rence to compare
progress," he said. "Anybody for a drink? Frankly, that's the next thing
I'm going to introduce to Genoa, some halfway decent likker. Do you know
what those benighted heathens drink now?"

Watson grinned. "Make mine whisky, Jerry. You've no complaints. Our
benighted heathens have a national beverage fermented from a plant
similar 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 head
in distaste. If only for a brief spell, some of the tenseness left the
air while the men from Earth sipped their beverages.

Jerry Kennedy said, "Well, you've heard our report. How go things on
Texcoco?"

"According to plan," Plekhanov rumbled.

Mayer snorted.

Plekhanov said ungraciously, "Our prime effort is now the uniting of the
total population into one strong whole, a super-state capable of
accomplishing the goals set us by the Co-ordinator."

Mayer sneered, "Undoubtedly, this goal of yours, this super-state, is
being established by force."

"Not always," Joe Chessman said. "Quite a few of the tribes join up on
their 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 in
the 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 the
dirty-end-of-the-stick jobs." His eyes went from Kennedy to Mayer. "Are
you suggesting you offer anything better?"

Mayer said, "Already on most of Genoa it is a matter of free
competition. The person with ability is able to profit from it."

Joe Chessman grunted sour amusement. "Of course, it doesn't help to be
the son of a wealthy merchant or a big politician."

Plekhanov took over. "In _any_ society the natural leaders come to the
top in much the same manner as the big ones come to the top in a bin of
potatoes, they just work their way up."

Jerry Kennedy finished his drink and said easily, "At least, those at
the top can claim they're the biggest potatoes. Remember back in the
twentieth century when Hitler and his gang announced