The narrative follows Josip Pekic, a young man living in a post-totalitarian state, who is unexpectedly summoned in the middle of the night by state security agents. He is the son of a once-disgraced political figure, now posthumously honored as a hero. Despite the regime's claims of personal liberties, Josip harbors deep-seated fears of state oppression, stemming from his father's fate. Upon his arrest, Josip is taken to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where he meets Aleksander Kardelj, the second-in-command of the ruling party, and Zoran Jankez, the Secretary General. They reveal that Josip has been chosen to be an "expediter," a role designed to identify and eliminate inefficiencies within the state’s operations, inspired by American industrial practices during World War II. Josip is bewildered by the sudden elevation to such power, which grants him authority over all citizens, including high-ranking officials. As he embarks on his new role, Josip discovers systemic issues within the state, including bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of initiative among workers. He is tasked with investigating various sectors, from agriculture to service industries, and his findings lead to significant changes, including the dismissal of key party officials who resist his recommendations. However, as Josip gains influence, he also faces backlash from the party leadership, particularly from Jankez, who feels threatened by Josip's growing power and the implications of his findings. Tensions rise as Josip's actions begin to challenge the status quo, leading to a confrontation with Jankez, who perceives Josip as a traitor and a threat to his authority. The story culminates in Josip's realization that the problems he identifies are not unique to his country but are reflective of broader global issues with governance and industry. He concludes that politicians are often ill-equipped to manage complex economic systems, advocating instead for a more technocratic approach to governance. Ultimately, Josip's journey leads him to defect to Switzerland, where he believes he can better advocate for change among the educated elite, leaving behind a regime that he now views as fundamentally flawed. The narrative explores themes of power, bureaucracy, and the struggle for individual agency within oppressive systems, culminating in a critique of political authority and the complexities of modern governance.
By Mack Reynolds · First published 1968 · Genre: Science Fiction, Political Satire, Dystopian Fiction