The Orchids by Thomas H. Cook Page A

little burghers strap on sleek black pistols and march out into the storm. He saw the red-robed judges bend to the new dimensions of the law. He saw writers reorient their words and poets transform their songs. He saw bakers make cakes in the shape of the Leader’s twisted symbol, and painters regenerate their canvases with flags. In this arena, the little gladiator made his choice.
    â€œPlease come in, Herr Langhof,” Dr. Trottman said.
    â€œThank you, sir.”
    â€œSit down, won’t you?”
    The first-year medical student sat down and crossed his legs primly.
    â€œWhat can I do for you?” Dr. Trottman asked.
    â€œI’ve been thinking about things for the past few months.”
    â€œReally? What things?”
    â€œOur first conversation. The one we had before I was admitted. I’ve been thinking quite a lot about that.”
    Dr. Trottman nodded. “Yes, I remember. And have you come to some decision?”
    â€œI think that you were right, Dr. Trottman,” Langhof said. “One cannot divorce himself from the great things happening around him.”
    Dr. Trottman smiled amiably. “Quite true, Herr Langhof.”
    Langhof shifted slightly in his seat. “My point, Dr. Trottman, is that now I would like to ally myself more closely to Nation and People.” He cleared his throat. “Of course, I don’t agree with every aspect of the new regime.”
    â€œNo one does, of course.”
    â€œYes. Quite right.”
    â€œHow would you like this alliance to be made, Herr Langhof?”
    â€œI think my best position would be in the Special Section,” Langhof said boldly.
    Dr. Trottman’s eyes widened. “Special Section? That is somewhat more than mere alliance.”
    â€œI am aware of that.”
    â€œThe Special Section is a very elite organization, Herr Langhof. Are you aware of that?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œI don’t doubt the seriousness of your commitment. Believe me, I don’t doubt it. But you see, Herr Langhof, you were never in the Youth Group, isn’t that right?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œWell, in most cases only former members of the Youth Group can be considered for the Special Section.”
    â€œI had hoped that you might recommend me, Dr. Trottman. I realize that I have been somewhat negligent in the past. I admit that politics up until now has played only a peripheral part in my life. But now I wish to correct that lapse.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œDo you think it possible for me to find a place in the Special Section?”
    Dr. Trottman stared thoughtfully over the upper rim of his glasses. “Perhaps.”
    â€œThat is all I can ask.”
    â€œIt is quite a lot,” Dr. Trottman said curtly.
    â€œI don’t mean to be arrogant in my request, Doctor. It’s simply that I am anxious to perform what I now see clearly to be my duty.”
    â€œI’m not offended by your arrogance,” Dr. Trottman said. He smiled. “You are a man of great ability. And you know it. You also know that small matters should not stand in the way of your advancement. That is not arrogance, my dear Langhof, that is virtue.”
    â€œThank you, sir.”
    Dr. Trottman stood up. “Be assured that I will do what I can for you.”
    The man of great ability rose quickly to his feet. “I am greatly in your debt, Dr. Trottman.”
    Dr. Trottman shook his head resolutely. “You are in no one’s debt, Herr Langhof,” he said. “The world is changing. There is no place for false modesty, for slave moralities. Most certainly, you will learn this in the Special Section.”
    â€œI look forward to it.”
    â€œThe eyes of the world are upon us,” Dr. Trottman said stentoriously. “But our eyes are on the stars.”
    â€œYou will never have cause to regret doing this for me,” Langhof said.
    â€œI never expect to, Herr Langhof,” Dr.