Iris looked at me intently. “If it were possible, I would say we should do what you suggest, even though it would be ruinous not only for us but for everyone....”
“Why ruinous? A freedom to come to a decision on one’s own without....”
“That’s it. No one can be allowed that freedom. One doesn’t need much scholarship or even experience to see that. Everywhere people are held in check by stifling but familiar powers. People are used to tyranny: they expect governments to demand their souls, and they have given up decisions on many levels for love of security. What you suggest is impossible with this race at this time.”
“You’re talking nonsense. After all, obeisance to established religions is the order of the day, yet look at the response to Cave who is undermining the whole Christian structure.”
“And wait until you see the fight they’re going to put up!” said Iris grimly. “Fortunately, Cave’s word is the mortal blow though Cave himself would be their certain victim if he was protected, if there was no organization to guard him, and the Word.”
“So Paul and his—his team, his proselytes are to become merely an equivalent power, combating the old superstitions with their own weapons.”
“More or less, yes. That’s what it has come to.”
“Even though his talking to the people would be enough? Let them use him, not he them.”
“A good slogan,” Iris smiled. “But I think I’m right. No one would have a chance to see or hear him if it weren’t for Paul; you should read the threatening letters we’ve been getting.”
“I thought all the mail was most admiring?”