"How many are aboard and what are they?" Palanth inquired. "I hope they're Internationals!"
"I don't know the figures, Palanth, but I'm certain at least ninety percent are Internationals. I do know at least five hundred scientists of various categories are aboard. They'll be the first to be awakened from sleep-freeze, for at journey's end, they take charge."
"And who's going to give them the antidote?" Mark asked silkily.
"Robots, timed to administer it the moment we land on Europa. They have orders to direct resettlement without interfering too much—and of course, they are the eyes and ears of the Council; they are the only ones who have the necessary equipment for interplanetary communication, as you'll find out!"
"I think they need a long, long rest, don't you Palanth?" Mark was smiling.
"Indeed, O protector of the martyred!" Palanth exclaimed grandiloquently. "They must be tired, very tired ... of anything but sleep!"
"I've never seen these robots," Mark Lynn thought aloud. "Are there many, Doctor Fortun?"
"Approximately fifty—more than necessary, but they're to be used on landing by the scientists. These robots, Mark, are humanoid in their mental processes, able to perform tasks too difficult for human beings, especially in the mathematical field. They are created secretly, for the peoples of the World State must not know of their invention—there would be no need for labor if they were to be produced in sufficient numbers; production of necessities and luxuries could be increased a thousand fold, and ... it would destroy the present social philosophy of the World State. It would remove the credo of achievement, it would abolish the standards of rigid thrift and conservation in a world of undreamed plenty, and finally, with robots able to solve the most intricate problems the absolute need for guidance would be neutralized.
"The Supreme Council had these robots built for their exclusive use. Only one thousand exist, we've been allotted fifty because Europa's been acknowledged as a major achievement."
"Can they be neutralized—the robots, I mean?" Mark was thinking at a furious pace.