"Dr. Lee, I'm afraid we have a bit of bad news for you--your test--the results have been negative. You have failed." "Failed?" For a fraction of a second Lee's heart stopped beating. "In what sense? And what does that mean?" Now it was Mellish's turn. "Dr. Lee, there must be frankness amongst colleagues and as a fellow scientist you'll understand. In the first place the decision isn't ours; we merely conduct the test on behalf of The Brain. The Brain, as you know, is the most highly developed machine in all the world. Its functions, its whole existence depend entirely upon the human skills and the human loyalties amongst its staff. A three-billion-dollar investment, plus the vital role of The Brain in our national defence, justify the extreme precautions which we are forced to take for its protection." "What exactly are you driving at?" "Please don't take it as an insult," now it was Bondy again. "There's nothing personal in this. It's merely that your emotional-reaction chart definitely shows a certain antagonism which from childhood-experience and war-experience you have built up against technology. It's nothing but a potential; it is confined to your subconscious. But even a potential danger of subconscious revolt is more than The Brain can risk amongst its associates. We fully appreciate the wish of our Dr. Scriven to enlist your very valuable aid, but...." "I see" Lee interrupted, "but you would feel safer if I were to return to Australia by the next plane." His head bent under the blow. A short 24 hours ago The Brain had been a nebulous, almost a non-existent thing. Since then a whole new world had been opened to him in revelations blinding and magnetic with infinite possibilities. His work--the efforts of a lifetime--would not equal what he could do in days with the aid of The Brain. His love--he would never see Oona Dahlborg again as he left under a shadow, rejected by The Brain. "Sorry I wasted so much of your time," he said aloud. "I do not believe in this analysis; I cannot disprove it though. That's all, I guess; I better be going now." "Here's your pass, Dr. Lee." He took mechanically the yellow slip which Bondy handed him.... He had already opened the door when somebody sharply called: "Dr. Lee, one moment please." He whirled around. "Yes?" "Will you please read what's written on your slip?" Suspiciously he looked at the yellow paper; what more torture were these fellows going to inflict? Then his eyes popped as he read: "Lee, Semper Fidelis, 39: Cortex capacity 119%, Sensitivity 208%, Personality integration 95%, Service qualification 100%...." There were more data, but he didn't read them as wide-eyed he stared at the medics. With their faces beaming they looked like identical twins to him; Lee never knew who said the words: "Congratulations Lee. That has been your last test. We just had to find out how you would take a serious frustration. You've passed it with flying colors. Shake." CHAPTER IV