Ronny made an improperly thought out move, trying to bring up a castle to reinforce his collapsing flank. He said, “UP allows anybody to join evidently,” and there was disgust in his voice.
“Why not?” she said mildly.
“Well, there should be some standards.”
Tog moved quickly, dominating with a knight several squares he couldn't afford to lose. She looked up at him, her dark eyes sparking. “The point of UP is to include all the planets. That way at least conflict can be avoided and some exchange of science, industrial techniques and cultural gains take place. And you must remember that while in power practically no socio-economic system will admit to the fact that it could possibly change for the better. But actually there is nothing less stable. Socio-economic systems are almost always in a condition of flux. Planets such as Amazonia might for a time seem so brutal in their methods as to exclude their right to civilized intercourse with the rest. However, one of these days there'll be a change—or one of these centuries. They all change, sooner or later.” She added softly, “Even Han.”
“Han?” Ronny said.
Her voice was quiet. “Where I was born, Ronny. Colonized from China in the very early days. In fact, I spent my childhood in a commune.” She said musingly, “The party bureaucrats thought their system an impregnable, unchangeable one. Your move.”
Ronny was fascinated. “And what happened?” He was in full retreat now, and with nowhere to go, his pieces pinned up for the slaughter. He moved a pawn to try and open up his queen.
“Why don't you concede?” she said. “Tommy Paine happened.”
“Paine!”
“Uh-huh. It's a long story. I'll tell you about it some time.” She pressed closer with her own queen.