "

Technician Jerome Kennedy grinned. "Of course, if you want to stay . .. "

Chessman said glumly, "What difference does it make where you are? Whatare they doing in the lounge?"

Kennedy looked at the screen, not expecting to see anything andaccomplishing just that. "Still on their marathon argument. "

Joe Chessman grunted. 

Just to be saying something, Kennedy said, "How do you stand in the bigdebate?"

"I don't know. I suppose I favor Plekhanov. How we're going to take abunch of savages and teach them modern agriculture and industrialmethods in fifty years under democratic institutions, I don't know. Ican see them putting it to a vote when we suggest fertilizer might be agood idea. " He didn't feel like continuing the conversation. "See youlater, Kennedy, " and then, as an afterthought, formally, "Relinquishingthe watch to Third Officer. "

As he left the compartment, Jerry Kennedy called after him, "Hey, what'sthe course!"

Chessman growled over his shoulder, "The same it was last month, and thesame it'll be next month. " It wasn't much of a joke but it was the onlyone they had between themselves. 

In the ship's combination lounge and mess he drew a cup of coffee. JoeChessman, among whose specialties were propaganda and primitivepolitics, was third in line in the expedition's hierarchy. As such heparticipated in the endless controversy dealing with overall strategybut only as a junior member of the firm. Amschel Mayer and LeonidPlekhanov were the center of the fracas and right now were at it hot andheavy. 

Joe Chessman listened with only half interest. He settled into a chairon the opposite side of the lounge and sipped at his coffee. They weregoing over their old battlefields, assaulting ramparts they'd stormed athousand times over. 

Plekhanov was saying doggedly, "Any planned economy is more efficientthan any unplanned one. What could be more elementary than that? Howcould anyone in his right mind deny that?"

And Mayer snapped, "_I_ deny it. That term _planned economy_ covers amultitude of sins. My dear Leonid, don't be an idiot . .. "

"I beg your pardon, sir!"

"Oh, don't get into one of your huffs, Plekhanov. "

They were at that stage again. 

 * * * * *

Technician Natt Roberts entered, a book in hand, and sent the trend ofconversation in a new direction. He said, worriedly, "I've been studyingup on this and what we're confronted with is two different ethnicperiods, barbarism and feudalism. Handling them both at once doubles ourproblems. "

One of the junior specialists who'd been sitting to one side said, "I'vebeen thinking about that and I believe I've got an answer. Why not allof us concentrate on Texcoco? When we've brought them to the Genoalevel, which shouldn't take more than a decade or two, then we can startworking on the Genoese, too. "

Mayer snapped, "And by that time we'll have hardly more than half ourfifty years left to raise the two of them to an industrial technology. Don't be an idiot, Stevens. "

Stevens flushed his resentment. 

Plekhanov said slowly, "Besides, I'm not sure that, given the correctmethod, we cannot raise Texcoco to an industrialized society inapproximately the same time it will take to bring Genoa there. "

Mayer bleated a sarcastic laugh at that opinion. 

Natt Roberts tossed his book to the table and sank into a chair. "Ifonly one of them had maintained itself at a reasonable level ofdevelopment, we'd have had help in working with the other. As it is, there are only sixteen of us. " He shook his head. "Why did the knowledgeheld by the original colonists melt away? How can an intelligent peoplelose such basics as the smelting of iron, gunpowder, the use of coal asa fuel?"

Plekhanov was heavy with condescension. "Roberts, you seem to haveentered upon this expedition with a lack of background. Consider. Youput down a hundred colonists, products of the most advanced culture. Among these you have one or two who can possibly repair an I. B. M. Machine, but is there one who can smelt iron, or even locate the ore? Wehave others who could design an automated textile factory, but do anyknow how to weave a blanket on a hand loom?

"The first generation gets along well with the weapons and equipmentbrought with them from Earth. They maintain the old ways. The secondgeneration follows along but already ammunition for the weapons runsshort, the machinery imported from Earth needs parts. There is no localeconomy that can provide such things. The third generation begins tothink of Earth as a legend and the methods necessary to survive on thenew planet conflict with those the first settlers imported. By thefourth generation, Earth is no longer a legend but a fable . .. "

"But the books, the tapes, the films . .. " Roberts injected. 

"Go with the guns, the vehicles and the other things brought from Earth. On a new planet there is no leisure class among the colonists. Eachworks hard if the group is to survive. There is no time to write newbooks, nor to copy the old, and the second and especially the thirdgeneration are impatient of the time needed to learn to read, time thatshould be spent in the fields or at the chase. The youth of anindustrial culture can spend twenty years and more achieving a basiceducation before assuming adult responsibilities but no pioneer societycan afford to allow its offspring to so waste its time. "

Natt Roberts was being stubborn. "But still, a few would carry the torchof knowledge. "

Plekhanov nodded ponderously. "For a while. But then comes the reactionagainst these nonconformists, these crackpots who, by spending time atbooks, fail to carry their share of the load. One day they wake up tofind themselves expelled from the group--if not knocked over the head. "

 * * * * *

Joe Chessman had been following Plekhanov's argument. He said dourly, "But finally the group conquers its environment to the point where aminimum of leisure is available again. Not for everybody, of course. "

Amschel Mayer bounced back into the discussion. "Enter the priest, enterthe war lord. Enter the smart operator who talks or fights himself intoa position where he's free from drudgery. "

Joe Chessman said reasonably, "If you don't have the man with leisure, society stagnates. Somebody has to have time off for thinking, if thewhole group is to advance. "

"Admittedly!" Mayer agreed. "I'd be the last to contend that an upperclass is necessarily parasitic. "

Plekhanov grumbled, "We're getting away from the subject. In spite ofMayer's poorly founded opinions, it is quite obvious that only acollectivized economy is going to enable these Rigel planets to achievean industrial culture in as short a period as half a century. "

Amschel Mayer reacted as might have been predicted. "Look here, Plekhanov, we have our own history to go by. Man made his greateststrides under a freely competitive system. "

"Well now . .. " Chessman began. 

"Prove that!" Plekhanov insisted loudly. "Your so-called free economycountries such as England, France and the United States began theirindustrial revolution in the early part of the nineteenth century. Ittook them a hundred years to accomplish what the Soviets did in fifty, in the next century. "

"Just a _moment_, now, " Mayer simmered. "That's fine, but the Sovietswere able to profit by the pioneering the free countries did. Thescientific developments, the industrial techniques, were handed to heron a platter. "

Specialist Martin Gunther, thus far silent, put in his calm opinion. "Actually, it seems to me the fastest industrialization comes under apaternal guidance from a more advanced culture. Take Japan. In 1854 shewas opened to trade by Commodore Perry. In 1871 she abolished feudalismand encouraged by her own government and utilizing the most advancedtechniques of a sympathetic West, she began to industrialize. " Gunthersmiled wryly, "Soon to the dismay of the very countries that originallysponsored bringing her into the modern world. By 1894 she was able towage a successful war against China and by 1904 she took on and trouncedCzarist Russia. In a period of thirty-five years she had advanced fromfeudalism to a world power. "

Joe Chessman took his turn. He said obdurately, "Your paternalisticguidance, given an uncontrolled competitive system, doesn't always workout. Take India after she gained independence from England. She tried toindustrialize and had the support of the free nations. But whathappened?"

Plekhanov leaned forward to take the ball. "Yes! There's your classicexample. Compare India and China. China had a planned industrialdevelopment. None of this free competition nonsense. In ten years timethey had startled the world with their advances. In twenty years--"

"Yes, " Stevens said softly, "but at what price?"

Plekhanov turned on him. "At any price!" he roared. "In one generationthey left behind the China of famine, flood, illiteracy, war lords andall the misery that had been China's throughout history. "

Stevens said mildly, "Whether in their admitted advances they leftbehind all the misery that had been China's is debatable, sir. "

Plekhanov began to bellow an angry retort but Amschel Mayer poppedsuddenly to his feet and lifted a hand to quiet the others. "Oursolution has just come to me!"

Plekhanov glowered at him. 

Mayer said excitedly, "Remember what the Co-ordinator told us? Thisexpedition of ours is the first of its type. Even though we fail, thevery mistakes we make will be invaluable. Our task is to learn how tobring backward peoples into an industrialized culture in roughly half acentury. "

The messroom's occupants scowled at him. Thus far he'd said nothing new. 

Mayer went on enthusiastically. "Thus far in our debates we've had twobasic suggestions on procedure. I have advocated a system of freecompetition; my learned colleague has been of the opinion that a strongstate and a planned, not to say totalitarian, economy would be thequicker. " He paused dramatically. "Very well, I am in favor of tryingthem both. "

They regarded him blankly. 

He said with impatience, "There are two planets, at different ethnicperiods it is true, but not so far apart as all that. Fine, eight of uswill take Genoa and eight Texcoco. "

Plekhanov rumbled, "Fine, indeed. But which group will have the use ofthe _Pedagogue_ with its library, its laboratories, its shops, itsweapons?"

For a moment, Mayer was stopped but Joe Chessman growled, "That's noproblem. Leave her in orbit around Rigel. We've got two small boats withwhich to ferry back and forth. Each group could have the use of herfacilities any time they wished. "

"I suppose we could have periodic conferences, " Plekhanov said. "Sayonce every decade to compare notes and make further plans, ifnecessary. "

Natt Roberts was worried. "We had no such instructions from theCo-ordinator. Dividing our forces like that. "

Mayer cut him short. "My dear Roberts, we were given _carte blanche_. Itis up to us to decide procedure. Actually, this system realizes twicethe information such expeditions as ours might ordinarily offer. "

"Texcoco for me, " Plekhanov grumbled, accepting the plan in its whole. "The more backward of the two, but under my guidance in half a centuryit will be the more advanced, mark me. "

"Look here, " Martin Gunther said. "Do we have two of each of the basicspecialists, so that we can divide the party in such a way that neitherplanet will miss out in any one field?"

Amschel Mayer was beaming at the reception of his scheme. "The point iswell taken, my dear Martin, however you'll recall that our training wasdeliberately made such that each man spreads over several fields. Thisin case, during our half century without contact, one or more of usmeets with accident. Besides, the _Pedagogue's_ library is such that anyliterate can soon become effective in any field to the extent needed onthe Rigel planets. "

III. 

Joe Chessman was at the controls of the space lighter. At his side satLeonid Plekhanov and behind them the other six members of their team. They had circled Texcoco twice at great altitude, four times at a lesserone. Now they were low enough to spot man-made works. 

"Nomadic, " Plekhanov muttered. "Nomadic and village cultures. "

"A few dozen urbanized cultures, " Chessman said. "Whoever compared themost advanced nation to the Aztecs was accurate, except for the factthat they base themselves along a river rather than on a mountainplateau. "

Plekhanov said, "Similarities to the Egyptians and Sumerians. " He lookedover his beefy shoulder at the technician who was photographing theareas over which they passed. "How does our geographer progress, Roberts?"

Natt Roberts brought his eyes up from his camera viewer. "I've got mostof what we'll need for a while, sir. "

[Illustration]

Plekhanov turned back to Chessman. "We might as well head for theirprincipal city, the one with the pyramids. We'll make initial contactthere. I like the suggestion of surplus labor available. "

"Surplus labor?" Chessman said, setting the controls. "How do you know?"

"Pyramids, " Plekhanov rumbled. "I've always been of the opinion thatsuch projects as pyramids, whether they be in Yucatan or Egypt, aremake-work affairs. A priesthood, or other ruling clique, keeping itspeople busy and hence out of mischief. "

Chessman adjusted a speed lever and settled back. "I can see theirpoint. "

"But I don't agree with it, " Plekhanov said ponderously. "A society thatbuilds pyramids is a static one. For that matter any society thatresorts to make-work projects to busy its citizenry has somethingbasically wrong. "

Joe Chessman said sourly, "I wasn't supporting the idea, justunderstanding the view of the priesthoods. They'd made a nice thing forthemselves and didn't want to see anything happen to it. It's not theonly time a group in the saddle has held up progress for the sake ofremaining there. Priests, slave-owners, feudalistic barons, orbureaucrats of a twentieth-century police state, a ruling clique willnever give up power without pressure. "

Barry Watson leaned forward and pointed down and to the right. "There'sthe river, " he said. "And there's their capital city. "

The small spacecraft settled at decreasing speed. 

Chessman said, "The central square? It seems to be their market, by thenumber of people. "

"I suppose so, " Plekhanov grunted. "Right there before the largestpyramid. We'll remain inside the craft for the rest of today andtonight. "

Natt Roberts, who had put away his camera, said, "But why? It's crowdedin here. "

"Because I said so, " Plekhanov rumbled. "This first impression isimportant. Our flying machine is undoubtedly the first they've seen. We've got to give them time to assimilate the idea and then get togethera welcoming committee. We'll want the top men, right from thebeginning. "

"The equivalent of the Emperor Montezuma meeting Cortez, eh?" BarryWatson said. "A real red carpet welcome. "

The _Pedagogue's_ space lighter settled to the plaza gently, some fiftyyards from the ornately decorated pyramid which stretched up severalhundred feet and was topped by a small templelike building. 

Chessman stretched and stood up from the controls. "Your anthropologyought to be better than that, Barry, " he said. "There was no EmperorMontezuma and no Aztec Empire, except in the minds of the Spanish. " Hepeered out one of the heavy ports. "And by the looks of this town we'llfind an almost duplicate of Aztec society. I don't believe they've evengot the wheel. "

The eight of them clustered about the craft's portholes, taking in theprimitive city that surrounded them. The square had emptied at theirapproach, and now the several thousand citizens that had filled it werepeering fearfully from street entrances and alleyways. 

Cogswell, a fiery little technician, said, "Look at them! It'll takehours before they drum up enough courage to come any closer. You wereright, doctor. If we left the boat now, we'd make fools of ourselvestrying to coax them near enough to talk. "

Watson said to Joe Chessman "What do you mean, no Emperor Montezuma?"

