human
What do you mean; I thought you told me the strike was on, that the men had already walked out?
gpt
What do you mean by 'walked out'?
human
Walked out of the works, I explained;
gpt
But they have struck. Perhaps you have never seen a strike before, but do you not see the strike badges?
human
It means, I gasped,
gpt
It is the custom, said the labour psychologist,
human
Then just what does it mean?
gpt
It means that this particular group of workers have temporarily withdrawn their allegiance to the Royal House, and they have, in their own minds, restored the old socialist régime, until they can make petition to the Emperor and he passes on their grievance. They will do that in their halls tonight. We, of course, will be connected up and listen in.
human
Then they are not really on strike?
gpt
Certainly they are on strike. All strikes are conducted so.
human
Then why do they not quit work?
gpt
I think I know what you mean, he added after a pause;
human
Yes, exactly. I suppose that is where I did get my ideas; and that is now forbidden--by the Emperor?
gpt
Not by the Emperor, for you see these men wear the flags without the eagle. They at present do not acknowledge his authority.
human
Then all this strike is a matter of red badges without eagles and everything else will go on as usual?
gpt
By no means. These men are striking against the descending authority from the Royal House. They not only refuse to wear the eagle until their grievance is adjusted but they will refuse to accept further education, for that is a thing that descends from above. If you will go now to the picture halls, where the other shift should be, you will find the halls all empty. The men refuse to go to the moving pictures.