Synopsis

No weapon has ever been frightful enough to put a stop to war—perhaps because we never before had any that thought for themselves!

History

First publication: Galaxy, January 1953

Later expanded to become The Penultimate Truth.

Review

World War Three started and man moved underground, both the U.S. and Soviet Union. Robots were created and tasked with being on the surface to continue the war. Eight years later a small group of Americans decide something isn’t right and they go up to the surface to see for themselves.

SPOILERS: This is an anti-war story where war is seen as illogical, so the robots just don’t keep fighting and destroying. But they go farther and lie to the people underground, all while planning for the day when we let go of war and live as one society. We once again have the theme of robots taking control of things, but unlike The Gun, they don’t destroy all life. Instead they control everyone for our own good. We become controlled by our technology.

The story makes a good point, so from the idea standpoint this is an excellent story. I think the characterization and the situation are developed well enough for a novelette. But the ending comes too quick and easy, which makes the story a bit weak. Still enjoyable.