Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction March 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
Manners of the Age
By H. B. FYFE
Illustrated by MARCHETTI
With everyone gone elsewhere, Earth was perfect for graciousliving—only there was nothing gracious about it!
he red tennis robot scooted desperately across the court, its fourwide-set wheels squealing. For a moment, Robert's hard-hit passingshot seemed to have scored. Then, at the last instant, the robotwhipped around its single racket-equipped arm. Robert sprawledheadlong in a futile lunge at the return.
"Game and set to Red Three," announced the referee box from its highstation above the net.
"Ah, shut up!" growled Robert, and flung down his racket for one ofthe white serving robots to retrieve.
"Yes, Robert," agreed the voice. "Will Robert continue to play?"Interpreting the man's savage mumble as a negative, it told hisopponent, "Return to your stall, Red Three!"
Robert strode off wordlessly toward the house. Reaching thehundred-foot-square swimming pool, he hesitated uncertainly.
"Weather's so damned hot," he muttered. "Why didn't the old-timescientists find out how to do something about that while there werestill enough people on Earth to manage it?"
He stripped off his damp clothing and dropped it on the "beach" ofwhite sand. Behind him sounded the steps of a humanoid serving robot,hastening to pick it up. Robert plunged deep into the cooling waterand let himself float lazily to the surface.
Maybe they did, he thought. I could send a robot over to the old citylibrary for information. Still, actually doing anything would probablytake the resources of a good many persons—and it isn't so easy tofind people now that Earth is practically deserted.
He rolled sideward for a breath and began to swim slowly for theopposite side of the pool, reflecting upon the curious culture of theplanet. Although he had accepted this all his life, it really wasremarkable how the original home of the human race had been forsakenfor fresher worlds among the stars. Or was it more remarkable that afew individuals had asserted their independence by remaining?
Robert was aware that the decision involved few difficulties,considering the wealth of robots and other automatic machines. Heregretted knowing so few humans, though they were really notnecessary. If not for his hobby of televising, he would probably notknow any at all.
"Wonder how far past the old city I'd have to go to meet someone inperson," he murmured as he pulled himself from the pool. "Maybe Iought to try accepting that televised invitation of the other night."
everal dark usuform robots were smoothing the sand on this beachunder the direction of a blue humanoid supervisor. Watching them idly,