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167
The Status Civilization
·
Robert Sheckley
17
The
Quaestor
stood
in
silence
for
a
few
moments.
Then
he
said,
"Over
the
next
few
days,
you'll
all
be
given
various
assignments.
Some
of
you
will
go
to
the
germanium
mines,
some
to
the
fishing
fleet,
some
will
be
apprenticed
to
various
trades.
In
the
meantime,
you're
free
to
look
around
Tetrahyde."
When
the
men
looked
blank,
the
Quaestor
explained,
"Tetrahyde
is
the
name
of
the
city
you're
in.
It's
the
largest
city
on
Omega."
He
thought
for
a
moment.
"In
fact,
it's
the
only
city
on
Omega."
"What
does
the
name
Tetrahyde
mean?"
Joe
asked.
"How
should
I
know?"
the
Quaestor
said,
scowling.
"I
suppose
it's
one
of
those
old
Earth
names
the
skrenners
are
always
coming
up
with.
Anyhow,
just
watch
your
step
when
you
enter
it."
"Why?"
Barrent
asked.
The
Quaestor
grinned.
"That,
peon,
is
something
you'll
have
to
find
out
for
yourself."
He
turned
and
strode
from
the
barracks.
When
he
had
gone,
Barrent
went
to
the
window.
From
it
he
could
see
a
deserted
square
and,
beyond,
the
streets
of
Tetrahyde.
"You
thinking
of
going
out
there?"
Joe
asked.
"Certainly
I
am,"
Barrent
said.
"Coming
with
me?"
The
little
credit
thief
shook
his
head.
"I
don't
think
it's
safe."
"Foeren,
how
about
you?"
"I
don't
like
it
either,"
Foeren
said.
"Might
be
better
to
stay
around
the
barracks
for
a
while."
"That's
ridiculous,"
Barrent
said.
"It's
our
city
now.
Isn't
anyone
coming
with
me?"
Looking
uncomfortable,
Foeren
hunched
his
big
shoulders
and
shook
his
head.
Joe
shrugged
and
lay
back
on
his
cot.
The
rest
of
the
new
men
didn't
even
look
up.
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