The Status Civilization

"Haven't you any idea what goes on in the closed classes?" "Sorry, I don't. At a guess--and it's only a guess, mind you--I'd say it's probably something religious. But you'd have to ask a teacher for that." "Thank you, sir. And how do you classify yourself statuswise?" "Middle middle class. Not much doubt about that." (Citizen Maryjane Morgan, age 51, occupation school-teacher. A tall, bony woman.) "Yes, sir, I think that just about sums up our curriculum at the Little Beige Schoolhouse." "Except for the closed classes." "I beg your pardon, sir?" "The closed classes. You haven't discussed those." "I'm afraid I can't." "Why not, Citizen Morgan?" "Is this a trick question? Everyone knows that teachers aren't allowed in the closed classes." "Who is allowed in?" "The children, of course." "But who teaches them?" "The government is in charge of that." "Of course. But who, specifically, does the teaching in the closed classes?" "I have no idea, sir. It's none of my business. The closed classes are an ancient and respected institution. What goes on in them is quite possibly of a religious nature. But that's only a guess. Whatever it is, it's none of my business. Nor is it yours, young man, Opinioner or not." "Thank you, Citizen Morgan." (Citizen Edgar Nief, age 107, occupation retired officer. A tall, stooped man with cane, icy blue eyes undimmed by age.) "A little louder, please. What was that question again?" "About the armed forces. Specifically I asked--" "I remember now. Yes, young man, I was a colonel in the Twenty-first North American Spaceborne Commando, which was a regular unit of the Earth Defense Corps."