5

When Rud read over his final version of the introduction to the Group, they endorsed it very cordially. "You could not have put our common faith better," said Chiffan. The others murmured approval in the same key.

A wave of conscious nobility swept through Rud. "This—to be blunt about it—is the time when we might usurp, and I won't," he said, in a mood of real magnificence, and proceeded at once to a completeness of usurpation that dwarfed all precedent.

"It is clear," he said, "that the effective reorganisation of the machinery of administration is an immensely intricate job, and that any attempt to establish a democratic control by these shattered, inexperienced and mentally confused populations must wait upon the creation and working of Norvel's educational machinery. They would not know at present what was needed nor what to ask for. A crude return to electoral politics would give every mischievous rascal in the world an opportunity, and it would revitalise all the national, religious, racial organisations that are down and out indeed but still in a sort of attenuated existence. I think we are right in assuming a general acquiescence. Here sve are, and there is no effective revolt against us. What I propose we do is to go right ahead, establish our world system first and then as an educated generation comes along—

"When?" asked Norvel.

"In two or three decades it will be becoming effective."

"I hope," said Norvel, and continued to regard Rud thoughtfully.

"And until then we do things by decree. We will assume we have been elected and we will decree. Afterwards we will ask them what they think of it. The game for power is overyes—and we have won. We cannot risk having everything upset by a new squabble for power. We'll have no power politics and no politicians again, until the new world is in working order, and then we will ask whether the world wants them back. We will establish everything firmly on the basis of this Fundamental Law, and face them with actuality. How else can we do it? Finally, I assume we will establish some sort of conference for the endorsement of the world order and, if necessary, for its revision—we shall crown the work with a representative legislature—a more or less representative legislature, representative I suppose by callings and services rather than localities. For we have de–localised the world. There are still local populations, but there is no more local community. The abolition of distance means the end of political geography. Isn't that the way, Bodisham?"

"I agree entirely," said Bodisham, recognising phrase after phrase as his own, and nodding quietly as they passed him, while the others acquiesced. "That is our way," said Bodisham.

"Then and then only," said Rud, "my task will be completed and I shall give way to—whatever we find is the best way of co–ordinating our various World Administrations, and I will resign and end my days simply as the common man I am."

There was a pause. Rud sat at the end of the table looking modest but firm.

"You couldn't say fairer," said Chiffan.