Chessman said absently, as he watched, "When the Spanish got to Mexicothey didn't understand what they saw, being musclemen rather thanscholars. And before competent witnesses came on the scene, Aztecsociety was destroyed. The conquistadors, who did attempt to describeTenochtitlán, misinterpreted it. They were from a feudalistic world andtried to portray the Aztecs in such terms. For instance, the largeIndian community houses they thought were palaces. Actually, Montezumawas a democratically elected war chief of a confederation of threetribes which militarily dominated most of the Mexican valley. There wasno empire because Indian society, being based on the clan, had no methodof assimilating newcomers. The Aztec armies could loot and they couldcapture prisoners for their sacrifices, but they had no system ofbringing their conquered enemies into the nation. They hadn't reachedthat far in the evolution of society. The Incas could have taught them afew lessons. "

Plekhanov nodded. "Besides, the Spanish were fabulous liars. In Cortez'sattempt to impress Spain's king, he built himself up far beyond reality. To read his reports you'd think the pueblo of Mexico had a populationpushing a million. Actually, if it had thirty thousand it was doingwell. Without a field agriculture and with their primitive transport, they must have been hard put to feed even that large a town. "

A tall, militarily erect native strode from one of the streets thatdebouched into the plaza and approached to within twenty feet of thespace boat. He stared at it for at least ten full minutes then spun onhis heel and strode off again in the direction of one of the stolidlybuilt stone buildings that lined the square on each side except thatwhich the pyramid dominated. 

Cogswell chirped, "Now that he's broken the ice, in a couple of hourskids will be scratching their names on our hull. "

 * * * * *

In the morning, two or three hours after dawn, they made theirpreparations to disembark. Of them all, only Leonid Plekhanov wasunarmed. Joe Chessman had a heavy handgun holstered at his waist. Therest of the men carried submachine guns. More destructive weapons werehardly called for, nor available for that matter; once world governmenthad been established on Earth the age-old race for improved arms hadfallen away. 

Chessman assumed command of the men, growled brief instructions. "Ifthere's any difficulty, remember we're civilizing a planet of nearly abillion population. The life or death of a few individuals ismeaningless. Look at our position scientifically, dispassionately. If itbecomes necessary to use force--we have the right and the might to backit up. MacBride, you stay with the ship. Keep the hatch closed andstation yourself at the fifty-caliber gun. "

The natives seemed to know intuitively that the occupants of the craftfrom the sky would present themselves at this time. Several thousands ofthem crowded the plaza. Warriors, armed with spears and bronze headedwar clubs, kept the more adventurous from crowding too near. 

The hatch opened, the steel landing stair snaked out, and the heftyPlekhanov stepped down, closely followed by Chessman. The others broughtup the rear, Watson, Roberts, Stevens, Hawkins and Cogswell. They hadhardly formed a compact group at the foot of the spacecraft than theranks of the natives parted and what was obviously a delegation ofofficials approached them. In the fore was a giant of a man in his latemiddle years, and at his side a cold-visaged duplicate of him, obviouslya son. 

Behind these were variously dressed others, military, priesthood, localofficials, by their appearance. 

Ten feet from the newcomers they stopped. The leader said in quiteunderstandable Amer-English, "I am Taller, Khan of all the People. Ourlegends tell of you. You must be from First Earth. " He added with asimple dignity, a quiet gesture, "Welcome to the World. How may we serveyou?"

Plekhanov said flatly, "The name of this planet is Texcoco and theinhabitants shall henceforth be called Texcocans. You are correct, wehave come from Earth. Our instructions are to civilize you, to bring youthe benefits of the latest technology, to prepare you to enter thecommunity of planets. " Phlegmatically he let his eyes go to thepyramids, to the temples, the large community dwelling quarters. "We'llcall this city Tula and its citizens Tulans. "

Taller looked thoughtfully at him, not having missed the tone ofarrogant command. One of the group behind the Khan, clad in gray flowingrobes, said to Plekhanov, mild reproof in his voice, "My son, we are themost advanced people on . .. Texcoco. We have thought of ourselves ascivilized. However, we--"

Plekhanov rumbled, "I am not your son, old man, and you are far short ofcivilization. We can't stand here forever. Take us to a building wherewe can talk without these crowds staring at us. There is much to bedone. "

Taller said, "This is Mynor, Chief Priest of the People. "

The priest bowed his head, then said, "The People are used to ceremonyon outstanding occasions. We have arranged for suitable sacrifices tothe gods. At their completion, we will proclaim a festival. And then--"

The warriors had cleared a way through the multitude to the pyramid andnow the Earthlings could see a score of chained men and women, nude savefor loin cloths and obviously captives. 

Plekhanov made his way toward them, Joe Chessman at his right and a paceto the rear. The prisoners stood straight and, considering theirposition, with calm. 

Plekhanov glared at Taller. "You were going to kill these?"

The Khan said reasonably, "They are not of the People. They areprisoners taken in battle. "

Mynor said, "Their lives please the gods. "

"There are no gods, as you probably know, " Plekhanov said flatly. "Youwill no longer sacrifice prisoners. "

A hush fell on the Texcocans. Joe Chessman let his hand drop to hisweapon. The movement was not lost on Taller's son, whose eyes narrowed. 

The Khan looked at the burly Plekhanov for a long moment. He saidslowly, "Our institutions fit our needs. What would you have us do withthese people? They are our enemies. If we turn them loose, they willfight us again. If we keep them imprisoned, they will eat our food. We. .. Tulans are not poor, we have food aplenty, for we Tulans, but wecannot feed all the thousands of prisoners we take in our wars. "

Joe Chessman said dryly, "As of today there is a new policy. We put themto work. "

Plekhanov rumbled at him, "I'll explain our position, Chessman, if youplease. " Then to the Tulans. "To develop this planet we're going to needthe labor of every man, woman and child capable of work. "

Taller said, "Perhaps your suggestion that we retire to a less publicplace is desirable. Will you follow?" He spoke a few words to an officerof the warriors, who shouted orders. 

 * * * * *

The Khan led the way, Plekhanov and Chessman followed side by side andthe other Earthlings, their weapons unostentatiously ready, wereimmediately behind. Mynor the priest, Taller's son and the other Tulanofficials brought up the rear. 

In what was evidently the reception hall of Taller's official residence, the newcomers were made as comfortable as fur padded low stoolsprovided. Half a dozen teenaged Tulans brought a cool drink similar tococoa; it seemed to give a slight lift. 

Taller had not become Khan of the most progressive nation on Texcoco byother than his own abilities. He felt his way carefully now. He had nomanner of assessing the powers wielded by these strangers from space. Hehad no intention of precipitating a situation in which he would discoversuch powers to his sorrow. 

He said carefully, "You have indicated that you intend major changes inthe lives of the People. "

"Of all Texcocans, " Plekhanov said, "you Tulans are merely thebeginning. "

Mynor, the aged priest, leaned forward. "But why? We do not want thesechanges--whatever they may be. Already the Khan has allowed you tointerfere with our worship of our gods. This will mean--"

Plekhanov growled, "Be silent, old man, and don't bother to mention, ever again, your so-called gods. And now, all of you listen. Perhapssome of this will not be new, how much history has come down to you Idon't know. 

"A thousand years ago a colony of one hundred persons was left here onTexcoco. It will one day be of scholarly interest to trace them downthrough the centuries but at present the task does not interest us. Thisexpedition has been sent to recontact you, now that you have populatedTexcoco and made such adaptations as were necessary to survive here. Ourbasic task is to modernize your society, to bring it to anindustrialized culture. "

Plekhanov's eyes went to Taller's son. "I assume you are a soldier?"

Taller said, "This is Reif, my eldest, and by our custom, second incommand of the People's armies. As Khan, I am first. "

Reif nodded coldly to Plekhanov. "I am a soldier. " He hesitated for amoment, then added, "And willing to die to protect the People. "

"Indeed, " Plekhanov rumbled, "as a soldier you will be interested toknow that our first step will involve the amalgamation of all thenations and tribes of this planet. Not a small task. There should beopportunity for you. "

Taller said, "Surely you speak in jest. The People have been at war foras long as scribes have records and never have we been stronger thantoday, never larger. To conquer the world! Surely you jest. "

Plekhanov grunted ungraciously. He looked to Barry Watson, a lankyyouth, now leaning negligently against the wall, his submachine gun, however, at the easy ready. "Watson, you're our military expert. Haveyou any opinions as yet?"

"Yes, sir, " Watson said easily. "Until we can get iron weapons andfirearms into full production, I suggest the Macedonian phalanx fortheir infantry. They have the horse, but evidently the wheel has goneout of use. We'll introduce the chariot and also heavy carts to speed uplogistics. We'll bring in the stirruped saddle, too. I have availablefor study, works on every cavalry leader from Tamerlane to Jeb Stuart. Yes, sir, I have some ideas. "

Plekhanov pursed his heavy lips. "From the beginning we're going to needmanpower on a scale never dreamed of locally. We'll adopt a policy ofexpansion. Those who join us freely will become members of the Statewith full privileges. Those who resist will be made prisoners of war andused for shock labor on the roads and in the mines. However, a man worksbetter if he has a goal, a dream. Each prisoner will be freed and becomea member of the State after ten years of such work. "

He turned to his subordinates. "Roberts and Hawkins, you will begintomorrow to seek the nearest practical sources of iron ore and coal. Wherever you discover them we'll direct our first military expeditions. Chessman and Cogswell, you'll assemble their best artisans and begintheir training in such basic advancements as the wheel. "

Taller said softly, "You speak of advancement but thus far you havementioned largely war and on such a scale that I wonder how many of thePeople will survive. What advancement? We have all we wish. "

Plekhanov cut him off with a curt motion of his hand. He indicated thehieroglyphics on the chamber's walls. "How long does it take to learnsuch writing?"

Mynor, the priest, said, "This is a mystery known only to thepriesthood. One spends ten years in preparation to be a scribe. "

"We'll teach you a new method which will have every citizen of the Statereading and writing within a year. "

The Tulans gaped at him. 

He moved ponderously over to Roberts, drew from its scabbard the swordbayonet the other had at his hip. He took it and slashed savagely at astone pillar, gouging a heavy chunk from it. He tossed the weapon toReif, whose eyes lit up. 

"What metals have you been using? Copper, bronze? Probably. Well, that'ssteel. You're going to move into the iron age overnight. "

He turned to Taller. "Are your priests also in charge of the health ofyour people?" he growled. "Are their cures obtained from mumbo-jumbo anda few herbs found in the desert? Within a decade, I'll guarantee youthat not one of your major diseases will remain. "

He turned to the priest and said, "Or perhaps this will be the clincherfor some of you. How many years do you have, _old man_?"

Mynor said with dignity, "I am sixty-four. "

Plekhanov said churlishly, "And I am two hundred and thirty-three. " Hecalled to Stevens, "I think you're our youngest. How old are you?"

Stevens grinned, "Hundred and thirteen, next month. "

Mynor opened his mouth, closed it again. No man but would prolong hisyouth. Of a sudden he felt old, old. 

Plekhanov turned back to Taller. "Most of the progress we have to offeris beyond your capacity to understand. We'll give you freedom from want. Health. We'll give you advances in every art. We'll eventually freeevery citizen from drudgery, educate him, give him the opportunity toenjoy intellectual curiosity. We'll open the stars to him. All thesethings the coming of the State will eventually mean to you. "

Tula's Khan was not impressed. "This you tell us, man from First Earth. But to achieve these you plan to change every phase of our lives and weare happy with . .. Tula . .. The way it is. I say this to you. There arebut eight of you and many, many of us. We do not want your . .. State. Return from whence you came. "

Plekhanov shook his massive head at the other. "Whether or not _you_want these changes they will be made. If you fail to co-operate, we willfind someone who will. I suggest you make the most of it. "

Taller arose from the squat stool upon which he'd been seated. "I havelistened and I do not like what you have said. I am Khan of all thePeople. Now leave in peace, or I shall order my warriors . .. "

"Joe, " Plekhanov said flatly. "Watson!"

Joe Chessman took his heavy gun from its holster and triggered it twice. The roar of the explosions reverberated thunderously in the confinedspace, deafening all, and terrifying the Tulans. Bright red colored therobes the Khan wore, colored them without beauty. Bright red splatteredthe floor. 

Leonid Plekhanov stared at his second in command, wet his thick lips. "Joe, " he sputtered. "I hadn't . .. I didn't expect you to be so . .. Hasty. "

Joe Chessman growled, "We've got to let them know where we stand, rightnow, or they'll never hold still for us. Cover the doors, Watson, Roberts. " He motioned to the others with his head. "Cogswell, Hawkins, Stevens, get to those windows and watch. "

Taller was a crumbled heap on the floor. The other Texcocans stared athis body in shocked horror. 

All expect Reif. 

Reif bent down over his father's body for a moment, and then looked up, his lips white, at Plekhanov. "He is dead. "

Leonid Plekhanov collected himself. "Yes. "

Reif's cold face was expressionless. He looked at Joe Chessman who stoodstolidly to one side, gun still in hand. 

Reif said, "You can supply such weapons to my armies?"

Plekhanov said, "That is our intention, in time. "

Reif came erect. "Subject to the approval of the clan leaders, I am nowKhan. Tell me more of this State of which you have spoken. "

IV. 

The sergeant stopped the small company about a quarter of a mile fromthe city of Bari. His detachment numbered only ten but they were wellarmed with short swords and blunderbusses and wore mail and steelhelmets. On the face of it, they would have been a match for ten timesthis number of merchants. 

It was hardly noon but the sergeant had obviously already been at hiswine flask. He leered at them. "And where do you think you go?"

The merchant who led the rest was a thin little man but he was richlyrobed and astride a heavy black mare. He said, "To Bari, soldier. " Hedrew a paper from a pouch. "I hold this permission from Baron Mannerheimto pass through his lands with my people and chattels. "

The leer turned mercenary. "Unfortunately, city man, I can't read. Whatdo you carry on the mules?"

"Personal property, which, I repeat, I have permission to transportover Baron Mannerheim's lands free from harassment from his followers. "He added, in irritation, "The baron is a friend of mine, fond of thegifts I give him. "

One of the soldiers grunted his skepticism, checked the flint on thelock of his piece, then looked at the sergeant suggestively. 

