Executive by Piers Anthony Read Free Book Online Page A

tutored and provided the same protection we are."
    “But Megan—”
    “I will talk to her,” my sister said firmly.
    I sought to spread my hands but could not, because I had to hold Robertico. I picked him up, not bothering with the soiled pants; the diaper would have to do for now. My eye was caught by Senator Stonebridge's eye in the screen.
    “If I may now bring up a somewhat less important concern,” he said with a straight face.
    “The walkout,” I said.
    “Exactly. The present government of North Jupiter is disintegrating. Prompt and decisive action is required if we are to retain a viable framework.”
    “I am not sure the prior framework remains viable,” I said. “I have assumed power outside the normal framework, and I suspect there is no way the opposition representatives will accept that.”
    “Probably correct,” he agreed. "Columnist Thorley has already dubbed your administration 'the Tyrancy.'
    "
    “The Tyrancy!” I exclaimed. That was the first time I had heard that appellation applied to me, familiar as it was later to become. “Well, I suppose I am, technically, a tyrant. The original term refers to one who assumes power illegally. I am legal but not by the standard of the system that has hitherto governed Jupiter. Some of the ancient Greek tyrants were enlightened rulers.”
    “And some were despots,” Stonebridge pointed out.
    “Still, upon reflection, I think the shoe fits. I will try to be an enlightened tyrant. So Thorley can call my administration the Tyrancy if he wants.”
    Stonebridge frowned. “You are not going to have him arrested?”
    “Of course not! I have always respected freedom of the press, and of speech in general. Thorley will always be free to express himself in public.”
    “Then I think you are not a tyrant by my definition.”
    “No, let me be called the Tyrant,” I said, liking the sound of it better as I considered it. “That solves the problem of my title.”
    “Surely you jest!”
    “No jest. I am the Tyrant, and my administration is the Tyrancy. I am making no pretense to honoring the old order.”
    “As you prefer, Mr. Tyrant,” he said awkwardly.
    “Just Tyrant,” I said. “I will make that my title of honor. It will set me apart, appropriately.”
    “As you prefer,” he repeated disapprovingly. “Now as to the walkout by the opposition—”
    “That becomes immaterial. I am abolishing Congress.”
    “Sir?” he asked, startled.
    “Let's face it, Senator,” I said briskly, while Robertico played with the buttons on my shirt. “The average member of Congress is a tool of the special interests, regardless of his party. He is beholden to the political action committees that provide the bulk of the money he needs for his election campaigns, and a fair number are corrupt apart from that. Few actually, honestly, represent their constituents. The present—prior—system of government is monstrously nonrepresentative in everything except name, and excruciatingly inefficient. The average man would be better off without it.”
    “But this is treason!” he protested.
    “Not anymore,” I said. “I am the new government; I merely have to find new avenues to implement my power. I'm sure I will find it much easier to balance the budget if I eliminate fraud and waste in the government—and Congress is a nest of both.”
    “Sir, this—this is unfeasible,” he said, shocked. “All our institutions... there would be anarchy—”
    “Not if I appoint competent and honest people to run things,” I said. “As soon as I get my priorities organized, I will be asking you to serve. In fact, I am asking you now: will you serve as my adviser on budgetary matters?”
    His mouth thinned. “What is the force of that request, sir?”
    “You mean, will you be arrested if you refuse? No, this is voluntary. I need good people to serve as my lieutenants, and I will heed the advice of those who do serve. I am committed to the balancing of the budget, and I