"Don't ask why--that is no longer important. We cannot question what is fundamental to all our operations, the factor present in every formula we must work. Our mechanoid civilization is gigantic, by your standards, but it is flawless. Once set in motion, such a system is impenetrable. All individuals are their allotted part of the entirety, no more, no less. It is beautiful concept, you'll agree?" "You must get terribly bored," Sethos said humorlessly. "That word has no meaning for us. Now--do you request therapy?" Sethos was startled. He had expected the question, and knew there was little point in refusing. Yet he hesitated. The desire to learn was strong. Before he could reply, a door opened and another mechanoid rolled in. "You didn't whistle, Mr. First," said Mr. Third to the newcomer. "Something on your mind?" Sethos noted that they spoke aloud for his benefit. He inhaled reflectively of his cigarette. "A mutual friend of ours is here," said the first level prime. "The one we've been expecting?" asked Mr. Third. "That's right. I see you have a young fellow here--out walking?" Sethos nodded, wondering what visitor they could have. Perhaps a mechanoid from another continent--but still such a mechanoid would be in perpetual contact anyway. "Good--come along. It'll save the gentleman some time. He's looking for this sort of thing." "Save him some time! He's in a hurry?" interrupted Sethos. "For this man, time is very important," said Mr. First gravely. "Where is he now?" asked Third. "In my office, studying the vocabulary. Shall we go over?" More curious than ever, Sethos followed the mechanoids down the corridor to a slide. Holding the rail, he felt the car surge through its shaft at a tremendous speed. * * * * * They emerged into the first level office. Two other first level mechanoids sat reading formulated material, while near the center stood a tall man, his eyes on a page of printed matter in his hands. He had no hair, and wore only a simple gray cloak over a white, loose-fitting one-piece suit. Sethos regarded his graceful appearance and sophisticated demeanor. "Hello," he said, looking up. "I am Hol." Sethos nodded cautiously. "My name is Sethos." For a moment, Hol looked at the two Mr. Firsts reading, then at the one standing. There seemed to be some sort of communication between them. Then he spoke again. "Are you discontented with your culture?" "Of course. I don't believe man's curiosity should be restricted." "I see. What do you propose in this case?" Sethos was perplexed. He had not dreamed of a possible solution. But perhaps there was one! "I don't know. If mechanoid control could be removed, I think humans would expand over all the planet. Then they could progress by themselves." "Do you think they can?" "What do you mean?" "Do you think humans can progress further--without mechanoids?"