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something to happen. It is rumored that certain of the Advanced Sectors use neither scanners nor communicators (blinded by their own satori, as the saying goes). In the subdistrict such total isolation would be unthinkable. Most residents are satisfied with the empty aisles. They would be lost without the squat lead-covered power units and accompanying trio of deHartzman Communicators, radar domes aglow and multi-frequency channel finders blinking like beacons.
    In Aisle B, Obu Itubi consults the memory-file Index, looking for a recent program on spiders. He is interested in the dynamics of web construction and anticipates the pleasures of spinning silk and weaving intricate patterns. The warning tone of a deHartzman Communicator interrupts his quiet study.
    ATTENTION … THERE IS A TOP-PRIORITY INCOMING COMMUNICATION ORIGINATING FROM CENTER CONTROL … ALL CIRCUTS WILL OPEN AUTOMATICALLY IN TEN SECONDS … STAND BY …
    Itubi thinks of herald trumpets; ten seconds for proper spiritual attitudes, the attentive acolyte awaits the go-ahead signal. BEEP …
    Hello.
    GOOD MORNING, B-0489, WE TRUST THAT YOU SPENT A PEACEFUL NIGHT AND HAVE ALL YOUR THOUGHTS IN HARMONY.
    Everything is as I would wish it.
    GOOD. WE ARE COMMUNICATING WITH YOU, B-0489, TO ANNOUNCE THAT YOUR PRESENT AUDITO HAS BEEN ELEVATED TO 64 DEGREES OF UNDERSTANDING AND TRANSFERRED TO LEVEL III. WE ARE SURE YOU WILL CELEBRATE HIS SUCCESS JOYFULLY.
    The Wise Man learns the Way by following the path of those who have gone before.
    YES, BUT THE WISE MAN MUST ALSO REMEMBER THAT THERE EXISTS FOR HIM BUT ONE PATH WHICH IS TRUE. ADMIRATION FOR OTHERS NEVER MISLEADS THE WISE MAN INTO TAKING A WRONG TURN. B-0489, YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A NEW AUDITOR. HE HAS SPENT SEVERAL WEEKS STUDYING YOUR FILES, AND RATHER THAN WASTE TIME WITH FURTHER FORMALITIES LET US CONNECT YOU WITH HIM IMMEDIATELY.
    All greetings, B-0489, before we begin, are there any questions you would like to ask?
    It is the fool who speaks; the Wise Man listens.
    Very true, B-0489, so if you’ll listen now, I’ll simplify the introductions. My files are on record in the memory bank, code key Y41-AK9(397-00-55).I invite your investigation of them at any time. That should satisfy all social obligations.
    Yes.
    Then let’s get down to business. If it agrees with you, we’ll maintain the same auditing schedule you had in the past. My predecessor made a practice of infrequent communication —
    To permit independent study and encourage—
    We shall abandon that practice. The auditing schedule will be followed exactly. Sessions begin promptly. Any time lapse will result in additional assignments. Do you understand?
    Yes.
    Good. Before we end transmission, I’d like to clear up a few points with you. First, I notice you’ve been programming memory-bank files almost at random. There is no logic to your selections. You don’t seem to follow any regular pattern of study. Six months ago you spent your time listening to music; recently you only screen files dealing with insect behavior. Is there a reason for this?
    The Wise Man strives to keep an open mind, and—
    You can save the doubletalk! I don’t care to hear your clever explanations. I want you to know that further erratic behavior will not be tolerated. The memory bank is not a frivolous plaything designed for your personal amusement. You forget, B-0489, you’re no longer a famous artist. All that is gone forever. You are simply a resident cerebromorph on file in the lowest level of the Depository System. Learn to function within the System. One of the obligations of your category is to obey all social regulations faithfully. One cannot possibly hope to shed the illusions of identity without first accepting the responsibility of society.
    Thank you for reminding me. The Voyager into the Unknown frequently loses his way.
    B-0489, I compliment you on your flattery. It undoubtedly impresses Center Control and puts you in good favor with the authorities. But let