"If This Goes On—"

infobox short story |
name = "If This Goes On—"
title_orig =
translator =
author = Robert A. Heinlein
country = United States
language = English
series =
genre = Science fiction short story
publication_type = Periodical
published_in = "Astounding Science-Fiction"
publisher =
release_date = 1940
english_release_date =
media_type = Print (Magazine, Hardback & Paperback)
preceded_by =
followed_by =

"If This Goes On—" is a science fiction short novel by Robert A. Heinlein, first serialized in 1940 in "Astounding Science-Fiction" and revised and expanded for inclusion in the 1953 collection "Revolt in 2100". One of his Future History series, it recounts a future theocratic American society, ruled by the latest in a series of “Prophets.” The First Prophet was Nehemiah Scudder, a backwoods preacher turned President (elected in 2012), then dictator (no elections were held in 2016 or later). Scudder was previously mentioned in passing in the short story "Logic of Empire" and later on in Heinlein’s final novel "To Sail Beyond the Sunset". He was also referenced in Heinlein's first, long-unpublished novel, "", as well as in the novel "Variable Star", although neither is set in the same continuity.

The novel deals with a rebellion, organized by a secret society called The Cabal, that leads to the eventual re-establishment of democracy. One of the major strengths of the novel is that it is less about action-adventure and derring-do, and more about how the rebellion is organized. The Cabal uses terminology associated with Freemasonry, and there are hints that the Masons are actually one of the groups involved in the loosely organized revolt against the government. (Heinlein himself was not a Mason, [ [http://www.heinleinsociety.org/rah/FAQrah.html FAQ: Heinlein the Person ] ] but had considered joining the Masons as a young man. [usenet posting by Bill Patterson, rec.arts.sf.written, Sun, Aug 13 2006] )

While set in Heinlein's Future History, the story is self-contained and has little effect on other works in the series. However, it is noted in "Methuselah's Children" that, during the time of this story, the secret of the Howard Families was held close (being a prize that was beyond the power of the prophet to confiscate), and also that the Cabal assisted in helping the Howards maintain their masquerade.

The story also depicts the start of the negotiations which would lead to the Covenant, the somewhat idealized basis for government depicted in "Coventry", "Misfit" and in "Methuselah's Children".

Plot

John Lyle, a junior army officer under the Prophet, is stationed at the Prophet's capital of New Jerusalem. Devout to this point, he finds himself questioning his faith when he falls for one of the Prophet's Virgins, Sister Judith. Judith, new to the vocation, faints when she is called upon to render sexual service to the Prophet and is confined to her quarters until she sees the light. He confides in his far more worldly roommate, Zeb Jones, who is not only not shocked, but who assists John. A clandestine meeting with Judith goes awry when they are forced to kill a spy, leaving them no choice but to seek aid from the Cabal, an underground revolutionary movement--Judith's friend, Sister Magdalene, is a member. The two men are inducted into the Cabal, while remaining on duty in their army posts. Judith is arrested and tortured as part of the investigation into the death of the spy, and John and Zeb rescue her, though leaving enough clues that John is soon arrested and tortured himself. He gives little away, and is himself rescued by the Cabal. Zeb and Magdalene have evaded arrest themselves.

Judith is spirited out of the country before John regains consciousness, and John is given a false identity in order to make his way to Cabal headquarters. He is detected en route, forced to flee, and arrives safely after several misadventures. He finds that Zeb and Magdalene, who he assumes are a couple, have made their ways there before him. All take on significant roles in bringing to fruition the revolutionary plot, John as an aide to the commander, General Huxley.

While working there, John receives a literal "Dear John" letter from Judith, informing him of her impending marriage to another man. He learns that Zeb and Magdalene have no marriage plans, and begins a romance with Magdalene.

The revolutionary plot is mostly successful, and the country, other than New Jerusalem, is seized. But the capital must also be conquered lest it serve as a rallying point for others. Even as constitutional discussions go on, tempered to provide the greatest possible individual freedom, the new regime's troops prepare to take New Jerusalem. John and Magdalene are married just before the assault.

During the fight, Huxley is wounded, and John must take over temporary command, though not entitled by rank to do so. He does so, giving the orders that bring victory. He then turns over command to the senior unwounded general, and leads a squad invading the Prophet's private quarters. They find that he has been messily killed by his own Virgins.

Footnotes

References

# cite journal
author=Bill Patterson
url = http://www.heinleinsociety.org/rah/works/novels/ifthisogoeson.html
title = A Study of ‘If This Goes On—’ | journal=The Heinlein Journal
issue=7 | year=2000