James P. Hogan Echoes of an Alien Sky

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his fingers under his chin. "Nevertheless, signs of the radicalism that has
been disturbing all facets of existence back home for some years are starting
to make themselves felt here. I trust that I
make myself clear."
Kyal nodded that there was no need to spell anything out. Sherven was
referring to a social-political movement known as the "Progressives" that was
gaining ground internationally, particularly among younger elements of the
population. Essentially, the Progressives were questioning the traditional
pattern of letting social and professional institutions, and the organizations
that dispensed learning structure themselves in whatever ways reflected the
loyalties and recognitions of merit displayed by the individuals who composed
them, rather than conform to any notions of hierarchy imposed from above.
According to the Progressives, such reliance on the "emergent dynamic" to use
the term employed by those who studied such matters was wasteful and
inefficient, and discriminated against people who were not gifted with
popularity or a flair for attracting professional support. Stronger
coordination and control, under the direction of more clearly designated
authority, would, they contended, not only produce results faster and
more efficiently, but broaden opportunity by making appointment and
advancement more accessible to those judged to be deserving than being left to
chance and whim.
Sherven went on, "You colleague has the kind of profile that one can't help
speculating might lead him to become active in such a respect here." He
indicated the file briefly. "For instance, did you know that he helped run a
college newspaper that made a case for panels of scientific peers having a say
in what kind of research ought to be published and funded? The piece argued
that only specialists are fit to decide within their own discipline." Sherven
shrugged as if nothin further needed to be said. "We all know that by the time
experts qualify as professors, they're likely to have become walled in by
their assumptions and lost their ability to think creatively. I'm not saying
that Zeestran wrote it, but it gives and indication, perhaps, of the direction
his inclinations point in." It sounded like Yorim, sure enough, Kyal thought.
But you had to know him to understand that he was about as far from being
driven by ideology as it was possible to get, and would happily take either
side of any argument just to test the reactions.
Sherven's brow creased. "He was also mixed up at one time with a political
advocacy group that seemed to think that matters of private relationships
should be coercively regulated by the state, and that a standardized code of
personal ethics should be included in the educational curriculum."
Kyal couldn't mistake the thinly veiled hint that such an association might
not have the most desirable effects on those whose reactions might affect his
own image and prospects. One of the unfortunate things of life was that what
drove events was not reality but people's perceptions of it. Sherven was just
doing his job and trying to honor a loyalty.
"I appreciate the Director's candor," Kyal replied. "And I understand your
concerns and responsibilities. However, from my own experience, I know Fellow
Zeestram to be simply his own free person. He explores all of the world and is
curious about everything. With all respect, I would regard the things you
mentioned as due to that nature, rather than anything that should cause
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concern."
Sherven gave Kyal a searching look and nodded finally, but still seeming
dubious. "You do see my point? We have a vitally important mission to think
of, far from home, with never enough people and slender resources. We can't
afford the kind of agitation that we see in the news from back home. We don't
bring people this distance to spend their time promoting disruptive agendas
that have no place here.
I trust that we can count on you to watch for any signs, and if necessary
impress whatever cautions are necessary to nip them in the bud."
"Of course." Kyal nodded that he understood. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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