The sergeant said, "As you say, merchant, my lord the baron is fond ofgifts. Aren't we all? Unfortunately, I have received no word of yourgroup. My instructions are to stop all intruders upon the baron's landsand, if there is resistance, to slay them and confiscate such propertiesas they may be carrying. "

The merchant sighed and reached into a small pouch. The eyes of thesergeant drooped in greed. The hand emerged with two small coins. "Asyou say, " the merchant muttered bitterly, "we are all fond of gifts. Will you do me the honor to drink my health at the tavern tonight?"

The sergeant said nothing, but his mouth slackened and he fondled thehilt of his sword. 

The merchant sighed again and dipped once more into the pouch. This timehis hand emerged with half a dozen bits of silver. He handed them downto the other, complaining, "How can a man profit in his affairs if everyfew miles he must pass another outstretched hand?"

The sergeant growled, "You do not seem to starve, city man. Now, on yourway. You are fortunate I am too lazy today to bother going through yourthings. Besides, " and he grinned widely, "the baron gave me personalinstructions not to bother you. "

The merchant snorted, kicked his heels into his beast's sides and ledhis half dozen followers toward the city. The soldiers looked after themand howled their amusement. The money was enough to keep them soused fordays. 

When they were out of earshot, Amschel Mayer grinned his amusement backover his shoulder at Jerome Kennedy. "How'd that come off, Jerry?"

The other sniffed, in mock deprecation. "You're beginning to fit intothe local merchant pattern better than the real thing. However, just forthe record, I had this, ah, grease gun, trained on them all the time. "

Mayer frowned. "Only in extreme emergency, my dear Jerry. The baronwould be up in arms if he found a dozen of his men massacred on theoutskirts of Bari, and we don't want a showdown at this stage. It'staken nearly a year to build this part we act. "

At this time of day the gates of the port city were open and the guardslounged idly. Their captain recognized Amschel Mayer and did no morethan nod respectfully. 

They wended their way through narrow, cobblestoned streets, avoiding thecrowds in the central market area. They pulled up eventually before ahouse both larger and more ornate than its neighbors. Mayer and Kennedydismounted from the horses and left their care to the others. 

[Illustration]

Mayer beat with the heavy knocker on the door and a slot opened for aquick check of his identity. The door opened wide and Technician MartinGunther let them in. 

"The others are here already?" Mayer asked him. 

Gunther nodded. "Since breakfast. Baron Leonar, in particular, isimpatient. "

Mayer said over his shoulder, "All right, Jerry, this is where we put itto them. "

They entered the long conference room. A full score of men sat about theheavy wooden table. Most of them were as richly garbed as their host. Most of them in their middle years. All of them alert of eye. All ofthem confidently at ease. 

 * * * * *

Amschel Mayer took his place at the table's end and Jerome Kennedy sankinto the chair next to him. Mayer took the time to speak to each of hisguests individually, then he leaned back and took in the gathering as awhole. He said, "You probably realize that this group consists of thetwenty most powerful merchants on the continent. "

Olderman nodded. "We have been discussing your purpose in bringing ustogether, Honorable Mayer. All of us are not friends. " He twisted hisface in amusement. "In fact, very few of us are friends. "

"There is no need for you to be, " Mayer said snappishly, "but all aregoing to realize the need for co-operation. Honorables, I've just comefrom the city of Ronda. Although I'd paid heavily in advance to thethree barons whose lands I crossed. I had to bribe myself through adozen road-blocks, had to pay exorbitant rates to cross three ferries, and once had to fight off supposed bandits. "

One of his guests grumbled, "Who were actually probably soldiers of thelocal baron who had decided that although you had paid him transit fee, it still might be profitable to go through your goods. "

Mayer nodded. "Exactly, my dear Honorable, and that is why we'vegathered. "

Olderman had evidently assumed spokesmanship for the others. Now he saidwarily, "I don't understand. "

"Genoa, if you'll pardon the use of this name to signify the planet uponwhich we reside, will never advance until trade has been freed fromthese bandits who call themselves lords and barons. "

Eyebrows reached for hairlines. 

Olderman's eyes darted about the room, went to the doors. "Please, " hesaid, "the servants. "

"My servants are safe, " Mayer said. 

One of his guests was smiling without humor. "You seem to forget, Honorable Mayer, that I carry the title of baron. "

Mayer shook his head. "No, Baron Leonar. But neither do you disagreewith what I say. The businessman, the merchant, the manufacturer onGenoa today, is only tolerated. Were it not for the fact that the baronshave no desire to eliminate such a profitable source of income, theywould milk us dry overnight. "

Someone shrugged. "That is the way of things. We are lucky to havewrested, bribed and begged as many favors from the lords as we have. Ourtwenty cities all have charters that protect us from completedespoilation. "

Mayer twisted excitedly in his chair. "As of today, things begin tochange. Jerry, that platen press. "

Jerry Kennedy left the room momentarily and returned with Martin Guntherand two of the servants. While the assembled merchants looked on, inpuzzled silence, Mayer's assistants set up the press and a stand holdingtwo fonts of fourteen-point type. Jerry took up a printer's stick andgave running instructions as he demonstrated. Gunther handed aroundpieces of the type until all had examined it, while his colleague set upseveral lines. Kennedy transposed the lines to a chase, locked it up andplaced the form to one side while he demonstrated inking the smallpress, which was operated by a foot pedal. He mounted the form in thepress, took a score of sheets of paper and rapidly fed them, one by one. When they were all printed, he stopped pumping and Gunther handed thestill wet finished product around to the audience. 

Olderman stared down at the printed lines, scowled in concentration, wethis lips in sudden comprehension. 

But it was merchant Russ who blurted, "This will revolutionize theinscribing of books. Why, it can well take it out of the hands of theTemple! With such a machine I could make a hundred books--"

Mayer was beaming. "Not a hundred, Honorable, but a hundred thousand!"

The others stared at him as though he was demented. "A hundredthousand, " one said. "There are not that many literate persons on thecontinent. "

"There will be, " Mayer crowed. "This is but one of our levers to prypower from the barons. And here is another. " He turned to Russ. "Honorable Russ, your city is noted for the fine quality of its steel, of the swords and armor you produce. "

Russ nodded. He was a small man fantastically rich in his attire. "Thisis true, Honorable Mayer. "

Mayer said, tossing a small booklet to the other, "I have here the plansfor a new method of making steel from pig iron. The Bessemer method, we'll call it. The principle involved is the oxidation of the impuritiesin the iron by blowing air through the molten metal. "

Amschel Mayer turned to still another. "And your town is particularlynoted for its fine textiles. " He looked to his assistants. "Jerry, youand Gunther bring in those models of the power loom and the spinningjenny. "

While they were gone, he said, "My intention is to assist you to speedup production. With this in mind, you'll appreciate the automatic flyingshuttle that we'll now demonstrate. "

Kennedy and Gunther re-entered accompanied by four servants and a massof equipment. Kennedy muttered to Amschel Mayer, "I feel like theinstructor of a handicrafts class. "

Half an hour later, Kennedy and Gunther wound up passing out pamphletsto the awed merchant guests. Kennedy said, "This booklet will givedetails on construction of the equipment and its operation. "

Mayer pursed his lips. "Your people will be able to assimilate only sofast, so we won't push them. Later, you'll be interested in introducingthe mule spinning frame, among other items. "

He motioned for the servants to remove the printing press and textilemachinery. "We now come to probably the most important of the devices Ihave to introduce to you today. Because of size and weight, I've hadconstructed only a model. Jerry!"

Jerry Kennedy brought to the heavy table a small steam engine, clever inits simplicity. He had half a dozen attachments for it. Within momentshe had the others around him, as enthusiastic as a group of youngsterswith a new toy. 

"By the Supreme, " Baron Leonar blurted, "do you realize this devicecould be used instead of waterpower to operate a mill to power the loomdemonstrated an hour ago?"

Honorable Russ was rubbing the side of his face thoughtfully. "It mighteven be adapted to propel a coach. A coach without horses. Unbelievable!"

Mayer chuckled in excitement and clapped his hands. A servant enteredwith a toy wagon which had been slightly altered. Martin Gunther liftedthe small engine, placed it in position atop the wagon, connected itquickly and threw a lever. The wagon moved smoothly forward, the firstengine-propelled vehicle of Genoa's industrial revolution. 

Martin Gunther smiled widely at Russ. "You mean like this, Honorable?"

Half an hour later they were re-seated, before each of them a small pileof pamphlets, instructions, plans, blueprints. 

Mayer said, "I have just one more device to bring to your attention atthis time. I wish it were unnecessary but I am afraid otherwise. "

He held up for their inspection, a forty-five-caliber bullet. JerryKennedy handed around samples to the merchants. They fingered them inpuzzlement. 

"Honorables, " Mayer said, "the barons have the use of gunpowder. Musketsand muzzleloading cannon are available to them both for their warsagainst each other and their occasional attacks upon our supposedlyindependent cities. However, this is an advancement on their weapons. This unit includes not only the bullet's lead, but the powder and thecap which will explode it. "

They lacked understanding, and showed it. 

Mayer said, "Jerry, if you'll demonstrate. "

Jerry Kennedy said, "The bullet can be adapted to various weapons, however, this is one of the simplest. " He pressed, one after another, afull twenty rounds into the gun's clip. 

"Now, if you'll note the silhouette of a man I've drawn on the woodenframe at the end of the room. " He pressed the trigger, sent a singleshot into the figure. 

Olderman nodded. "An improvement in firearms. But--"

Kennedy said, "However, if you are confronted with more than one of thebad guys. " He grinned and flicked the gun to full automatic and in aGötterdämmerung of sound in the confines of the room, emptied the clipinto his target sending splinters and chips flying and all butdemolishing the wooden backdrop. 

His audience sat back in stunned horror at the demonstration. 

Mayer said now, "The weapon is simple to construct, any competentgunsmith can do it. It is manifest, Honorables, that with your people soequipped your cities will be safe from attack and so will tradingcaravans and ships. "

Russ said shakily, "Your intention is good, Honorable Mayer, however itwill be but a matter of time before the barons have solved the secretsof your weapon. Such cannot be held indefinitely. Then we would again beat their mercy. "

"Believe me, Honorable, " Mayer said dryly, "by that time I will have newweapons to introduce, if necessary. Weapons that make this one a verytoy in comparison. "

Olderman resumed his office as spokesman. "This demonstration hasastounded us, Honorable Mayer, but although we admire your abilities itneed hardly be pointed out that it seems unlikely all this could be theproduct of one brain. "

"They are not mine, " Mayer admitted. "They are the products of manyminds. "

"But where--?"

The Earthman shook his head. "I don't believe I will tell you now. "

"I see. " The Genoese eyed him emotionlessly. "Then the questionbecomes, _why_?"

Mayer said, "It may be difficult for you to see, but the introduction ofeach of these will be a nail in feudalism's coffin. Each will increaseeither production or trade and such increase will lead to the overthrowof feudal society. "

Baron Leonar, who had remained largely silent throughout the afternoon, now spoke up. "As you said earlier, although I am a lord myself, myinterests are your own. I am a merchant first. However, I am not sure Iwant the changes these devices will bring. Frankly, Honorable Mayer, Iam satisfied with my world as I find it today. "

Amschel Mayer smiled wryly at him. "I am afraid you _must_ adapt tothese new developments. "

The baron said coldly, "Why? I do not like to be told I must dosomething. "

"Because, my dear baron, there are three continents on the planet ofGenoa. At present there is little trade due to inadequate shipping. Butthe steam engine I introduce today will soon propel larger craft thanyou have ever built before. "

Russ said, "What has this to do with our being forced to use thesedevices?"

"Because I have colleagues on the other continents busily introducingthem. If you don't adapt, in time competitors will invade your markets, capture your trade, drive you out of business. "

Mayer wrapped it up. "Honorables, modernize or go under. It's each manfor himself and the devil take the hindmost, if you'll allow a sayingfrom another era. "

They remained silent for a long period. Finally Olderman stated bluntly, "The barons are not going to like this. "

Jerry Kennedy grinned. "Obviously, that's why we've introduced you tothe tommy gun. It's not going to make any difference if they like it ornot. "

Russ said musingly, "Pressure will be put to prevent the introduction ofthis equipment. "

"We'll meet it, " Mayer said, shifting happily in his seat. 

Russ added, "The Temple is ever on the side of the barons. The monkswill fight against innovations that threaten to disturb the presentway. "

Mayer said, "Monks usually do. How much property is in the hands of theTemple?"

Russ admitted sourly, "The monks are the greatest landlords of all. Iwould say at least one third of the land and the serfs belong to theTemple. "

"Ah, " Mayer said. "We must investigate the possibilities of aReformation. But that can come later. Now I wish to expand on my reasonfor gathering you. 

"Honorables, Genoa is to change rapidly. To survive, you will have tomove fast. I have not introduced these revolutionary changes withoutself-interest. Each of you are free to use them to his profit, however, I expect a thirty per cent interest. "

There was a universal gasp. 

Olderman said, "Honorable Mayer, you have already demonstrated yourdevices. What is there to prevent us from playing you false?"

Mayer laughed. "My dear Olderman, I have other inventions to reveal asrapidly as you develop the technicians, the workers, capable of buildingand operating them. If you cheat me now, you will be passed by nexttime. "

Russ muttered, "Thirty per cent! Your wealth will be unbelievable. "

"As fast as it accumulates, Honorables, it shall be invested. Forinstance, I have great interest in expanding our inadequateuniversities. The advances I expect will only be possible if we educatethe people. Field serfs are not capable of running even that simplesteam engine Jerry demonstrated. "

Baron Leonar said, "What you contemplate is mind-shaking. Do Iunderstand that you wish a confederation of all our cities? A joiningtogether to combat the strength of the present lords?"

Mayer was shaking his head. "No, no. As the barons lose power, each ofyour cities will strengthen and possibly expand to become nations. Perhaps some will unite. But largely you will compete against each otherand against the nations of the other continents. In such competitionyou'll have to show your mettle, or go under. Man develops at hisfastest when pushed by such circumstance. "

The Earthling looked off, unseeing, into a far corner of the room. "Atleast, so is my contention. Far away from here a colleague is trying toprove me wrong. We shall see. "

V. 

