Robert Heinlein's "Successful Operation" aka "Heil!": Fate of a dictator

This rather short story appears to be modeled after Hitler's Germany.

Dictator at the heart of the story is simply referred to as The Leader. There are concentration camps for people of a certain religious faith - though faith itself is not named. And the country is lovingly referred to as "Fatherland".

Story summary.
The Leader is suffering from a fatal illness of pituitary gland - a pea-sized organ attached to bottom of the brain that is involved in regulation of a variety of biological activities, including growth, water retention, digestion, sexual reproduction, blood pressure, & others.

Technology is available for transplant of the gland from a human donor. Samuel, a concentration camp detainee, is "chosen" as a donor - his healthy gland will be exchanged with Leader's dying one - in exchange for Samuel's freedom.

But there is a glitch. Dr Lans, the only surgeon capable of performing the surgery, is also in concentration camp - along with his wife Emma & daughter Rose. A deal is negotiated: Dr Lans, Emma & Rose will be freed & transported to a foreign land, their money confiscated by state will be returned as gold, & operation will also happen on foreign shores.

Just a little after successful operation, Dr Lans discovers that both Samuel & Leader have been moved to original country. He is feeling sorry that Samuel was cheated.

Last scene is kind of anticlimax that made me recall Arthur Clarke's "Exile of the Eons". Leader opens his eyes & finds himself in a dungeon. Trying to order guards around results in beatings. Looks like someone else has taken over power, & Leader stands deposed!

Fact sheet.
Successful Operation, short story, review
Also published under the title: "Heil!" under pseudonym "Lyle Monroe"
Author: Robert A Heinlein
First published: 1940
Rating: B
List of publications containing this story.

Note: Moved here from original location on Aug 6, 2007. Reason.