MARVIN

By

Geoff O'Callaghan

Ch.1

TEXAS Sunday 09.00

GENERAL RHODON felt uneasy looking at the gigantic soldier standing at attention in front of him. The man looked steadily over the general's head.

"You're sure he's ready for this?" he asked Doctor Morrison, who stood by.

"Marvin's as ready as he'll ever be," the doctor affirmed.

"The President wants this test to be successful. He told me personally, that 'M.A.R.V.I.N.' is the most important project since 'Starwars'. Those senators want to cut our budget, but I got the word of the President. He said, 'M.A.R.V.I.N. must survive.' We need it." The general poked the soldier in the midriff, gently. "Just make sure nothing interferes with gaining that objective and destroying it in the quickest possible time," he said.

STATUS - General - rank superior to Captain - orders have priority.

ORDER STATUS - Objective to be achieved and target destroyed soonest.

FILE INFORMATION - President of the United States affirms M.A.R.V.I.N. must survive.

"Yes, Sir," The man said evenly.

The general moved away and stood with the officers while Marvin rejoined the squad.

"Gentlemen," Rhodon announced. "M.A.R.V.I.N. stands for 'Military Attack Robot Version One N'. We have spent a fortune perfecting this cybernaut. Our first model, as you may recall, had to be destroyed. It was too small and imature for a military role - had a penchant for baseball and ice-cream, and never seemed to me to be destined for success. This robot has no such frills. It is a mean, efficient, killer. It will be controlled by Captain Enwright, who has under his command, a hand-picked platoon of Special Tactical Commandos - the best soldiers we have. Marvin will operate within that team, and will obey all orders of Captain Enwright, as he tries to sneak up on the enemy pillbox and destroy it. All yours, Captain."

The Captain talked quietly to the men in his platoon. "As soon as the starting gun is fired, we shall move up that small ravine, undetected by the tanks, and avoid the sentries surounding the pillbox. Once we've got into position, Marvin will be sent in to destroy the target. You've all been briefed. Ready."

The observers noted a short altercation between Marvin and the Captain.

"Wonder what that is about," Rhodon mused, aloud.

The flare gun was fired. Without hesitation, Marvin hosed the squad with machine gun fire, killing them all. He grabbed the missile launcher A.T. from the body of the soldier who was carrying it, and fired at the waiting tanks with startling rapidity. They exploded one after the other as he let loose shot after shot. Some of the onlookers tried to stop him, reaching for weapons and firing at him. He raked their position and they hit the dirt.

"He's gone berserk!" Rhodon yelled at the luckless doctor.

They poked their heads over the protecting wall in time to see Marvin running at full speed towards the pillbox, which directed a steady stream of fire at him. He dodged and skipped, always moving out of the way of the deadly hail of lead. Suddenly, he stopped and fired his one remaining A.T. Missile. It sped uneeringly towards the pillbox and went through the small gunslit. The fortification exploded with a roar of flame and smoke.

There was silence as the smoke cleared. Rhodon and the surviving officers hugged the dirt as if terrified to look once more on the carnage they had just witnesed. Of Marvin, there was no sign. Suddenly, Rhodon became aware of a huge pair of shining boots standing beside him. He looked up into the smooth, expressionless face of Marvin.

"The target was destroyed in the fastest possible time, as you ordered, General. All opposition to your command was eliminated."

Rhodon staggered to his feet and held his head in his hands in horror. He looked at the carnage, the smoke, and the bodies of the dead and injured troops.

"Oh, shit." he muttered.

WISCONSIN Sunday 10.00

Robbie looked out of the panoramic window across the beautiful lake. He was satisfied with the bedroom. George had spent a lot of time with him, explaining Aesthetics. The boy would have been quite satisfied with a simple bunk, a terminal, and a comfortable chair, but the room pleased George and Margaret, and that was what mattered most.

They had had to leave Lakeville. Rhodon had pursued Robbie with the eagerness of a ferret. At first, there was simple surveilance of the Nicholson's house. It was easy to spot. Then Lakeville was followed to school. Margaret was upset.

"I know they're after you, Robbie. George doesn't know what to do, either. He's thinking of contacting Howard, but that would raise all sorts of questions."

Robbie paused for a moment, and gave the vehicle a quick scan. He noted the vehicle had local licence plates, so as to blend in with all the other vehicles on the street. It was a possibility they carried no agent identification.

"I'll fix them, Margaret," Robbie said cheerfully. "Just get in the car and go home as if nothing has happened." He walked quickly to the computer science room and sat at a terminal equipped with a modem. He smiled as he touched the keyboard. A few minutes later, the sound of sirens could be heard as police closed in on the men in the black sedan.

"I just put them onto the list of ten most wanted men in the country and told the database they were impersonating security agents, with false I.D. badges and cards. It's the same technique Rhodon used when he was hunting Doctor Stawell and me. It'll take the local police hours to establish that Rhodon's organisation exists," Robbie explained nonchalantly.

The surveillance was to be repeated, but Robbie had been prepared. With George's help, he installed a modem and computer in the house and monitored all of Rhodon's transmissions. The surveillance team was given the wrong information. Then Robbie went for Rhodon. The general went through a series of IRS audits, the loss of his credit rating, disappearance of his bank account, and non-payment of salary before he woke up to what was happening.

"That little bastard!" he swore, as he tore open his pay-slip envelope to find another set of zeros staring at him.

The duty officer was startled, but when the next envelope hit Rhodon's table, the general went purple.

"Alaska! I've been transferred to Alaska! Who ordered this? Don't they know what I'm involved with?"

He had stomped down to the nearest terminal and sent out a bulletin to all his agents. "The target has become dangerous. Terminate immediately."

For a moment, he sat gloating at the screen, until the message changed before his eyes to read, "General Rhodon has become a major security risk. National interest requires his immediate termination. Shoot on sight."

He began to sweat with fear. "Cancel that bulletin!" he typed. It vanished off the screen.

He sat looking at it for a while, thinking. Then he typed again. "Robbie, is that you?"

"Yes, General."

He thought again for a moment. Entry into the ROBCOM computers was impossible - to anyone, but Robbie had hacked his way into the system. He could control all aspects of the General's life - a real Big Brother. He didn't want a computer war with the boy. Not yet. He had to buy time.

"O.K. Robbie, You win," he typed.

The screen blanked momentarily, then a set of demands appeared:

"You will leave us alone. There will be no surveilance of the Nicholson's, or of myself. As far as you are concerned, I do not exist. I was destroyed in the explosion. Your credit rating, funds, and salary will be restored, and I will not interfere with any computer database which is involved with processing you. I shall maintain surveilance to see that you keep your side of the bargain. Is this agreed?"

Rhodon had felt angry at first, but that soon passed. He entered one more bargaining point: "You will also agree not to initiate any investigation of myself or of my involvement with ROBCOM."

"Agreed. I do not seek any revenge."

"Then I agree to your demands, Robbie."

"Agreement accepted and logged. All references to your conduct have been removed from all databases and stored securely. These references shall re-appear prominently, should I be terminated through any action of yours. That shall be my guarantee that you shall honour this agreement."

"Agreed."

The screen again went blank and was replaced with the standard entry format. Rhodon sighed and stood up. At last, R.O.B.B.I.E. (Robot Boy Intelligent Entity) was dead - as far as he was concerned.

-0-

They had moved from Lakeville. It was not easy, but Robbie helped in every way that he could. At first, George had been unhappy about the way Robbie arranged the financial aspects.

"It isn't stealing, George. You take out a legitimate bank loan, and invest it with my advice. I play the stockmarket for you, and with my knowledge, you make a very tidy profit. That sets you up in the investment advice business, or into architecture and construction. We move up North to an unknown location, and I arrange things so that we are secure."

"It just doesn't seem honest, Robbie."

"George - just keep it from Margaret, please."

"Yeah. She wants a kid, remember?"

"It is very reassuring to know that you understand the real position, George. I would not want to disillusion her. She needs to believe she is caring for a child.

George had left matters to Robbie, and they kept up the illusion of normal family life. It hadn't always been easy.

The 'phone rang, interrupting Robbie's resume of memories, and his observation of the surounding countryside. He picked it up and held it to his ear.

TEXAS Sunday 12.00 hours

He sat watching the screen as the action was replayed to him. The handcuffs irritated him, but the Doctor had asked him to wear them.

"They are frightened of you, Marvin. It will help to re-assure them," he had said.

The screen blanked, and he turned to face them.

"Why did you open fire on your platoon?" Rhodon asked.

"I suggested to the captain that I should be permitted to attack alone, from the beginning. He refused to sanction that action."

"But why kill them?"

"They would have delayed me. On your orders, I was to destroy the target in the shortest possible time."

"My orders?"

The screen came alive again. The General's face could be seen as he said: "Just make sure that nothing interferes with gaining that objective and destroying it in the quickest possible time."

Doctor Morrison groaned. "Oh, No. He took you literally."

"I thought this version was supposed to be smart?" Rhodon snorted derisively.

"He is. Surely he could have detected the nuances of what you said. Marvin, why did you put so much weight on the General's comments?"