Leonid Plekhanov returned to the _Pedagogue_ with a certain ceremony. Hewas accompanied by Joe Chessman, Natt Roberts and Barry Watson of hisoriginal group, but four young, hard-eyed, hard-faced and armed Tulanswere also in the party. Their space lighter swooped in, nestled to the_Pedagogue's_ hull in the original bed it had occupied on the trip fromTerra City, and her port opened to the corridors of the mother ship. 

Plekhanov, flanked by Chessman and Watson, strode heavily toward theship's lounge. Natt Roberts and two of the Tulans remained with thesmall boat. Two of the other natives followed, their eyes darting here, there, in amazement, in spite of their efforts to appear grim anduntouched by it all. 

Amschel Mayer was already seated at the officer's dining table. His facedisplayed his irritation at the other's method of presenting himself. "Good Heavens, Plekhanov, what is this, an invasion?"

The other registered surprise. 

Mayer indicated the Texcocans. "Do you think it necessary to bring armedmen aboard the _Pedagogue_? Frankly, I have not even revealed to asingle Genoese the existence of the ship. "

Jerry Kennedy was seated to one side, the only member of Mayer's teamwho had accompanied him for this meeting. Kennedy winked at Watson andChessman. Watson grinned back but held his peace. 

Plekhanov sank into a chair, rumbling, "We hold no secrets from theTexcocans. The sooner they advance to where they can use our librariesand laboratories, the better. And the fact these boys are armed has nosignificance. My Tulans are currently embarked on a campaign to unitethe planet. Arms are sometimes necessary, and Tula, my capital, issomewhat of an armed camp. All able-bodied men--"

Mayer broke in heatedly, "And is this the method you use to bringcivilization to Texcoco? Is this what you consider the purpose of theOffice of Galactic Colonization? An armed camp! How many persons haveyou slaughtered thus far?"

"Easy, " Joe Chessman growled. 

Amschel Mayer spun on him. "I need no instruction from you, Chessman. Please remember I'm senior in charge of this expedition and as such rankyou. "

Plekhanov thudded a heavy hand on the table. "I'll call my assistants toorder, Mayer, if I feel it necessary. Admittedly, when this expeditionleft Terra City you were the ranking officer. Now, however, we'vedivided--at your suggestion, please remember. Now there are twoindependent groups and you no longer have jurisdiction over mine. "

"Indeed!" Mayer barked. "And suppose I decide to withhold the use of the_Pedagogue's_ libraries and laboratories to you? I tell you, Plekhanov--"

Leonid Plekhanov interrupted him coldly. "I would not suggest youattempt any such step, Mayer. "

Mayer glared but suddenly reversed himself. "Let's settle down andbecome more sensible. This is the first conference of the five we havescheduled. Ten years have elapsed. Actually, of course, we've had someidea of each other's progress since team members occasionally meet ontrips back here to the _Pedagogue_ to consult the library. I am afraid, my dear Leonid, that your theories on industrialization are rapidlybeing proven inaccurate. "

"Nonsense!"

Mayer said smoothly, "In the decade past, my team's efforts have morethan tripled the Genoese industrial potential. Last week one of oursteamships crossed the second ocean. We've located petroleum and thefirst wells are going down. We've introduced a dozen crops that haddisappeared through misadventure to the original colonists. And, oh yes, our first railroad is scheduled to begin running between Bari and Rondanext spring. There are six new universities and in the next decade Iexpect fifty more. "

"Very good, indeed, " Plekhanov grumbled. 

"Only a beginning. The breath of competition, of unharnessed enterpriseis sweeping Genoa. Feudalism crumbles. Customs, mores and traditionsthat have held up progress for a century or more are now on their wayout. "

Joe Chessman growled, "Some of the boys tell me you've had a fewdifficulties with this crumbling feudalism thing. In fact, didn'tBuchwald barely escape with his life when the barons on your westerncontinent united to suppress all chartered cities?"

Mayer's thin face darkened. "Never fear, my dear Joseph, those baronsresponsible for shedding the blood of western hemisphere elements ofprogress will shortly pay for their crimes. "

"You've got military problems too, then?" Barry Watson asked. 

Mayer's eyes went to him in irritation. "Some of the free cities ofGenoa are planning measures to regain their property and rights on thewestern hemisphere. This has nothing to do with my team, except, ofcourse, in so far as they might sell them supplies or equipment. "

The lanky Watson laughed lowly, "You mean like selling them a fewquick-firing breech-loaders and trench mortars?"

Plekhanov muttered, "That'll be enough, Barry. "

But Mayer's eyes had widened. "How did you know?" He whirled onPlekhanov. "You're spying on my efforts, trying to negate my work!"

Plekhanov rumbled, "Don't be a fool, Mayer. My team has neither the timenor interest to spy on you. "

"Then how did you know--"

Barry Watson said mildly, "I was doing some investigation in the ship'slibrary. I ran into evidence that you people had already used theblueprints for breech-loaders and mortars. "

Jerry Kennedy came to his feet and rambled over to the messroom's bar. "This seems to be all out spat, rather than a conference to compareprogress, " he said. "Anybody for a drink? Frankly, that's the next thingI'm going to introduce to Genoa, some halfway decent likker. Do you knowwhat those benighted heathens drink now?"

Watson grinned. "Make mine whisky, Jerry. You've no complaints. Ourbenighted heathens have a national beverage fermented from a plantsimilar to cactus. Ought to be drummed out of the human race. "

He spoke idly, forgetful of the Tulan guards stationed at the doorway. 

 * * * * *

Kennedy passed drinks around for everyone save Mayer, who shook his headin distaste. If only for a brief spell, some of the tenseness left theair while the men from Earth sipped their beverages. 

Jerry Kennedy said, "Well, you've heard our report. How go things onTexcoco?"

"According to plan, " Plekhanov rumbled. 

Mayer snorted. 

Plekhanov said ungraciously, "Our prime effort is now the uniting of thetotal population into one strong whole, a super-state capable ofaccomplishing the goals set us by the Co-ordinator. "

Mayer sneered, "Undoubtedly, this goal of yours, this super-state, isbeing established by force. "

"Not always, " Joe Chessman said. "Quite a few of the tribes join up ontheir own. Why not? The State has a lot to offer. "

"Such as what?" Kennedy said mildly. 

Chessman looked at him in irritation. "Such as advanced medicine, security from famine, military protection from more powerful nations. The opportunity for youth to get an education and find advancement inthe State's government--if they've got it on the ball. "

"And what happens if they don't _have it on the ball_?"

Chessman growled, "What happens to such under any society? They get thedirty-end-of-the-stick jobs. " His eyes went from Kennedy to Mayer. "Areyou suggesting you offer anything better?"

Mayer said, "Already on most of Genoa it is a matter of freecompetition. The person with ability is able to profit from it. "

Joe Chessman grunted sour amusement. "Of course, it doesn't help to bethe son of a wealthy merchant or a big politician. "

Plekhanov took over. "In _any_ society the natural leaders come to thetop in much the same manner as the big ones come to the top in a bin ofpotatoes, they just work their way up. "

Jerry Kennedy finished his drink and said easily, "At least, those atthe top can claim they're the biggest potatoes. Remember back in thetwentieth century when Hitler and his gang announced they were the bigpotatoes in Germany and men of Einstein's stature fled thecountry--being small potatoes, I suppose. "

Amschel Mayer said, "We're getting away from the point. Pray go on, mydear Leonid. You say you are forcibly uniting all Texcoco. "

"We are uniting all Texcoco, " Plekhanov corrected with a scowl. "Notalways by force. And that is by no means our only effort. We areferreting out the most intelligent of the assimilated peoples andeducating them as rapidly as possible. We've introduced iron . .. "

"And use it chiefly for weapons, " Kennedy murmured. 

". .. Antibiotics and other medicines, a field agriculture, are rapidlybuilding roads . .. "

"Military roads, " Kennedy mused. 

". .. To all sections of the State, have made a beginning in navalscience, and, of course, haven't ignored the arts. "

"On the face of it, " Mayer nodded, "hardly approaching Genoa. "

Plekhanov rumbled indignantly, "We started two ethnic periods behindyou. Even the Tulans were still using bronze, but the Genoese had ironand even gunpowder. Our advance is a bit slow to get moving, Mayer, butwhen it begins to roll--"

Mayer gave his characteristic snort. "A free people need never worryabout being passed by a subjected one. "

Barry Watson made himself another drink and while doing so looked overhis shoulder at Amschel Mayer. "It's interesting the way you throw aboutthat term _free_. Just what type of government do you sponsor?"

Mayer snapped, "Our team does not interfere in governmental forms, Watson. The various nations are free to adapt to whatever localconditions obtain. They range from some under feudalistic domination tocountries with varying degrees of republican democracy. Our base ofoperations in the southern hemisphere is probably the most advanced ofall the chartered cities, Barry. It amounts to a city-state somewhatsimilar to Florence during the Renaissance. "

"And your team finds itself in the position of the Medici, I imagine. "

"You might use that analogy. The Medici might have been, well, tyrantsof Florence, dominating her finances and trade as well as her politicalgovernment, but they were benevolent tyrants. "

[Illustration]

"Yeah, " Watson grinned. "The thing about a benevolent tyranny, though, is that it's up to the tyrants to decide what's benevolent. I'm not sosure there's a great basic difference between your governing of Genoaand ours of Texcoco. "

"Don't be an ass, " Mayer snapped. "We are granting the Genoese politicalfreedoms as fast as they can assimilate them. "

Joe Chessman growled, "But I imagine it's surprising to find just howslowly they can assimilate. A moment ago you said they were free to formany government they wished. Now you say you feed them what you callfreedom, only so fast as they can assimilate it. "

"Obviously we encourage them along whatever path we think will mostquickly develop their economies, " Mayer argued. "That's what we've beensent here to do. We stimulate competition, encourage all progress, political as well as economic. "

Plekhanov lumbered to his feet. "Amschel, obviously nothing new has beenadded to our respective positions by this conference. I propose weadjourn to meet again at the end of the second decade. "

Mayer said, "I suppose it would be futile to suggest you give up thisimpossible totalitarian scheme of yours and reunite the expedition. "

Plekhanov merely grunted his disgust. 

Jerry Kennedy said, "One thing. What stand have you taken on giving yourplanet immortality?"

"Immortality?" Watson said. "We haven't it to give. "

"You know what I mean. It wouldn't take long to extend the life spandouble or triple the present. "

Amschel Mayer said, "At this stage progress is faster with thegenerations closer together. A man is pressed when he knows he has onlytwenty or thirty years of peak efficiency. We on Earth are inclined tosettle back and take life as it comes; you younger men are all past thecentury mark, but none have bothered to get married as yet. "

"Plenty of time for that, " Watson grinned. 

"That's what I mean. But a Texcocan or Genoese feels pressed to wed inhis twenties, or earlier, to get his family under way. "

"There's another element, " Plekhanov muttered. "The more the nativesprogress the more nearly they'll equal our abilities. I wouldn't wantanything to happen to our overall plans. As it is now, their abilitiestaper off at sixty and they reach senility at seventy or eighty. I thinkuntil the end we should keep it this way. "

"A cold-blooded view, " Kennedy said. "If we extended their lifeexpectancy, their best men would live to be of additional use to planetdevelopment. "

"But they would not have our dream, " Plekhanov rumbled. "Such men mighttry to subvert us, and, just possibly, might succeed. "

"I think Leonid is right, " Mayer admitted with reluctance. 

 * * * * *

Later, in the space lighter heading back for Genoa, Mayer saidspeculatively, "Did you notice anything about Leonid Plekhanov?"

Kennedy was piloting. "He seems the same irascible old curmudgeon he'salways been. "

"It seems to me he's become a touch power mad. Could the pressures he'sunder cause his mind to slip? Obviously, all isn't peaches and cream inthat attempt of his to achieve world government on Texcoco. "

"Well, " Kennedy muttered, "all isn't peaches and cream with us, either. The barons are far from licked, especially in the west. " He changed thesubject. "By the way, that banking deal went through in Pola. I was ableto get control. "

"Fine, " Mayer chuckled. "You must be quite the richest man in the city. There is a certain stimulation in this financial game, Jerry, isn'tthere?"

"Uh huh, " Jerry told him. "Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a markeddeck. "

"Marked deck?" the other frowned. 

"It's handy that gold is the medium of exchange on Genoa, " Jerry Kennedysaid. "Especially in view of the fact that we have a machine on the shipcapable of transmuting metals. "

VI. 

Leonid Plekhanov, Joseph Chessman, Barry Watson, Khan Reif and severalof the Tulan army staff stood on a small knoll overlooking a valley ofseveral square miles. A valley dominated on all sides but the sea bymountain ranges. 

Reif and the three Earthlings were bent over a military map depictingthe area. Barry Watson traced with his finger. 

"There are only two major passes into this valley. We have this one, they dominate that. "

Plekhanov was scowling, out of his element and knowing it. "How many menhas Mynor been able to get together?"

Watson avoided looking into the older man's face. "Approximately half amillion according to Hawkins' estimate. He flew over them this morning. "

"Half a million!"

"Including the nomads, of course, " Joe Chessman said. "The nomads fightmore like a mob than an army. "

Plekhanov was shaking his massive head. "Most of them will melt away ifwe continue to avoid battle. They can't feed that many men on thecountryside. The nomads in particular will return home if they don't geta fight soon. "

Watson hid his impatience. "That's the point, sir. If we don't breaktheir power now, in a decisive defeat, we'll have them to fight again, later. And already they've got iron swords, the crossbow and even a fewmuskets. Given time and they'll all be so armed. Then the fat'll be inthe fire. "

"He's right, " Joe Chessman said sourly. 

Reif nodded his head. "We must finish them now, if we can. The task willbe twice as great next year. "

Plekhanov grumbled in irritation. "Half a million of them and somethinglike forty thousand of our Tulans. "

Reif corrected him. "Some thirty thousand Tulans, all infantrymen. " Headded, "And eight thousand allied cavalry only some of whom can betrusted. " Reif's ten-year-old son came up next to him and peered down atthe map. 

"What's that child doing here?" Plekhanov snapped. 

