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by John Varley, in Wizard, Berkley Books, 1980:
They're more like insects, actually, but water-breathing. They're true colonies, with a hive brain like ants or bees. But they don't have a queen.
They apparently hold free elections, complete with primaries and campaigns and propaganda in the form of pheromones released in the water at election time.
The winner is allowed to grow to be a meter long and holds office for seven kilorevs. His function is mainly morale. He releases chemicals that keep the hive happy. At the end of the term the hive eats him.Sanest political system I ever saw.
~ Cirocco Jones
Me, too, Rocky.
