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167
The Status Civilization
·
Robert Sheckley
16
"Next
are
the
Privileged
Classes,
all
distinguished
by
various
recognition
symbols
according
to
rank--such
as
the
golden
earrings,
for
example,
of
the
Hadji
class.
Eventually
you'll
learn
all
the
marks
and
prerogatives
of
the
various
ranks
and
degrees.
I
might
also
mention
the
priests.
Even
though
they're
not
of
Privileged
rank,
they're
granted
certain
immunities
and
rights.
Have
I
made
myself
clear?"
Everyone
in
the
barracks
mumbled
assent.
The
Quaestor
continued,
"Now
we
come
to
the
subject
of
deportment
when
meeting
anyone
of
superior
rank.
As
peons,
you
are
obliged
to
greet
a
Free
Citizen
by
his
full
title,
in
a
respectful
manner.
With
Privileged
ranks
such
as
Hadjis
you
speak
only
when
spoken
to,
and
then
you
stand
with
eyes
downcast
and
hands
clasped
in
front
of
you.
You
do
not
leave
the
presence
of
a
Privileged
Citizen
until
permission
has
been
granted.
You
do
not
sit
in
his
company
under
any
circumstances.
Understood?
There
is
much
more
to
be
learned.
My
office
of
Quaestor,
for
example,
comes
under
the
classification
of
Free
Citizen,
but
carries
certain
of
the
prerogatives
of
Privilege."
The
Quaestor
glared
at
the
men
to
make
sure
they
understood.
"This
barracks
is
your
temporary
home.
I
have
drawn
up
a
chart
to
show
which
men
sweep,
which
wash,
and
so
forth.
You
may
question
me
at
anytime;
but
foolish
or
impertinent
questions
can
be
punished
by
mutilation
or
death.
Just
remember
that
you
are
the
lowest
of
the
low.
If
you
bear
that
in
mind,
you
might
be
able
to
stay
alive."
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