Reif looked into the other's face. "This is Taller Second, my son. Youfrom First Earth have never bothered to study our customs. One of themis that a Khan's son participates in all battles his father does. It ishis training. "

Watson was pointing out features on the map again. "It will take threedays for their full army to get in here. " He added with emphasis, "Inretreat, it would take them the same time to get out. "

Plekhanov scowled heavily. "We can't risk it. If we were defeated, wehave no reserve army. We'd have lost everything. " He looked at JoeChessman and Watson significantly. "We'd have to flee back to the_Pedagogue_. "

Reif's face was expressionless. 

Barry Watson looked at him. "We won't desert you, Reif, forget aboutthat aspect of it. "

Reif said, "I believe you, Barry Watson. You are a . .. Soldier. "

Dick Hawkins' small biplane zoomed in, landed expertly at the knoll'sfoot. The occupant vaulted out and approached them at a half run. 

Hawkins called as soon as he was within shouting distance. "They'removing in. Their advance cavalry units are already in the pass. "

When he was with them, Plekhanov rubbed his hand nervously over heavylips. He rumbled, "The cavalry, eh? Listen, Hawkins, get back there anddust them. Use the gas. "

The pilot said slowly, "I have four bullet holes in my wings. "

"Bullet holes!" Joe Chessman snapped. 

Hawkins turned to him. "By the looks of things, MacBride's whole unithas gone over to the rebels. Complete with their double-barreledmuskets. A full thousand of them. "

Watson looked frigidly at Leonid Plekhanov. "You insisted on issuingguns to men we weren't sure of. "

Plekhanov grumbled, "Confound it, don't use that tone of voice with me. We have to arm our men, don't we?"

Watson said, "Yes, but our still comparatively few advanced weaponsshouldn't go into the hands of anybody but trusted citizens of theState, certainly not to a bunch of mercenaries. The only ones we can_really_ trust even among the Tulans, are those that were kids when wefirst took over. The one's we've had time to indoctrinate. "

"The mistake's made. It's too late now, " Plekhanov said. "Hawkins goback and dust those cavalrymen as they come through the pass. "

Reif said, "It was a mistake, too, to allow them the secret of thecrossbow. "

Plekhanov roared, "I didn't _allow_ them anything. Once the crossbow wasintroduced it was just a matter of time before its method ofconstruction got to the enemy. "

"Then it shouldn't have been introduced, " Reif said, his eyesunflinching from the Earthman's. 

Plekhanov ignored him. He said, "Hawkins, get going on that dusting. Watson, pull what units we already have in this valley back through thepass we control. We'll avoid battle until more of their army has fallenaway. "

Hawkins said with deceptive mildness, "I just told you those cavalrymenhave muskets. To fly low enough to use gas on them, I'd get within easyrange. Point one, this is the only aircraft we've built. Point two, MacBride is probably dead, killed when those cavalrymen mutinied. Pointthree, I came on this expedition to help modernize the Texcocans, not todie in battle. "

Plekhanov snarled at him. "Coward, eh?" He turned churlishly to Watsonand Reif. "Start pulling back our units. "

Barry Watson looked at Chessman. "Joe?"

Joe Chessman shook his head slowly. He said to Reif, "Khan, startbringing your infantry through the pass. Barry, we'll follow your planof battle. We'll anchor one flank on the sea and concentrate whatcavalry we can trust on the hills on the right. That's the bad spot, that right flank has to hold. "

Plekhanov's thick lips trembled. He said in fury, "Is thisinsubordination?"

Reif turned on his heel and followed by young Taller and his staffhurried down the knoll to where their horses were tethered. 

Chessman said to Hawkins, "If you've got the fuel, Dick, maybe it'd be agood idea to keep them under observation. Fly high enough, of course, toavoid gunfire. "

Hawkins darted a look at Plekhanov, turned and hurried back to hisplane. 

Joe Chessman, his voice sullen, said to Plekhanov, "We can't afford anymore mistakes, Leonid. We've had too many already. " He said to Watson, "Be sure and let their cavalry units scout us out. Allow them to seethat we're entering the valley too. They'll think they've got ustrapped. "

"They will have!" Plekhanov roared. "I countermand that order, Watson!We're withdrawing. "

Barry Watson raised his eyebrows at Joe Chessman. 

"Put him under arrest, " Joe growled sourly. "We'll decide what to doabout it later. "

 * * * * *

By the third day, Mynor's rebel and nomad army had filed through thepass and was forming itself into battle array. Rank upon rank upon rank. 

The Tulan infantry had taken less than half a day to enter. They hadcamped and rested during the interval, the only action being on the partof the rival cavalry forces. 

Now the thirty thousand Tulans went into their phalanx and began theirmarch across the valley. 

Joe Chessman, Hawkins, Roberts, Stevens and Khan Reif and several of hismen again occupied the knoll which commanded a full view of the terrain. With binoculars and wrist radios from the _Pedagogue_ they kept incontact with the battle. 

Below, Barry Watson walked behind the advancing infantry. There were sixdivisions of five thousand men each, twenty-four foot _sarissas_stretched before their sixteen man deep line. Only the first few lineswere able to extend their weapons; the rest gave weight and suppliedreplacements for the advanced lines' casualties. Behind them all theTulan drums beat out the slow, inexorable march. 

Cogswell, beside Watson with the wrist radio, said excitedly, "Herecomes a cavalry charge, Barry. Reif says right behind it the nomadinfantry is coming in. " Cogswell cleared his throat. "All of them. "

Watson held up a hand in signal to his officers. The phalanx ground to ahalt, received the charge on the hedge of _sarissas_. The enemy cavalrywheeled and attempted to retreat to the flanks but were caught in abloody confusion by the pressure of their own advancing infantry. 

Cogswell, his ear to the radio, said, "Their main body of horse ishitting our right flank. " He wet his lips. "We're outnumbered theresomething like ten to one. At least ten to one. "

"They've got to hold, " Watson said. "Tell Reif and Chessman that flankhas to hold. "

The enemy infantrymen in their hundreds of thousands hit the Tulan linein a clash of deafening military thunder. Barry Watson resumed hispacing. He signaled to the drummers who beat out another march. Thephalanx moved forward slowly, and slowly went into an echelon formation, each division slightly ahead of the one following. Of necessity, thestraight lines of the nomad and rebel front had to break. 

The drums went _boom_, ah, _boom_, ah, _boom_, ah, _boom_. 

The Tulan phalanx moved slowly, obliquely across the valley. The hedgeof spears ruthlessly pressed the mass of enemy infantry before them. 

The sergeants paced behind, shouting over the din. "Dress it up. Youthere, you've been hit, fall out to the rear. "

"I'm all right, " the wounded spearman snarled, battle lust in his voice. 

"Fall out, I said, " the sergeant roared. "You there, take his place. "

The Tulan phalanx ground ahead. 

One of the sergeants grinned wanly at Barry Watson as his men movedforward with the preciseness of the famed Rockettes of another era. "It's working, " he said proudly. 

Barry Watson snorted, "Don't give me credit. It belongs to a man namedPhilip of Macedon, a long ways away in both space and time. "

Cogswell called, "Our right flank cavalry is falling back. Joe wants toknow if you can send any support. "

Watson's face went expressionless. "No, " he said flatly. "It's got tohold. Tell Joe and the Khan it's got to hold. Suggest they throw inthose cavalry units they're not sure of. The ones that threatened mutinylast week. "

Joe Chessman stood on the knoll flanked by the Khan's ranking officersand the balance of the Earthmen. Natt Roberts was on the radio. Heturned to the others and worriedly repeated the message. 

Joe Chessman looked out over the valley. The thirty-thousand-man phalanxwas pressing back the enemy infantry with the precision of a machine. He looked up the hillside at the point where the enemy cavalry wasturning the right flank. Given cavalry behind the Tulan line and thebattle was lost. 

"O. K. , boys, " Chessman growled sourly, "we're in the clutch now. Hawkins!"

"Yeah, " the pilot said. 

"See what you can do. Use what bombs you have including the napalm. Flyas low as you can in the way of scaring their horses. " He added sourly, "Avoiding scaring ours, if you can. "

"You're the boss, " Hawkins said, and scurried off toward his scoutplane. 

Joe Chessman growled to the others, "When I was taking my degree inprimitive society and primitive military tactics, I didn't exactly havethis in mind. Come on!"

It was the right thing to say. The other Earthmen laughed and took uptheir equipment, submachine guns, riot guns, a flame thrower, grenades, and followed him up the hill toward the fray. 

Chessman said over his shoulder to Reif, "Khan, you're in the saddle. You can keep in touch with both Watson and us on the radio. "

Reif hesitated only a moment. "There is no need for further direction ofthe battle from this point. A warrior is of more value now than a Khan. Come my son. " He caught up a double-barreled musket and followed theEarthmen. The ten years old Taller scurried after with a revolver. 

Natt Roberts said, "If we can hold their cavalry for only another halfhour, Watson's phalanx will have their infantry pressed up against thepass they entered by. It took them three days to get through it, they'renot going to be able to get out in hours. "

"That's the idea, " Joe Chessman said dourly, "Let's go. "

VII. 

Amschel Mayer was incensed. 

"What's got into Buchwald and MacDonald?" he spat. 

Jerry Kennedy, attired as was his superior in fur trimmed Genoese robes, signaled one of the servants for a refilling of his glass and shrugged. 

"I suppose it's partly our own fault, " he said lightly. He sipped thewine, made a mental note to buy up the rest of this vintage for hiscellars before young Mannerheim or someone else did so. 

"Our fault!" Mayer glared. 

The old boy was getting decreasingly tolerant as the years went by, Kennedy decided. He said soothingly, "You sent Peter and Fred over thereto speed up local development. Well, that's what they're doing. "

"Are you insane!" Mayer squirmed in his chair. "Did you read thisradiogram? They've squeezed out all my holdings in rubber, the fastestgrowing industry on the western continent. Why, millions are involved. Who do they think they are?"

Kennedy put down his glass and chuckled. "See here, Amschel, we'redeveloping this planet by encouraging free competition. Our contentionis that under such a socio-economic system the best men are brought tothe lead and benefit all society by the advances they make. "

"So! What has this got to do with MacDonald and Buchwald betraying myinterests?"

"Don't you see? Using your own theory, you have been set back by someonemore efficiently competitive. Fred and Peter saw an opening and, inkeeping with your instructions, moved in. It's just coincidence that therubber they took over was your property rather than some Genoeseoperator's. If you were open to a loss there, then if they hadn't takenover someone else could have. Possibly Baron Leonar or even Russ. "

"That reminds me, " Mayer snapped, "our Honorable Russ is getting too bigfor his britches in petroleum. Did you know he's established alaboratory in Amerus? Has a hundred or more chemists working on newproducts. "

"Fine, " Kennedy said. 

"Fine! What do you mean? Dean is our man in petroleum. "

"Look here, if Russ can develop the industry even faster than Mike Dean, let him go ahead. That's all to our advantage. "

Mayer leaned forward and tapped his assistant emphatically on the knee. "Look here, yourself, Jerry Kennedy. At this stage we don't want thingsgetting out of our hands. A culture is in the hands of those who controlthe wealth; the means of production, distribution, communication. Theirsis the real power. I've made a point of spacing our men about the wholeplanet. Each specializes, though not exclusively. Gunther is our miningman, Dean heads petroleum, MacDonald shipping, Buchwald textiles, Rykovsteel, and so forth. As fast as this planet can assimilate we push newinventions, new techniques, often whole new sciences, into use. Meanwhile, you and I sit back and dominate it all through that strongestof power mediums, finance. "

Jerry Kennedy nodded. "I wouldn't worry about old man Russ taking overDean's domination of oil, though. Mike's got the support of all the_Pedagogue's_ resources behind him. Besides, we've got to let theseGenoese get into the act. The more the economy expands, the more capablemen we need. As it is, I think we're already spread a little too thin. "

Amschel Mayer had dropped the subject. He was reading the radiogramagain and scowling his anger. "Well, this cooks MacDonald and Buchwald. I'll break them. "

His assistant raised his eyebrows. "How do you mean?"

"I'm not going to put up with my subordinates going against myinterests. "

"In this case, what can you do about it? Business is business. "

"You hold quite a bit of their paper, don't you?"

"You know that. Most of our team's finances funnel through my hands. "

"We'll close them out. They've become too obsessed with their wealth. They've forgotten why the _Pedagogue_ was sent here. I'll break them, Jerry. They'll come crawling. Perhaps I'll send them back to the_Pedagogue_. Make them stay aboard as crew. "

Kennedy shrugged. "Well, Peter MacDonald's going to hate that. He'sdeveloped into quite a high liver--gourmet food, women, one of theswankiest estates on the eastern continent. "

"Ha!" Mayer snorted. "Let him go back to ship's rations and crew'squarters. "

A servant entered the lushly furnished room and announced, "HonorableGunther calling on the Honorables Mayer and Kennedy. "

Martin Gunther hurried into the room, for once his calm ruffled. "On thewestern continent, " he blurted. "Dean and Rosetti. The Temple got them, they've been burned as witches. "

Amschel Mayer shot to his feet. "That's the end, " he swore shrilly. "Only in the west have the barons held out. I thought we'd slowly wearthem down, take over their powers bit by bit. But this does it. Thismeans we fight. "

He spun to Kennedy. "Jerry, make a trip out to the _Pedagogue_. You knowthe extent of Genoa's industrial progress. Seek out the most advancedweapons this technology could produce. "

Kennedy came to his own feet, shocked by Gunther's news. "But, Amschel, do you think it's wise to precipitate an intercontinental war? Remember, we've been helping to industrialize the west, too. It's almost asadvanced as our continent. Their war potential isn't negligible. "

"Nevertheless, " Mayer snapped, "we've got to break the backs of thebarons and the Temple monks. Get messages off to Baron Leonar and youngMannerheim, to Russ and Olderman. We'll want them to put pressure ontheir local politicians. What we need is a continental alliance for thiswar. "

Gunther said, "Should I get in touch with Rykov? He's still over there. "

Mayer hesitated. "No, " he said. "We'll keep Nick informed but he oughtto remain where he is. We'll still want our men in the basic positionsof power after we've won. "

"He might get hurt, " Gunther scowled. "They might get him too, and we'veonly got six team members left now. "

"Nonsense, Nick Rykov can take care of himself. "

Jerry Kennedy was upset. "Are you sure about this war, chief? Isn't aconflict of this size apt to hold up our overall plans?"

