A NOVELET
They weren't robots, even though people calledthem that; they were androids and they wantedto be treated as rational beings. What?—screamedhumans—treat machines as equals?
Even if the "survival of the fittest" theory (graftedonto Darwinism by popularizers) is a good one, it's stilla matter of hindsight, and not a case of deciding in advancewhich or who ought to survive. However, does this stumpour hero, our indefatigable human being? The answer isa hearty, if somewhat delusionary, NO! Whether it's America,Russia, China, Lower Slobovia, it's just plain understoodthat "we are the most fit to survive; therefore we will!"
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Science Fiction Quarterly November 1951.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Don stepped into the small inner laboratory and closed the doorquickly, unseen latches automatically clicking into place and a lowhum denoting that the lethal field on the other side would burn anynon-metallic object entering its range to a crisp.
He turned wonderingly to the three men watching him. Dr. Stone, hissuperior, a tall, stooped figure dejectedly standing to one side, handsclasped behind him. The other two were strangers, one an Army generaland the other, by far the most cheerful in appearance, nattily attiredin a trim business suit.
"I'm sorry that I took so long," he apologized to Stone. "I've beenexamining some of the records found in the caves uncovered in Mexico,sir."
"What's this about caves?" demanded the General, a scowl on hisheavy-jowled face.
Dr. Stone turned from the eager Don to explain politely. "We have ateam digging in ancient ruins in Mexico, General. They've uncoveredperfectly sealed caves and tunnels that we at first thought were Incan.However, it has since been found that they are lined with an alloywhich has proven impervious to any type radiation. That, plus the factthat printed records are now being upturned, points to a superiorscience."
"Were any weapons or machines uncovered?" the military man asked,avidly.
"None. Our men are carefully sifting a history, however, after findingseveral mysterious references to a death ray against which no defenseexisted." The doctor turned to Don again and asked, "Are the protoplasmtanks all right?"
"Yes sir. Several of the roboes are watching now. Sometimes I thinkthat they know as much about it as I do."
The general swelled up and opened tight-pressed lips but his companionheld up a hand, smiling at Dr. Stone. The latter cleared his throat,frowning as he said, "You may be more right than you think, Donald."
Donald looked quickly, seeing that his superior was not joking. "Idon't understand, sir; what do you mean?"
"How long would it take completely to destroy the tanks?"
Dumbfounded, Don blurted, "Destroy the tanks after the months ofculture, Dr. Stone! Why, why...."
The civilian came to his feet quickly and came to the bewildered andindignant Don, saying kindly, "I know how you feel, son. However, thefuture of the peoples of the world may be at stake."
"But the roboes perform tasks in the radioactive fields that humansfind impossible. They...."
The other placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know. They can withstandradiation deadly to humans, correct?"
Don nodded his head and the civilian continued. "Before we go anyfurther, Donald, perhaps identification would be in order." He turnedto the general, now standing. "This is General Adams."