Читать книгу The Science Fiction Anthology онлайн

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“Come with me,” said Crandon.

He led the way along the narrow balcony to another door, then down a steep flight of stairs. He opened a door at the bottom, and Don saw what must have been the world’s largest computing machine.

“This is our answer,” said Crandon. “Oh, rather, it’s the tool by which we find our answer. For two centuries we have been working on the newest of the sciences—that of human motivation. Soon we will be ready to put some of our new knowledge to work. But you are right in one respect, we are working now against time. We must hurry if we are to save our civilization. That’s why you are here. We have work for you to do. Will you join us, Don?”

“But why the hocus-pocus?” asked Don. “Why do you hide behind such a weird front as POSAT? Why do you advertise in magazines and invite just anyone to join? Why didn’t you approach me directly, if you have work for me to do? And if you really have the answers to our problems, why haven’t you gathered together all the scientists in the world to work on this project—before it’s too late?”