"Of course not, " Mayer scoffed. "Man makes his greatest progress underpressure. A major war will unite the nations of both the westerncontinent and this one as nothing else could. Both will push theirdevelopment to the utmost. "

He added thoughtfully, "Which reminds me. It might be a good idea forus to begin accumulating interests in such industries as will beeffected by a war economy. "

Jerry Kennedy chuckled at him, "Merchant of death. "

"What?"

"Nothing, " Kennedy said. "Something I read about in a history book. "

VIII. 

At the decade's end, once again the representatives of the Genoese teamwere first in the _Pedagogue's_ lounge. Mayer sat at the officer'stable, Martin Gunther at his right. Jerry Kennedy leaned against theship's bar, sipping appreciatively at a highball. 

They could hear the impact of the space boat from Texcoco when it slidinto its bed. 

"Poor piloting, " Gunther mused. "Whoever's doing that flying doesn't getenough practice. "

They could hear ports opening and then the sound of approaching feet. The footsteps had a strangely military ring. 

[Illustration]

Joe Chessman entered, followed immediately by Barry Watson, Dick Hawkinsand Natt Roberts. They were all dressed in heavy uniform, complete withdecorations. Behind them were four Texcocans, including Reif and histeen-age son Taller. 

Mayer scowled at them in way of greeting. "Where's Plekhanov?"

"Leonid Plekhanov is no longer with us, " Chessman said dourly. "Underpressure his mind evidently snapped and he made decisions that wouldhave meant the collapse of the expedition. He resisted when we reasonedwith him. "

The four members of the Genoese team stared without speaking. JerryKennedy put down his glass at last. "You mean you had to restrict him?Why didn't you bring him back to the ship!"

Chessman took a chair at the table. The others assumed standingpositions behind him. "I'm afraid we'll have to reject your views onthe subject. Twenty years ago this expedition split into two groups. Myteam will accomplish its tasks, your opinions are not needed. "

Amschel Mayer glared at the others in hostility. "You have certainlycome in force this time. "

Chessman said flatly, "This is all of us, Mayer. "

"All of you! Where are Stevens, Cogswell, MacBride?"

Barry Watson said, "Plekhanov's fault. Lost in the battle that broke theback of the rebels. At least Cogswell and MacBride were. Stevens madethe mistake of backing Plekhanov when the showdown came. "

Joe Chessman looked sourly at his military chief. "I'll act as teamspokesman, Barry. "

"Yes, sir, " Watson said. 

"Broke the back of the rebels, " Jerry Kennedy mused. "That opens allsorts of avenues, doesn't it?"

Chessman growled. "I suppose that in the past twenty years your team hadno obstacles. Not a drop of blood shed. Come on, the truth. How many ofyour team has been lost?"

Mayer shifted in his chair. "Possibly your point is well taken. Dean andRosetti were burned by the formerly dominant religious group. Rykov waskilled in a fracas with bandits while he was transporting some gold. " Headded, musingly, "We lost more than half a million Genoese pounds inthat robbery. "

"Only three men lost, eh?"

Mayer stirred uncomfortably, then flushed in irritation at the other'stone. "Something has happened to Buchwald and MacDonald. They must beinsane. They've broken off contact with me, are amassing personalfortunes in the eastern hemisphere. "

Hawkins laughed abruptly. "Free competition, " he said. 

Chessman growled, "Let's halt this bickering and get to business. Firstlet me introduce Reif, Texcocan State Army Chief of Staff and his sonTaller. And these other Texcocans are Wiss and Fokin, both of whom havegone far in the sciences. "

The Tulans shook hands, Earth style, but then stepped to the rear againwhere they followed the conversation without comment. 

Mayer said, "You think it wise to introduce natives to the _Pedagogue_?"

"Of course, " Chessman said. "Following this conference, I'm going totake Fokin and Wiss into the library. What're we here for if not tobring these people up to our level as rapidly as possible?"

"Very well, " Mayer conceded grudgingly. "And now I have a complaint. When the _Pedagogue_ first arrived we had only so many weapons aboard. You have appropriated more than half in the past two decades. "

Chessman shrugged it off. "We'll return the greater part to the ship'sarsenal. At this stage we are producing our own. "

"I'll bet, " Kennedy said. "Look, any of you fellows want a realEarthside whisky? When we were crewing this expedition, why didn't webring someone with a knowledge of distilling, brewing and such?"

Mayer snapped at him, "Jerry, you drink too much. "

"The hell I do, " the other said cheerfully. "Not near enough. "

Barry Watson said easily, "A drink wouldn't hurt. Why're we so stiff?This is the first get-together for ten years. Jerry, you're putting onweight. "

Kennedy looked down at his admittedly rounded stomach. "Don't get enoughexercise, " he said, then reversed the attack. "You look older. Are yourtaking your rejuvenation treatments?"

Barry Watson grimaced. "Sure, but I'm working under pressure. It's beenone long campaign. "

Kennedy passed around the drinks. 

Dick Hawkins laughed. "It's been one long campaign, all right. Barry hasa house as big as a castle and six or eight women in his harem. "

Watson flushed, but obviously without displeasure. 

Martin Gunther, of the Genoese team, cocked his head. "Harem?"

Joe Chessman said impatiently, "Man adapts to circumstances, Gunther. The wars have lost us a lot of men. Women are consequently in a surplus. If the population curve is to continue upward, it's necessary that a manserve more than one woman. Polygamy is the obvious answer. "

Gunther cleared his throat smoothly, "So a man in Barry's position willhave as many as eight wives, eh? You must have lost a _good many_ men. "

Watson grinned modestly. "Everybody doesn't have that many. It'saccording to your ability to support them, and, also, rank has itsprivileges. Besides, we figure it's a good idea to spread the best seedaround. By mixing our blood with the Texcocan we improve the breed. "

Behind him, Taller, the Tulan boy, stirred, without notice. 

 * * * * *

Kennedy finished off his highball and began to build anotherimmediately. "Here we go again. The big potatoes coming to the top. "

Watson flushed. "What do you mean by that, Kennedy?"

"Oh, come off it, Barry, " Kennedy laughed. "Just because you're in aposition to push these people around doesn't make you the prize stud onTexcoco. "

Watson elbowed Dick Hawkins to one side in his attempt to get around thetable at the other. 

Chessman rapped, "Watson! That's enough. Knock it off or I'll have youunder arrest. " The Texcocan team head turned abruptly to Mayer andKennedy. "Let's stop this nonsense. We've come to compare progress. Let's begin. "

The three members of the Genoese team glared back in antagonism, butthen Gunther said grudgingly, "He's right. There is no longer amiabilitybetween us, so let's forget about it. Perhaps when the fifty years isup, things will be different. Now let's merely be businesslike. "

"Well, " Mayer said, "our report is that progress accelerates. Ourindustrial potential expands at a rate that surprises even us. In thenear future we'll introduce the internal combustion engine. Ouruniversities still multiply and are turning out technicians, engineers, scientists at an ever-quickening speed. In several nations illiteracy ispractically unknown and per capita production increases almosteverywhere. " Mayer paused in satisfaction, as though awaiting the othersto attempt to top his report. 

Joe Chessman said sourly, "Ah, almost everywhere per capita productionincreases. Why _almost_?"

Mayer snapped, "Obviously, in a system of free competition, all cannotprogress at once. Some go under. "

"Whole nations?"

"Temporarily whole nations can receive setbacks as a result of defeat inwar, or perhaps due to lack of natural resources. Some nations progressfaster than others. "

Chessman said, "The whole Texcocan State is one great unit. Everywherethe gross product increases. Within the foreseeable future the standardof living will be excellent. "

Jerry Kennedy, an alcoholic lisp in his voice now, said, "You meanyou've accomplished a planet-wide government?"

"Well, no. Not as yet, " Chessman's sullen voice had an element ofchagrin in it. "However, there are no strong elements left that opposeus. We are now pacifying the more remote areas. "

"Sounds like a rather bloody program--especially if Barry Watson, here, winds up with eight women, " Martin Gunther said. 

Watson started to say something but Chessman held up a restraining hand. "The Texcocan State is too strong to be resisted, Gunther. It is mostlya matter of getting around to the more remote peoples. As soon as webring in a new tribe, we convert it into a commune. "

"Commune!" Kennedy blurted. 

Joe Chessman raised his thick eyebrows at the other. "The mostefficient socio-economic unit at this stage of development. Tribalsociety is perfectly adapted to fit into such a plan. The principaldifference between a tribe and a commune is that under the commune youhave the advantage of a State above in a position to give you thebenefit of mass industries, schools, medical assistance. In return, ofcourse, for a certain amount of taxes, military levies and so forth. "

Martin Gunther said softly, "I recall reading of the commune system as astudent, but I fail to remember the supposed advantages. "

Chessman growled, "They're obvious. You have a unit of tens of thousandsof persons. Instead of living in individual houses, each with a manworking while the woman cooks and takes care of the home, all live incommunity houses and take their meals in messhalls. The children arecared for by trained nurses. During the season all physically capableadults go out en masse to work the fields. When the harvest has beentaken in, the farmer does not hole up for the winter but is occupied inlocal industrial projects, or in road or dam building. The commune'slabor is never idle. "

Kennedy shuddered involuntarily. 

Chessman looked at him coldly. "It means quick progress. Meanwhile, wego through each commune and from earliest youth, locate those memberswho are suited to higher studies. We bring them into State schools wherethey get as much education as they can assimilate--more than isavailable in commune schools. These are the Texcocans we are training inthe sciences. "

"The march to the anthill, " Amschel Mayer muttered. 

Chessman eyed him scornfully. "You amuse me, old man. You with your talkof building an economy with a system of free competition. Our Texcocansare sacrificing today but their children will live in abundance. Eventoday, no one starves, no one goes without shelter nor medical care. "Chessman twisted his mouth wryly. "We have found that hungry, cold orsick people cannot work efficiently. "

He stared challengingly at the Genoese leader. "Can you honestly saythat there are no starving people in Genoa? No inadequately housed, nosick without hope of adequate medicine? Do you have economic setbacks inwhich poorly planned production goes amuck and depressions follow withmass unemployment?"

"Nevertheless, " Mayer said with unwonted calm, "our society is still farahead of yours. A mere handful of your bureaucracy and military chiefsenjoy the good things of life. There are tens of thousands on Genoa whohave them. Free competition has its weaknesses, perhaps, but it providesa greater good for a greater number of persons. "

Joe Chessman came to his feet. "We'll see, " he said stolidly. "In tenyears, Mayer, we'll consider the position of both planets once again. "

"Ten years it is, " Mayer snapped back at him. 

Jerry Kennedy saluted with his glass. "Cheers, " he said. 

 * * * * *

On the return to Genoa Amschel Mayer said to Kennedy, "Are you soberenough to assimilate something serious?"

"Sure, chief, of course. "

"Hm-m-m. Well then, begin taking the steps necessary for us to place afew men on Texcoco in the way of, ah, intelligence agents. "

"You mean some of our team?" Kennedy said, startled. 

"No, of course not. We can't spare them, and, besides, there'd be toobig a chance of recognition and exposure. Some of our more trustedGenoese. Make the monetary reward enough to attract their services. " Helooked at his lieutenants significantly. "I think you'll agree that itmight not be a bad idea to keep our eyes on the developments onTexcoco. "

 * * * * *

On the way back to Texcoco, Barry Watson said to his chief, "What do youthink of putting some security men on Genoa, just to keep tabs?"

"Why?"

Watson looked at his fingers, nibbled at a hangnail. "It just seems tome it wouldn't hurt any. "

Chessman snorted. 

Dick Hawkins said, "I think Barry's right. They can bear watching. Besides in another decade or so they'll realize we're going to beatthem. Mayer's ego isn't going to take that. He'd go to just about anyextreme to keep from losing face back on Earth. "

Natt Roberts said worriedly, "I think they're right, Joe. Certainly itwouldn't hurt to have a few Security men over there. My department couldtrain them and we'd ferry them over in this space boat. "

"I'll make the decisions, " Chessman growled at them. "I'll think aboutthis. It's just possible that you're right though. "

Behind them, Reif looked thoughtfully at his teen-age son. 

IX. 

Down the long palace corridor strode Barry Watson, Dick Hawkins, NattRoberts, the aging Reif and his son Taller, now in the prime of manhood. Their faces were equally wan from long hours without sleep. Half a dozenTulan infantrymen brought up their rear. 

As they passed Security Police guards, to left and right, eyes took intheir weapons, openly carried. But such eyes shifted and the guardsremained at their posts. Only one sergeant opened his mouth in protest. "Sir, " he said to Watson, hesitantly, "you are entering Number One'spresence armed. "

"Shut up, " Natt Roberts rapped at him. 

Reif said, "That will be all, sergeant. "

The Security Police sergeant looked emptily after them as theyprogressed down the corridor. 

Together, Watson and Reif motioned aside the two Tulan soldiers whostood before the door of their destination, and pushed inward withoutknocking. 

Joe Chessman looked up wearily from his map and dispatch laden desk. Fora moment his hand went to the heavy military revolver at his right butwhen he realized the identity of his callers, it fell away. 

"What's up now?" he said, his voice on the verge of cracking. 

Watson acted as spokesman. "It's everywhere the same. The communes areon the fine edge of revolt. They've been pushed too far; they've got tothe point where they just don't give a damn. A spark and all Texcocogoes up in flames. "

Reif said coldly, "We need immediate reforms. They've got to bepacified. An immediate announcement of more consumer goods, fewer Statetaxes, above all a relaxation of Security Police pressures. Givenimmediate promise of these, we might maintain ourselves. "

Joe Chessman's sullen face was twitching at the right corner of hismouth. Young Taller made no attempt to disguise his contempt at theother's weakness in time of stress. 

Chessman's eyes went around the half circle of them. "This is the onlyalternative? It'll slow up our heavy industry program. We might notcatch up with Genoa as quickly as planned. "

Watson gestured with a hand in quick irritation. "Look here, Chessman, don't we get through to you? Whether or not we build up a steel capacityas large as Amschel Mayer's isn't important now. Everything's at stake. "

"Don't talk to me that way, Barry, " Chessman growled truculently. "I'llmake the decisions. I'll do the thinking. " He said to Reif, "How much ofthe Tulan army is loyal?"

