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The Stutterer
Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.
50 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 1, 2026
In The Year of Our Lord Common Era, on the Planet Grismet, one of 8 thousand planets of the Terran Empire, there has been a War.
And created for this war were 20 Military Robots. Machines made of a new Alloy called Permillium, which is literally an Indestructible Substance. And not only are the Robot built of this substance indestructible, they are Immortal.
But are They Human? Or are they just Mindless Machines?
And does Flesh and Blood Humanity have a Compasionate Heart?
Humans want to be rid of these Indestructable Machines of Primitive Human Wars, but how is this to be done.
This then is the debate at the Centre of This Story.
Fans of the Star Trek TNG episode "The Measure of the Man", (season 2, episode 9), will like this story.
The essence of the story is put forth by Tom Jordan of the Galactic Detection Agency:
" "I did it because it was the only decent thing to do."
"I see," the chief said. "You did it because you have a heart." He leaned suddenly forward, both hands on his desk. "It's good for a man to have a heart and be compassionate. He's not worth anything if he isn't. But"—and he shook his finger at Jordan as he spoke—"that man is going to be compassionate at his own expense, not at the expense of the agency. Do you understand that?"
"I certainly do," Jordan answered, "but you have me wrong if you think I'm here to make excuses or to apologize....." "
As to what Tom Jordan actually did, well....NO SPOILERS HERE......you have to read the story.
And it's a Recommended Read for Humans with a Heart.
Also, it's fun to note that "Atomic Piles" which are considered a "Safe form of Electricity Generation" are all over the place on Earth. Even in People's Backyards! Hmmm......
And created for this war were 20 Military Robots. Machines made of a new Alloy called Permillium, which is literally an Indestructible Substance. And not only are the Robot built of this substance indestructible, they are Immortal.
But are They Human? Or are they just Mindless Machines?
And does Flesh and Blood Humanity have a Compasionate Heart?
Humans want to be rid of these Indestructable Machines of Primitive Human Wars, but how is this to be done.
This then is the debate at the Centre of This Story.
Fans of the Star Trek TNG episode "The Measure of the Man", (season 2, episode 9), will like this story.
The essence of the story is put forth by Tom Jordan of the Galactic Detection Agency:
" "I did it because it was the only decent thing to do."
"I see," the chief said. "You did it because you have a heart." He leaned suddenly forward, both hands on his desk. "It's good for a man to have a heart and be compassionate. He's not worth anything if he isn't. But"—and he shook his finger at Jordan as he spoke—"that man is going to be compassionate at his own expense, not at the expense of the agency. Do you understand that?"
"I certainly do," Jordan answered, "but you have me wrong if you think I'm here to make excuses or to apologize....." "
As to what Tom Jordan actually did, well....NO SPOILERS HERE......you have to read the story.
And it's a Recommended Read for Humans with a Heart.
Also, it's fun to note that "Atomic Piles" which are considered a "Safe form of Electricity Generation" are all over the place on Earth. Even in People's Backyards! Hmmm......
May 9, 2022
In this short science fiction story, an intelligent robot tries to escape from the military forces of Earth because they are searching to destroy him and his fellow robots. Here, we witness the subtle theme of what it means to be human.
I found this short story to be well-written with a dénouement that left me thinking about artificial intelligence and humanity.
First published in Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine in 1955.
🟣Kindle version.
I found this short story to be well-written with a dénouement that left me thinking about artificial intelligence and humanity.
First published in Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine in 1955.
🟣Kindle version.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews