"How do you mean?" Ostby asked.
"You know that you will never be able to return to Earth after this.
And, as you are the nominal successor to Magogar, I presume you will
take over the city's government?"
"You're wrong," Ostby replied unhesitatingly. "I have no slightest
desire to be Imperator."
"If you don't there will be chaos in the city."
"You told me once that the people would be happier if they returned to
their pastoral way of life. So now let them."
"That's correct," the Brain replied. "But if you leave the city without
a government it will collapse in a bath of blood. It would be much
better if you allowed the disintegration to occur gradually under your
control. Furthermore, here is a thought which may not have entered
your mind. There are thousands of Earth people in the city. If given
the opportunity they could be quite happy here. They would be the
technicians and tradesmen. In time they, and their descendants would
be assimilated into the population, perhaps giving it many of their
better traits. Would you give that up and expose them to death under
the anarchy you would leave?"
"No," Ostby said. "But I have a different plan. One in which you play
an integral part. Would you be willing to give Siggen the cooperation
he'd need if he took over as Imperator?"
For the first time Ostby saw Siggen show surprise. His eyes widened at
the first realization of what Ostby had proposed, but he said nothing
and his features settled back into their usual placid tranquillity.
Only in his eyes did Ostby see how greatly he was pleased.
"You think, perhaps, that you surprise me," the Brain answered. "But I,
too, have given Siggen thought since Magogar took his life. Siggen is
the head of the element most likely to get out of hand, and he would
be best able to control them. The so-called aristocracy may not like
the choice but they have very little actual strength. As for the guards
and police, with my, and your, sanction, I am certain that they will
be happy to return to their former posts. And finally, Siggen is an
able administrator. You may not like this, but he will make a better
Imperator than yourself."
"Then it's settled," Ostby said. He turned to Siggen and held out his
hand. "My friend, Siggen--Imperator--I leave the city in your capable
hands. For the present, I bid you goodby." He turned and walked from
the room.
For the first time Siggen spoke. "He is at heart very romantic," he
said to the Brain. "He goes now to renew an affair of courtship with a
certain Duchess, Rinda!"