The aging Tulan looked at Watson before turning back to Joe Chessman. "All of the Tulan army is loyal--to me. "

"Good!" Chessman pushed some of the dispatches on his desk aside, lettingthem flutter to the floor. He bared a field map. "If we crush half adozen of the local communes . .. Crush them hard! Then the others . .. "

Watson said very slowly and so low as hardly to be heard, "You didn'tbother to listen, Chessman. We told you, all that's needed is a spark. "

Joe Chessman sat back in his chair, looked at them all again, one byone. Re-evaluating. For a moment the facial tic stopped and his eyesheld the old alertness. 

"I see, " he said. "And you all recommend capitulation to their demands?"

"It's our only chance, " Hawkins said. "We don't even know it'll work. There's always the chance if we throw them a few crumbs they'll want thewhole loaf. You've got to remember that some of them have been livingfor twenty-five years or more under this pressure. The valve is about toblow. "

"I see, " Chessman grunted. "And what else? I can see in your facesthere's something else. "

The three Earthmen didn't answer. Their eyes shifted. 

He looked to young Taller and then to Reif. "What else?"

"We need a scapegoat, " Reif said without expression. 

Joe Chessman thought about that. He looked to Barry Watson again. 

Watson said, "The whole Texcocan State is about to topple. Not only dowe have to give them immediate reform, but we're going to have to blamethe past hardships and mistakes on somebody. Somebody has to take therap, be thrown to the wolves. If not, maybe we'll all wind up taking theblame. "

"Ah, " Chessman said. His red-rimmed eyes went around them again, thoughtfully. "We should be able to dig up a few local chieftains andsome of the Security Police heads. "

They shook their heads. "It has to be somebody big, " Natt Roberts saidthickly, "a few of my Security Police won't do it. "

Joe Chessman's eyes went to Reif. "The Khan is the highest rankingTexcocan of all, " he said, finally. "The Khan and some Security Policeheads would satisfy them. "

Reif's face was as frigid as the Earthman's. He said, "I am afraid not, Joseph Chessman. You are Number One. It is your statue that is in everycommune square. It is your portrait that hangs in every distributioncenter, every messhall, every schoolroom. You are the Number One--as youhave so often pointed out to us. My title has become meaningless. "

Joe Chessman spat out a curse, fumbled the gun into his hand and firedbefore the Tulan soldiers could get to him. In a moment they had wrestedthe weapon from his hand and had his arms pinioned. It was too late. 

Reif had been thrown backward two paces by the blast of theheavy-calibered gun. Now he held a palm over his belly and staggered toa chair. He collapsed into it, looked at his son, let a wash ofamusement pass over his face, said, "Khan, " meaninglessly, and died. 

Natt Roberts shrilled at Chessman, "You fool, we were going to give youa big, theatrical trial. Sentence you to prison and then, later, claimyou'd died in your cell and smuggle you out to the _Pedagogue_. "

Watson snapped to the guards, "Take him outside and shoot him. "

The Tulans began dragging the snarling, cursing Chessman to the door. 

Taller said, "A moment, please. "

Watson, Roberts and Hawkins looked to him. 

Taller said, "This perhaps can be done more effectively. "

His voice was completely emotionless. "This man has killed both myfather and grandfather, both of them Khans of Tula, heads of the mostpowerful city on all Texcoco, before the coming of you Earthlings. "

The guards hesitated. Watson detained them with a motion of his hand. 

Taller said, "I suggest you turn him over to me, to be dealt with in thetraditional way of the People. "

"No, " Chessman said hoarsely. "Barry, Dick, Natt, send me back to the_Pedagogue_. I'll be out of things there. Or maybe Mayer can use me onGenoa. "

They didn't bother to look in his direction. Roberts muttered savagely, "We told you all that was needed was a spark. Now you've killed theKhan, the most popular man on Texcoco. There's no way of saving you. "

Taller said, "None of you have studied our traditions, our customs. Butnow, perhaps, you will understand the added effect of my taking charge. It will be a more . .. Profitable manner of using the downfall of this. .. This power mad murderer. "

Chessman said desperately, "Look, Barry, Natt, if you have to, shoot me. At least give me a man's death. Remember those human sacrifices theTulans had when we first arrived? Can you imagine what went on in thosetemples? Barry, Dick--for old time's sake, boys . .. "

Barry Watson said to Taller, "He's yours. If this doesn't take thepressure off us, nothing will. "

X. 

At the end of the third decade, the Texcocan delegation was alreadyseated in the _Pedagogue's_ lounge when Jerome Kennedy, Martin Gunther, Peter MacDonald, Fredric Buchwald and three Genoese, Baron Leonar andthe Honorables Russ and Modrin appeared. 

The Texcocan group consisted of Barry Watson, Dick Hawkins and NattRoberts to one side of him, Generalissimo Taller and six highlybemedaled Texcocans on the other. 

Before taking a seat Barry Watson barked, "Where's Amschel Mayer? I'vegot some important points to cover with him. "

"Take it easy, " Kennedy slurred. "For that matter, where's JoeChessman?"

Watson glared at the other. "You know where he is. "

"That I do, " Kennedy said. "He's purged, to use a term of yesteryear. Atthe rate you laddy-bucks are going, there won't be anything left of youby the time our half century is up. " He snapped his fingers and aGenoese servant who'd been inconspicuously in the background, hurried tohis side. "Let's have some refreshments here. What'll everybody have?"

"You act as though you've had enough already, " Watson bit out. 

Kennedy ignored him, insisted on everyone being served before he allowedthe conversation to turn serious. Then he said, slyly, "I see we've beensuccessful in apprehending all of your agents, or you'd know more of ouraffairs. "

"Not all our agents, " Watson barked. "Only those on your southerncontinent. What happened to Amschel Mayer?"

Peter MacDonald, who, with Buchwald, was for the first time attendingone of the decade-end conferences, had been hardly recognized in his newgirth by the Texcocan team. But his added weight had evidently donenothing to his keenness of mind. He said smoothly, "Our good Amschel isunder arrest. Imprisoned, in fact. " He shook his head, his double chinwobbling. "A tragedy. "

"Imprisoned! By whom?" Taller scowled. "I don't like this. After all, hewas your expedition's head man. "

Barry Watson rapped, "Don't leave us there, MacDonald. What happened tohim?"

MacDonald explained. "The financial and industrial empire he had builtwas overextended. A small crisis and it collapsed. Thousands ofinvestors suffered. In brief, he was arrested and found guilty. "

Watson was unbelieving. "There is nothing you could do? The whole team!Couldn't you bribe him out? Rescue him by force and get him back to theship? With all the wealth you characters control--"

Jerry Kennedy laughed shortly. "We were busy bailing ourselves out ofour own situations, Watson. You don't know what international financecan be. Besides, he dug his grave . .. Uh . .. That is, he made his bed. "

Kennedy signaled the servant for another drink, said, "Let's cut outthis dismal talk. How about our progress reports?"

"Progress reports, " Barry Watson said. "That's a laugh. You have agentson Texcoco, we have them on Genoa. What's the use of having theseconferences at all?"

For the first time, one of the Genoese put in a word. Baron Leonar, sonof the original Baron who had met with Amschel Mayer thirty yearsbefore, was a man in his mid-forties. He said quietly, "It seems to methe time has arrived when the two planets might profit by intercourse. Surely in this time one has progressed beyond the other in this field, but lagged in that. If I understand the mission of the _Pedagogue_ it isto bring us to as high a technological level as possible in half acentury. Already three decades have passed. "

The Texcocans studied him thoughtfully, but Jerry Kennedy waved innegation with the hand that held his glass. "You don't get it, Baron. You see, the thing is we wanta find out what system is going to do themost the quickest. If we co-operate with Barry's gang, everything'll getall mixed up. "

The Honorable Russ, now a wizened man of at least seventy, but stillsharply alert, said, "However, Texcoco and Genoa might both profit. "

Kennedy said happily, "What do we care? You gotta take the long view. What we're working out here is going to be used on half a millionplanets eventually. " He tried to snap his fingers. "These two lousyplanets don't count that much. " He succeeded in snapping them this time. "Not that much. "

Barry Watson said, "You're stoned, Kennedy. "

"Why not?" Kennedy grinned. "Finally perfected a decent brandy. I'llhave to send you a few cases, Barry. "

"How would you go about that, Jerry?" Watson said softly. 

"Shucks, man, our space lighter makes a trip to Texcoco every month orso. Gotta keep up with you boys. Maybe throw a wrench or so in the worksonce inna while. "

Peter MacDonald said, "Shut up, Jerry. You talk too much. "

"Don't talk to me that way. You'll find yourself having one helluva timefloating that loan you need next month. How about another drink, everybody? This party's dead. "

Watson said, "How about the progress reports? Briefly, we've all butcompletely united Texcoco. Minor setbacks have sometimes deterred us butthe march of progress goes on. We--"

"Minor setbacks, " Kennedy chortled. "Must of had to bump off fivemillion of the poor slobs before that commune revolt was finished with. "

Watson said coldly, "We always have a few reactionaries, religiousfanatics, misfits, crackpots, malcontents to deal with. However, theseare not important. Our industrial potential has finally begun to roll. We doubled steel production this year, will do the same next. Ourhydro-electric installations tripled in the past two years. Coalproduction is four times higher, lumber production six times. We expectto increase grain harvest forty per cent next season. And--"

The Honorable Modrin put in gently, "Please, Honorable Watson, yourpercentage figures are impressive only if we know from what basis youstart. If you produced but five million tons of steel last year, thenyour growth to ten million is very good but it is still not aconsiderable amount for an entire planet. "

Buchwald said dryly, "If our agents are correct, Texcocan steelproduction is something like a quarter of our own. I assume your otherbasic products are at about the same stage of development. "

Watson flushed. "The thing to remember is that our economy continues togrow each year. Yours spurts and stops, jerks ahead a few steps, thengrinds to a halt or even retreats. Everything comes to a pause if youfew on the top stop making a profit; all that counts in your economy ismaking money. Which reminds me, how in the world did you ever get out ofthat planet-wide depression you were in three years ago?"

Peter MacDonald grunted his disgust. "Planet-wide depression, indeed. Asmall recession. A temporary readjustment due to overextension incertain economic and financial fields. "

From the other side of the table, Dick Hawkins laughed at him. "Where'dyou pick up that line of gobbledygook, Peter?" he asked. 

Peter MacDonald came to his feet. "I don't have to put up with this sortof impudence, " he snapped. 

Watson lurched to his own feet. "Nor do we have to listen to your snidecracks about the real progress Texcoco is making. We don't seem to begetting anywhere. " He snapped to his associates, "Hawkins, Taller, Roberts! Let's go. Ten years from now, there'll be another story totell. Even a blind man will see the difference. "

They marched down the _Pedagogue's_ corridor toward their space boat. 

Kennedy called after them, "Ten years from now every family on Genoa'llhave a car. Wait'll you see. Television, too. We're introducing TV nextyear. An' civil aviation. Be all over the place in two, three years--"

The Texcocans slammed the spaceport after them. 

Kennedy sloshed some more drink into his glass. "Slobs can't stand thetruth, " he explained to the others. 

XI. 

With the exception of a few additional delegates composed ofhigh-ranking Texcocan and Genoese political and scientific heads, theline-up at the end of forty years was the same as ten yearsearlier--except for the absence of Jerry Kennedy. 

Extra tables had been set up, and chairs to accommodate the addednumbers. To one side were the Genoese: Martin Gunther, Fredric Buchwald, Peter MacDonald, with such repeat delegates as Baron Leonar and theHonorables Modrin and Russ and half a dozen newcomers. On the other wereBarry Watson, Dick Hawkins and Natt Roberts, Taller and such Texcocansas the scientists Wiss and Fokin, army heads, Security Police officialsand other notables. 

[Illustration]

Note pads had been placed before each of them and both Watson andGunther were equipped with gavels. 

While chairs were still being shuffled, Barry Watson said over the tableto Gunther, "Jerry?"

Martin Gunther shrugged "Jerry's indisposed. As a matter of fact, he'sat one of the mountain sanitariums, taking a cure. He'll be all right. "

"Good, " Dick Hawkins said. "We've lost too many. "

Watson pounded with his gavel. "Let's come to order. Gunther do you haveanything to say in the way of preliminaries?"

"Not especially. I believe we all know where we stand, including thenewcomers from Genoa and Texcoco. In brief, this is the fourth meetingof the Earth teams that were sent to these two planets to bring backwardcolonists to an industrialized culture. It would seem that we are bothsucceeding--possibly at different rates. Forty years have passed, tenremain to us. "

For a moment there was silence. 

Finally Roberts said, "Possibly you have already discovered this throughyour agents, but we have released the information on prolonging oflife. "

Peter MacDonald said wryly, "We, too, were pressured into such a step. "

Baron Leonar said, "And why not?"

Taller, across the table from him, nodded. 

Martin Gunther tapped twice on the table with his gavel. "The basicreason for our meeting is to report progress and to reconsider thepossibilities of new elements having entered into the situation whichmight cause us to re-examine our policies. I think we already have afairly good idea of each other's development. " His voice went wry. "Atleast our agents do a fairly good job of reporting yours. "

"And ours, yours, " Watson rapped. 

"However, " MacDonald said, "now that we are drawing near the end of ourhalf century, I think it becomes obvious that Amschel Mayer's originalcontention--that a freely competitive economy grows faster than onerestricted by totalitarian bounds--has been proven. "

Barry Watson snorted amusement. "Do you?" he said. "To the contrary, MacDonald. The proof is otherwise. On Genoa you still have comparativeconfusion. True enough, several of your nations, particularly those onyour southern continent, are greatly advanced and with a high living andcultural standard--when times are good. But at the same time you haveother whole peoples who are little, if any, better off, than when youarrived. On the western continent you even have a few feudalisticregimes that are probably worse off--mostly as a result of the warsyou've crippled them with. "

Natt Roberts said, his voice musing, "But even that isn't the importantthing. The Co-ordinator sent us here to find a _method_ of bringingbackward cultures to industrialization. Have you got a blueprint to showhim, when you return? Can you trace out the history of Genoa for thispast half century and say, this war was necessary for progress--butthat should have been avoided? Or is this whole _free competition_program of yours actually nothing but chaos which _sometimes_ works outwonderfully for _some_ nations, but actually destroys others? You havescorned our methods, our collectivized society--but when we return, we'll have a blueprint of how we arrived where we are. "

Gunther banged the table with his gavel. "Just a moment. Is there anyreason why we have to listen to these accusations when--"

Watson held up a hand, curtly, "Let us finish. If you have something tosay, we'll gladly listen when we're through. "

Gunther was flushed but he snapped, "Go ahead then, but don't think anyof we Genoese are being taken in. "

Watson said, "True enough, it took us a time to unite our people . .. "

"Time and blood, " Peter MacDonald muttered. 

