The Rival Rigelians

Mayer nodded acceptance of that. “Because, my dear baron, there are three continents on the planet of Genoa. At present, there is little trade due to infrequent shipping. But the steam engine I introduced today will soon drive larger craft than you have ever built before.”

Russ said, “What has this to do with our being forced to use these devices? I find much to cause me halt in what Baron Leonar has said.”

“I have colleagues on the other continents busily introducing the same inventions, Honorable. 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 man for himself and the devil take the hindmost, if you’ll allow a saying from another era.”

Kennedy added, grinning, “Sometimes known as free enterprise.”

They remained silent for a long period. Finally Olderman said bluntly, “The barons are not going to like this.”

The usually quiet Martin Gunther said softly, “Obviously, that is why we have introduced you to the tommy gun. It is not going to make any difference if they like it or not.”

Russ said musingly, “Pressure will be put to prevent the introduction of this equipment. It will obviously upset society.”

“We’ll meet it,” Mayer said, shifting happily in his seat.

Russ added, “The Temple’s ever on the side of the barons. The monks will fight against innovations that threaten to disturb the present way of things.”

Mayer said, “Monks usually do. How much property is in the hands of the Temple?”

Russ admitted sourly, “The monks are the greatest landlords of all. I would say at least one-third of the land and the serfs belong to the Temple.”

“Ah ha,” Mayer said thoughtfully. “That bears some further looking into. We must investigate the possibilities of a Reformation. But that can come later. Now I wish to expand upon my reasons for gathering you.

“Honorables, Genoa is to change rapidly. To survive, you will have to move fast. I have not introduced these revolutionary changes without self interest. Each of you is free to use them to his profit, however, I expect a thirty percent interest.”

There was a universal drawing in of breath.

Olderman said, “Honorable Mayer, you have already demonstrated your devices. What is there to prevent us from playing you false?”

Mayer laughed. “My dear Olderman, I have other inventions to reveal as rapidly as you develop the technicians, the workers capable of building and operating them. If you cheat me now, you will be passed by next time.”

Russ muttered. “Thirty percent! Your wealth will be unbelievable.”

“As fast as it accumulates, Honorables, it shall be invested. For instance, I have great interest in expanding our inadequate universities. The advance I expect will only be possible if we educate the people. Field serfs are not capable of running even that simple steam engine Jerry demonstrated.”

Baron Leonar said, “What you contemplate is mind shaking. Do I understand that you wish a confederation of all our cities? A joining together to combat the strength of the present lords and of the Temple?”

Mayer was shaking his head. “No, no. As the barons lose power, each of your cities will strengthen and possibly expand to become nations. Perhaps some will unite. But largely you will compete against each other and against the nations of the other continents. In such competition you’ll have to show your mettle, or go under. Man develops at his fastest when pushed by such circumstances.”

The Earthling looked off, unseeing, into a far corner of the room. “At least, so is my contention. Far away from here, a colleague is attempting to prove me wrong. We shall see.”

V

Barry Watson was dressed in the leather kilts and fatigue jacket of the Tulan non-com. Except for the heavy hand gun, slung low on his hip, he was indistinguishable from the drill sergeants who sweated and swore in the mid-day sun. Looking nothing so much as a lanky youngster, he sauntered up, checking a sheaf of reports as he came.

Terry Stevens, still attired in the coveralls that had been standard garb on the spaceship Pedagogue, called an order to one of his sergeants, who, as sergeants ever, barked out a command that could be heard from one end of the drill field to the other. The shuffling footmen came to a halt, fell into an at ease stance.

Barry Watson looked out over the field. The men were dressed in fatigues, the weapons they carried were of wood, the shields were light frameworks covered with cloth.

Barry said, “How’re they coming, Terry?”

Stevens grunted and wiped the back of his hand over his mouth. “All right, I suppose. This isn’t exactly my game, you know. They start out stumbling all over their feet, get their spears stuck between their legs. That goes on for weeks. They don’t seem to learn anything. Then, all of a sudden, the whole cohort is moving like a machine. They’re doing all right.”