"... To all sections of the State, have made a beginning in naval science, 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 behind you. Even the Tulans were still using bronze, but the Genoese had iron and even gunpowder. Our advance is a bit slow to get moving, Mayer, but when it begins to roll--" Mayer gave his characteristic snort. "A free people need never worry about being passed by a subjected one." Barry Watson made himself another drink and while doing so looked over his shoulder at Amschel Mayer. "It's interesting the way you throw about that 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 local conditions obtain. They range from some under feudalistic domination to countries with varying degrees of republican democracy. Our base of operations in the southern hemisphere is probably the most advanced of all the chartered cities, Barry. It amounts to a city-state somewhat similar 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, tyrants of Florence, dominating her finances and trade as well as her political government, 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 so sure there's a great basic difference between your governing of Genoa and ours of Texcoco." "Don't be an ass," Mayer snapped. "We are granting the Genoese political freedoms as fast as they can assimilate them." Joe Chessman growled, "But I imagine it's surprising to find just how slowly they can assimilate. A moment ago you said they were free to form any government they wished. Now you say you feed them what you call freedom, only so fast as they can assimilate it." "Obviously we encourage them along whatever path we think will most quickly develop their economies," Mayer argued. "That's what we've been sent here to do. We stimulate competition, encourage all progress, political as well as economic." Plekhanov lumbered to his feet. "Amschel, obviously nothing new has been added to our respective positions by this conference. I propose we adjourn to meet again at the end of the second decade." Mayer said, "I suppose it would be futile to suggest you give up this impossible 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 your planet immortality?" "Immortality?" Watson said. "We haven't it to give." "You know what I mean. It wouldn't take long to extend the life span double or triple the present."