"Any question of fact has an answer," the Ruler snapped. "A paradox is not involved here; a government exists, and some being is the governor. Perhaps several beings share this task; perhaps machines do the work. But where there is a government, there is a governor. Is this agreed?" "Certainly," Korvin said. "It is completely obvious and true." "The planet from which you come is part of a system of planets which are governed, you have said," the Ruler went on. "True," Korvin said. "Then there is a governor for this system," the Ruler said. "True," Korvin said again. The ruler sighed gently. "Explain this governor to us," he said. Korvin shrugged. "The explanation cannot be given to you." The Ruler turned to a group of his experts and a short muttered conversation took place. At its end the Ruler turned his gaze back to Korvin. "Is the deficiency in you?" he said. "Are you in some way unable to describe this government?" "It can be described," Korvin said. "Then you will suffer unpleasant consequences if you describe it to us?" the Ruler went on. "I will not," Korvin said. It was the signal for another conference. With some satisfaction, Korvin noticed that the Tr'en were becoming slightly puzzled; they were no longer moving and speaking with calm assurance. The plan was taking hold. The Ruler had finished his conference. "You are attempting again to confuse us," he said. Korvin shook his head earnestly. "I am attempting," he said, "not to confuse you." "Then I ask for an answer," the Ruler said. "I request that I be allowed to ask a question," Korvin said. The Ruler hesitated, then nodded. "Ask it," he said. "We shall answer it if we see fit to do so." Korvin tried to look grateful. "Well, then," he said, "what is your government?" The Ruler beckoned to a heavy-set green being, who stepped forward from a knot of Tr'en, inclined his head in Korvin's direction, and began. "Our government is the only logical form of government," he said in a high, sweet tenor. "The Ruler orders all, and his subjects obey. In this way uniformity is gained, and this uniformity aids in the speed of possible action and in the weight of action. All Tr'en act instantly in the same manner. The Ruler is adopted by the previous Ruler; in this way we are assured of a common wisdom and a steady judgment." "You have heard our government defined," the Ruler said. "Now, you will define yours for us." Korvin shook his head. "If you insist," he said, "I'll try it. But you won't understand it." The Ruler frowned. "We shall understand," he said. "Begin. Who governs you?" "None," Korvin said. "But you are governed?" Korvin nodded. "Yes." "Then there is a governor," the Ruler insisted. "True," Korvin said. "But everyone is the governor." "Then there is no government," the Ruler said. "There is no single decision." "No," Korvin said equably, "there are many decisions binding on all."