Page 36 - The Gluckman Occasonal Number Nine

“Ah, yes, the question.” The geologist blinked and put his glasses
back on, somewhat crookedly. “These gems were formed when basic
elements of the earth were subjected to great heat and pressure
millions of years ago. Tremendous as those forces were, they
managed to produce the variety of perfect forms we see here. In the
same way, you, Your Majesty, exert your beneficent will upon us,
your pliant subjects, producing a population of different, yet perfectly
functional, individuals, tied together in a harmonious unity like the
gems on this necklace.”
The crowd was silent, awed by the profundity of Master Locke’s
response. King Conundra cocked his head to one side, as if listening
to a far-off voice. Then he shook his head and smiled.
“Very good. I like it. Excellent analogy. But not the right answer.
Next.”