". .. But once underway the Texcocan State has moved on in a progressionunknown in any of the Genoese nations. To industrialize a society youmust reach a certain taking off point, a point where you have sufficientindustry, particularly steel, sufficient power, sufficient scientists, technicians and skilled workers. Once that point has been reached youcan move in almost a geometric progression. You build a steel mill andwith the steel produced you build two more mills the following year, which in turn gives you the material for four the next year. "

Buchwald grunted his disbelief. 

Watson looked up and down the line of Genoese, the Earthmen as well asthe natives. "On Texcoco we have now reached that point. We have atrained, eager population of over one billion persons. Our universitiesare turning out highly trained effectives at the rate of more thantwenty million a year. We have located all the raw materials we willneed. We are now under way. " He looked at them in heavy amusement. "Bythe end of the next decade we will bury you. "

Martin Gunther said calmly, "Are you through?"

"Yes. For the time, " Watson nodded. 

"Very well. Then this is _our_ progress report. In the past forty yearswe have eliminated feudalism in all the more advanced countries. Even inthe remote areas the pressures of our changing world are bringing themaround. The populace of these countries will no longer stand to one sidewhile the standard of living on the rest of Genoa grows so rapidly. Onmost of our planet, already the average family not only enjoys freedombut a way of life far in advance of that of Texcoco. Already modernhousing and household appliances are everywhere. Already both land carsand aircraft are available to the majority. The nations have formed anInter-Continental League of governments so that it is unlikely that warwill ever touch us again. And this is merely a beginning. In ten years, continuing our freely competitive way of developing, all will be livingon a scale that only the wealthy can afford today. "

He came to an end and stared antagonistically at the Texcocans. 

Taller said, "There seems to be no agreement. "

Across the table from him the ancient Honorable Russ said, "It isdifficult to measure. We seem to count refrigerators and privately ownedautomobiles. You seem to ignore personal standards and concentrate onsteel tonnage. "

The Texcocan scientist, Wiss, said easily, "Given the steel mills, andeventually automobiles and refrigerators will run off our assembly lineslike water, and will be available for everyone, not just those who canafford to buy them. "

"Hm-m-m, eventually, " Peter MacDonald laughed nastily. 

The atmosphere was suddenly hostile. Hostile beyond anything that hadgone before in earlier conferences. 

And then Martin Gunther said without inflection, "I note that you haveremoved from the _Pedagogue's_ library the information dealing withnuclear fission. "

"For the purpose of study, " Dick Hawkins said smoothly. 

"Of course, " Gunther said. "Did you plan to return it in the immediatefuture?"

"I'm afraid our studies will take some time, " Watson said flatly. 

"I was afraid so, " Gunther said. "Happily, I took the precaution ofmaking microfilms of the material involved more than a year ago. "

Barry Watson pushed his chair back. "We seem to have accomplished whatwas possible by this conference, " he said. "If anything. " He looked toright and left at his cohorts. "Let's go. "

They came stiffly erect. Watson turned on his heel and started for thedoor. 

As they left, Natt Roberts turned for a moment and said to Gunther, "Onething, Martin. During this next ten years you might consider whether ornot half a century has been enough to accomplish our task. Should weconsider staying on? I would think the Co-ordinator would accept anyrecommendation along this line that we might make. "

The Genoese contingent looked after him, long after he was gone. 

Finally Martin Gunther said, "Baron Leonar, I think it might be a goodidea if you began putting some of your men to work on making steelalloys suitable for spacecraft. The way things are developing, perhapswe'll be needing them. "

Buchwald and MacDonald looked at him unblinkingly. 

XII. 

It was fifty years to a day since the _Pedagogue_ had first gone intoorbit about Rigel. Five decades have passed. Half a century. 

Of the original crew of the _Pedagogue_, six now gathered in the loungeof the spaceship. All of them had changed physically. Some of themsofter to the point of flabbiness; some harder both of body and soul. 

Barry Watson, Natt Roberts, Dick Hawkins, of the Texcocan team. 

Martin Gunther, Peter MacDonald, Fredric Buchwald, of the Genoese. 

The gathering wasn't so large as the one before. Only Taller and thescientist Wiss attended from Texcoco; only Baron Leonar and the son ofHonorable Russ from Genoa. 

From the beginning they stared with hostility across the conferencetable. Even the pretense of amiability was gone. 

Watson rapped finally, "I am not going to dwell upon the measures youhave been taking that can only be construed as military ones aimedeventually at the Texcocan State. "

Martin Gunther laughed nastily. "Is your implication that your ownpeople have not taken the same measures, in fact, inaugurated them?"

Watson said, "As I say, I have no intention of even discussing this. Surely we can arrive at no agreement. There is one point, however thatwe should consider on this occasion. "

The corpulent Peter MacDonald wheezed, "Well, out with it!"

Natt Roberts said, "I mentioned the matter to you at the last meeting. "

"Ah, yes, " Gunther nodded. "Just as you left. We have considered it. "

The Texcocans waited for him to go on. 

"If I understand you, " Gunther said, "you think we should reconsiderreturning to Terra City at this time. "

"It should be discussed, " Watson nodded. "Whatever the . .. Ah . .. Temporary difficulties between us, the original project of the_Pedagogue_ is still our duty. "

The three of the Genoese team nodded their agreement. 

"And the problem becomes, have we accomplished completely what we setout to do? And, further, is it necessary, or at least preferable, for usto stay on and continue administration of the progress of the Rigelplanets?"

They thought about it. 

Buchwald said hesitantly, "It has been my own belief that Genoa is notquite ready for us to let loose the . .. Ah, reins. If we left now, I amnot sure--"

Roberts said, "Same applies to Texcoco. The State has made fabulousstrides, but I am not sure what would happen if we leaders were toleave. There might be a complete collapse. "

Watson said, "We seem to be in basic agreement. Is a suggestion in orderthat we extend, for another twenty-five years, at least, thisexpedition's work?"

Dick Hawkins said, "The Office of Galactic Colonization--"

MacDonald said smoothly, "Will undoubtedly send out a ship toinvestigate. We shall simply inform them that things are not as yetpropitious to our leaving, that another twenty-five years is in order. Since we are on the scene, undoubtedly our recommendation will beheeded. "

Watson looked from one Earthman to the next. "We are in agreement?"

Each in turn nodded. 

Peter MacDonald said, "And do you all realize that here we have a uniquesituation that might be exploited for the benefit of the whole race?"

They looked to him, questioningly. 

"The dynamic we find in Genoa--and Texcoco, too, for that matter, thoughwe disagree on so many fundamentals--is beyond that in the Solar System. These are new planets, new ambitions are alive. We have at ourfingertips man's highest developments, evolved on Earth. But with thisnew dynamic, this freshness, might we not in time push even beyond oldEarth?"

"You mean--" Natt Roberts said. 

MacDonald nodded. "What particular of value is gained by our unitingGenoa and Texcoco with the so-called Galactic Commonwealth? Why notpress ahead on our own? With the vigor of these new races we might wellleave Earth far behind. "

Watson mused, "Carrying your suggestion to the ultimate, who is to saythat one day Rigel might not become the new center of the human race, rather than Sol?"

"A point well taken, " Gunther agreed. 

"No, " Taller said softly. 

The six Earthmen turned hostile eyes to him. 

"This particular matter does not concern you, Generalissimo, " Watsonrapped at him. 

Taller smiled his amusement at that and came to his feet. 

"No, " he said. "I am afraid that hard though it might be for you to giveup the powers you have held so long, you Earthlings are going to have toreturn to Terra City, from whence you came. "

Baron Leonar said in gentle agreement, "Obviously. "

"What is this?" Watson rapped. "I'm not at all amused. "

The Honorable Russ stood also. "There is no use prolonging this. I haveheard you Earthlings say, more than once, that man adapts to preservehimself. Very well, we of Genoa and Texcoco are adapting to the presentsituation. We are of the belief that if you are allowed to remain inpower we of the Rigel planets will be destroyed, probably in an atomicholocaust. In self-protection we have found it necessary to unite, weGenoese and Texcocans. We bear you no ill will, far to the contrary. However, it is necessary that you all return to Earth. You haveimpressed upon us the aforementioned truism that _man adapts_ but in the_Pedagogue's_ library I have found another that also applies. Powercorrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. "

There were heavy automatics in the hands of Natt Roberts and DickHawkins. Barry Watson leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrow. "How'dyou ever expect to get away with this sort of treason, Taller?"

Martin Gunther blurted, "Or you, Russ?"

Wiss, the Texcocan scientist, held his wrist radio to his mouth andsaid, "Come in now. "

Dick Hawkins thumbed back the hammer of his hand gun. 

"Hold it a minute, Dick, " Barry Watson said. "I don't like this. " ToTaller he rapped, "What goes on here? Talk up, you're just about a deadman. "

And it was then that they heard the scraping on the outer hull. 

The six Earthmen looked at the overhead, dumfounded. 

"I suggest you put up your weapons, " Taller said quietly. "At this latestage I would hate to see further bloodshed. "

In moments they heard the opening and closing of locks and footstepsalong the corridor. The door opened and in stepped, Joe Chessman, Amschel Mayer, Mike Dean, Louis Rosetti, and an emaciatedJerry Kennedy. Their expressions ran the gamut from sheepishness toblank haughtiness. 

MacDonald bug-eyed. "Dean . .. Rosetti . .. The Temple priests burned youat the stake!"

They grinned at him, shamefaced. "Guess not, " Dean said. "We werekidnaped. We've been teaching basic science, in some phony monastery. "

Watson's face was white. "Joe, " he said. 

"Yeah, " Joe Chessman growled. "You sold me out. But Taller and theTexcocans thought I was still of some use. "

Amschel Mayer snapped, bitterly, "And now if you fools will put downyour stupid guns, we'll make the final arrangements for returning thisexpedition to Terra City. Personally, I'll be glad to get away!"

Behind the five resurrected Earthmen were a sea of faces representingthe foremost figures of both Texcoco and Genoa in every field ofendeavor. At least fifty of them in all. 

As though protectively, the eleven Earthmen ganged together at the farside of the messtable they'd met over so often. 

Martin Gunther, his expression dazed, said, "I . .. I don't--"

Taller resumed his spokesmanship. "From the first the most progressiveelements on both Texcoco and Genoa realized the value of your expeditionand have been in fundamental sympathy with the aims the _Pedagogue_originally had. Primitive life is not idyllic. Until man is free fromnature's tyranny and has solved the basic problems of sufficient food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education for all, he is unable torealize himself. So we co-operated with you to the extent we foundpossible. "

His smile was grim. "I am afraid that almost from the beginning, and onboth planets, your very actions developed an . .. Underground, I believeyou call it. Not an overt one, since we needed your assistance to buildthe new industrialized culture you showed us was possible. We evenprotected you against yourselves, since it soon became obvious that ifleft alone you'd destroy each other in your addiction to power. "

Baron Leonar broke in, "Don't misunderstand. It wasn't until the pastcouple of decades that this _underground_ which had sprung upindependently on both planets, amalgamated. "

Barry Watson blurted, "But Joe . .. Chessman--" he refused to meet theeye of the man he'd condemned. 

Taller said, "From the first you made no effort to study our customs. Ifyou had, you'd have realized why my father allied himself to you afteryou'd killed Taller First. And why I did not take my revenge on Chessmanafter he'd killed Reif. A Khan's first training is that no personalemotion must interfere with the needs of the People. When you turned JoeChessman over to me, I realized his education, his abilities were toogreat to destroy. We sent him to a mountain university and have used himprofitably all these years. In fact, it was Chessman who finally broughtus to space travel. "

"That's right, " Buchwald blurted. "You've got a spaceship out there. Howcould you possibly--?"

Taller said mildly, "There are but a handful of you, you could hardlykeep track of two whole planets and all that went on upon them. "

Amschel Mayer said bitingly, "All this can be gone over on our return toTerra City. We'll have a full year to explain to ourselves and eachother why we became such complete idiots. I was originally head of thisexpedition--before my supposed friends railroaded me to prison--doesanyone object if I take over again?"

"No, " Joe Chessman growled. 

The others shook their heads. 

Taller said, "There is but one other thing. In spite of how you may feelat this moment of embarrassment, basically you have succeeded in yourtask. That is, you have brought Texcoco and Genoa to an industrializedculture. We hold various reservations about how you accomplished this. However, when you return to your Co-ordinator of Galactic Colonization, please inform him that we are anxious to receive his ambassadors. Theterm is _ambassadors_ and we will expect to meet on a basis of equality. Surely in all Earth's millennia of social evolution man has worked outsomething better than either of your teams have built here. We shouldlike to be instructed. "

Dick Hawkins said stiffly, "We can instruct you on Earth's presentsocio-economic system. "

"I am afraid we no longer trust you, Richard Hawkins. Sendothers--uncorrupted by power, privilege or great wealth. "

 * * * * *

When they had gone and the sound of their departing spacecraft hadfaded, Amschel Mayer snapped, "We might as well get underway. And cheerup, confound it, we have lots of time to contrive a reasonable reportfor the Co-ordinator. "

Jerry Kennedy managed a thin grin, almost reminiscent of the youngerKennedy of the first years on Genoa. "Say, " he said, "I wonder if we'llbe granted a good long vacation before being sent on anotherassignment. "

THE END

Transcriber's Note:

 This etext was produced from _Astounding Science Fiction_ August 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U. S. Copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note.