Page:World Without Men (HT osu.32435053364535).pdf/167

telling you things which some of you, perhaps most of you, have only vaguely suspected. As trusted government servants you already know more than the rest of womankind. You know the true secret of induced parthenogenesis, and you probably realize why we propagate the belief that parthenogenesis is largely of natural origin. It is all part of the syndrome, part of the mechanism which ensures a stable society. But I have hinted at a greater control, a firmer grasp on human affairs. Don't let it surprise you. Human affairs are no longer human; they are predicted and conducted by efficient electronic brains. The world brain network is always right. It is immensely wise and it never makes a mistake."

Cordelia ventured to speak again. It was the only way of relieving the anxiety that was building up in her mind. "All this is most interesting, Mistress, but what has it to do with test four-six-five." She felt ashamed of herself for referring to her baby by the official label, but the words were uttered and could not be recalled. She glanced towards the crib. The child was awake, and kicking with small wrinkled legs, and possibly crying, but no sound could penetrate the sealed plastic walls of the enclosure. At all events test four-six-five was a reality, and there was little anyone could do about it, even an electronic brain.

"Test four-six-five must be destroyed," said the Mistress crisply.

A multiple gasp quivered momentarily in the air as the audience reacted to the edict. Cordelia found herself suddenly chilled and shaking, but the feeling passed quickly, and anger took its place.

"Did you say destroyed?" she enquired icily.

The Mistress's eyes noted with a slight flicker the defiant note in Cordelia's voice. She smiled and her lips curved into benevolent charm.

"That is the final decision of the world brain. Believe me,