Terrible standardization. Mass production and mass consumption had become possible only because of complete unity of common desires and tastes. Individuals were no more. Beneath the rigid unchange of World Brain there had been a final leveling-off. The whole system was mechanical like its electronic dictator. Frightened by another possible atomic war under unreliable human agency, they had established fool-proof laws, then subjected themselves and the laws to a machine dictator that could never alter them. Suicide.
The Worldcity was beautiful and magnificent, even without the available atomic power. Towering synthetic buildings, their block-square bases pierced by wide tiered boulevards. There were many people packing the boulevards. Dull-eyed, listless, uninterested. Without their free-associative minds, they were not even beasts.
“It’s about time,” said Frances softly, leaning toward him. “Are you ready? It’s a big job.”
Roland sat next to her on a deep couch, her shoulder touching his. He wanted the contact to remain as long as possible. She broke the contact several times, but renewed it. He was grateful. She had called him “dear” twice.
“I’ve already told him he might not come back,” said Berti. “It’s dangerous. The Martians’ new rapport-clan are difficult. And the destruction when World Brain stops will be terrific. The Martians will immediately jump in and try to knock out Earth as soon as they see World Brain go. If they don’t get you first. As soon as we take over the atomic laboratories, our first job will be to blow up the Martian’s Moon bases. It’s a risky business.”
“You’ll be safe,” Frances said. “You’re not afraid, are you, Rolly?”
“Not too much,” answered Roland.
“You have three dangers. The Martians. The plastico-mechanical men. And the ultrasonic field. The last you’re prepared for. The Martians might get you. The plastic men ... you might have trouble with them.”
“They’re one-track, highly specialized,” said Berti, studying Roland with a quizzical, unwavering stare. “Anything that blocks their specialized assignments they’ll push aside. They have no conception of violence as such. It’s just a means to carry through their fixed patterns of behavior.”
“If you’re waiting for my decision,” said Roland, “you know it. I couldn’t be any different. I’m human. Humanity means more to me than my own life.”