"This Code is the friendly ancient wisdom of Scanners, briefly put that we may be mindful and be cheered by our loyalty to one another." At this point the formula should have run: "We complete the Code. Is there work or word for the Scanners?" But Vomact said, and he repeated: "Top emergency. Top emergency." They gave him the sign, _Present and ready!_ He said, with every eye straining to follow his lips: "Some of you know the work of Adam Stone?" Martel saw lips move, saying: "The Red Asteroid. The Other who lives at the edge of Space." "Adam Stone has gone to the Instrumentality, claiming success for his work. He says that he has found how to Screen Out the Pain of Space. He says that the Up-and-Out can be made safe for ordinary men to work in, to stay awake in. He says that there need be no more Scanners." Beltlights flashed on all over the room as Scanners sought the right to speak. Vomact nodded to one of the older men. "Scanner Smith will speak." Smith stepped slowly up into the light, watching his own feet. He turned so that they could see his face. He spoke: "I say that this is a lie. I say that Stone is a liar. I say that the Instrumentality must not be deceived." He paused. Then, in answer to some question from the audience which most of the others did not see, he said: "I invoke the secret duty of the Scanners." Smith raised his right hand for Emergency Attention: "I say that Stone must die." 3 Martel, still cranched, shuddered as he heard the boos, groans, shouts, squeaks, grunts and moans which came from the Scanners who forgot noise in their excitement and strove to make their dead bodies talk to one another's deaf ears. Beltlights flashed wildly all over the room. There was a rush for the rostrum and Scanners milled around at the top, vying for attention until Parizianski--by sheer bulk--shoved the others aside and down, and turned to mouth at the group. "Brother Scanners, I want your eyes." The people on the floor kept moving, with their numb bodies jostling one another. Finally Vomact stepped up in front of Parizianski, faced the others, and said: "Scanners, be Scanners! Give him your eyes." Parizianski was not good at public speaking. His lips moved too fast. He waved his hands, which took the eyes of the others away from his lips. Nevertheless, Martel was able to follow most of the message: