Synopsis

A man goes to a party and meets a unicorn. He is told that the unicorn doesn’t actually exist. When he asks for an explanation, the unicorn tells and shows him Univac.

History

First publication: The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, June 1965

Second place in a short story contest by the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.

Review

Both stories in the contest were very good. Lehrman took the traditional fantasy approach, Benford took a more modern, urban fantasy, approach.I do like Benford’s story better of the two contest winners. It is extremely short but has a good style and a good ending. I also like that mixing of science fiction, fantasy, mythology and contemporary society.