Temporarily whole nations can receive setbacks as a result of defeat in
war, or perhaps due to lack of natural resources. Some nations progress
faster than others."

Chessman said, "The whole Texcocan State is one great unit. Everywhere
the gross product increases. Within the foreseeable future the standard
of living will be excellent."

Jerry Kennedy, an alcoholic lisp in his voice now, said, "You mean
you've accomplished a planet-wide government?"

"Well, no. Not as yet," Chessman's sullen voice had an element of
chagrin in it. "However, there are no strong elements left that oppose
us. We are now pacifying the more remote areas."

"Sounds like a rather bloody program--especially if Barry Watson, here,
winds up with eight women," Martin Gunther said.

Watson started to say something but Chessman held up a restraining hand.
"The Texcocan State is too strong to be resisted, Gunther. It is mostly
a matter of getting around to the more remote peoples. As soon as we
bring in a new tribe, we convert it into a commune."

"Commune!" Kennedy blurted.

Joe Chessman raised his thick eyebrows at the other. "The most
efficient socio-economic unit at this stage of development. Tribal
society is perfectly adapted to fit into such a plan. The principal
difference between a tribe and a commune is that under the commune you
have the advantage of a State above in a position to give you the
benefit of mass industries, schools, medical assistance. In return, of
course, for a certain amount of taxes, military levies and so forth."

Martin Gunther said softly, "I recall reading of the commune system as a
student, but I fail to remember the supposed advantages."

Chessman growled, "They're obvious. You have a unit of tens of thousands
of persons. Instead of living in individual houses, each with a man
working while the woman cooks and takes care of the home, all live in
community houses and take their meals in messhalls. The children are
cared for by trained nurses. During the season all physically capable
adults go out en masse to work the fields. When the harvest has been
taken in, the farmer does not hole up for the winter but is occupied in
local industrial projects, or in road or dam building. The commune's
labor is never idle."

Kennedy shuddered involuntarily.

Chessman looked at him coldly. "It means quick progress. Meanwhile, we
go through each commune and from earliest youth, locate those members
who are suited to high