kering and disagreement among nations and self-anointed saviors of
the common man.

Only in the Unified World State could competition be entirely
eliminated, and world planning become a reality.

Hute, standing before the control board, squared his heavy shoulders
manfully, jutted his strong jaw out at a dominant angle, and spoke to
the silent walls as he had often spoken to the masses.

"If I fail to have the courage to do this thing, then the welfare of all
future generations will be on my shoulders. The sacrifice of the billion
or two now living is a SMALL price to pay, compared to the sacrifice of
countless billions of future generations if I weaken.

"If I weaken--!"

* * * * *

The thought of what would happen,--the war crimes trial, the ignomy of
death as a war criminal at the hands of fools who couldn't understand
the noble, selfless motives that governed his life and caused him to
sacrifice the comforts of home and normalcy as a public servant and the
purpose,--the goal toward which he strove, gave him the courage to press
the first button. With that simple act the fate of Tranx-Yrhl was
directly sealed, and with it the retaliation against his own country.
That knowledge made easy the pressing of the other buttons.

When it was finished he walked stiffly from the room and took the
elevator to the surface. His general staff awaited him. They stood
awkwardly, faces pale, in this historic moment.

He nodded imperceptibly to signify that the deed was done. A few dry
throats swallowed loudly in the hush of imminent death.

Hute Hitle marched stiffly through the passive group. One after another
fell in behind him. The procession marched down to waiting cars.

The cars crossed the bridge. There they stopped. As one man the Leader
and his general staff looked back at the great city they loved so well.
The Sacrifice they were making for the good of humanity pressed heavily
on their hearts.

With bowed heads they turned back and went down the path to the research
building.

Carl Grinch and his science aides were waiting. They paled at the
knowledge that the deed was done and there was no turning back now.

Hute placed a fond hand on Carl's shoulder.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" he asked, his voice
choked with emotion.

"The success of the Plan depends on my staying," Carl replied, his voice
shaken with the emotion of the moment. "The time machine is cons