"Because he stated that the president thought this program was the most important thing since Starwars, and was very anxious that it should succeed. With pressure from the senate to cut funds, and with the strong pressures to succeed, I took the optimum path to success. The human, Captain Enwright, was given the opportunity to assist, but refused. He gave me orders which were inconsistent with the mission profile. After all, it was not Enwright who was on test, but me. I saw no reason to fail through his stupidity."

There was a tense silence in the video screening caravan attached to the test site.

Rhodon drew a deep breath. "What a way to prove yourself. He's right, of course. Unfortunately, we can't hush this incident up. It looks like we succeeded too well. This damn thing has no emotions at all. It's psychotic."

He opened the caravan door and called back over his shoulder: "Put it down as a computer malfunction. Destroy this model, and get the next version on line as fast as you can. I don't want a foul up, Morrison."

He had gone about a dozen paces, when there was a tremendous crash behind him. He turned to look at the caravan, and its door was torn from the hinges. Marvin stood there, his manacles had been torn apart by sheer strength. He tossed out the bodies of the two security guards, and Morrison, then made a run for the General. Two soldiers standing nearby opened fire, but stopped as Marvin lifted Rhodon off his feet to use him as a shield.

There was immediate alarm as Marvin ran with the General towards a helicopter. Marvin threw Rhodon inside, and followed hard on. With lightning speed, he hit out at various switches. The machine thundered into life. A soldier reached through the side door at him. Marvin's fist flashed out, catching the soldier in the face, and snatching his automatic weapon as if with one movement. He fired at the advancing troops with his left arm, then dragged the general across his body to shield himself.

The machine lurched, and became airborne. It was about eighteen feet off the ground, when Rhodon's body was tossed out, and hit the dirt with a sickening thud.

The men kept up a steady stream of fire towards the helicopter, but it was armoured against light weaponry. Marvin consulted the compass and fuel gage, then began to fly Northwards.

Men clustered around Rhodon. "Get an ambulance. He's still alive!" one of them yelled. As the military ambulance arrived, other helicopters were being scrambled in an attempt to cut off Marvin's escape.

CHICAGO 12.05

Doctor Helen Long leaned back in her executive chair and smiled contentedly. "Robbie?" she asked, confirming that he was on the line. "We've got the contract for the unmanned fighter aircraft. You knew. It was on a pentagon word processor - very careless of them. I'm sending the circuits of that microsensor chip to you by old fashioned registered mail. I'm not sure I trust data transmission security any more. You're making me quite paranoid. One thing you don't know is that Archie is now ready to go on line. You designed him, kid. It was the least I could do for you. Give him a ring and try him out. Bye, now."

She replaced the phone and spoke into an intercom.

"I'll have that hot coffee now, Mechsix."

The door slid open, and a gold plated robot entered with a silver tray. It carefully prepared a side table with the coffee pot, cream, sweeteners, cup, and the hard, crisp, low cal biscuits she preferred. It turned towards her and spoke in a mechanical, but pleasant voice.

"Will that be all, Doctor?"

"Yes, thank you, Mechsix. Resume station."

Mechsix left the room, and the door slid shut behind him. She preferred robots. They worked through cooperation. It was humans who became nasty and competitive. Their agro showed behind every move they made - like amoeba, fighting for survival in a small drop of water. Robots were different. They shared. Like Robbie.

She remembered walking in the park with him, while he discussed her future. He held his hands in the back pockets of his jeans, and talked with all the earnestness of a child, but with the knowledge of a financial mogul.

"I controlled all the finances for ROBCOM. That included most complex transactions involving companies, contracts, shares, futures. Perhaps you thought it was just computer hardware serving a useful subsidiary purpose, but it was a part of me then, and still is."

"Obviously you learned more than we thought possible, Robbie, but why choose me to head your company?"

"I am still - biologically - a child. A minor, in the eyes of the law. With you, I don't have to pretend anything. To George and Margaret, I still have to be their little boy. George understands - a bit."

"Robot Robotics," she mused, "A company specialising in civilian and military aspects of Articulated Artificial Intelligence. It sounds good. Why do you have to do this? You could live quietly in Maddigan, and nobody would even know you existed."

He turned towards her and shrugged. "There'd always be a threat - somewhere. Sooner or later, I'll grow old, and my body will die - if I'm not destroyed by humans first."

"We can accept artificial intelligence as a slave, but not as an independent entity."

"Yes. I am far too threatening. The company will be my refuge. My hiding place. Also, I need a special computer. It must be as smart as I am, and able to back up all my memories. A hardware version of me."

She looked upwards and stretched, exhilarated by the brisk air. "That will cost a great deal of money."

Robbie grinned. "I already have a great deal of money. All legal. I did start off with a bank loan, and invested it. My trading has been very profitable. I own two multi-nationals, four large oil companies, a chain of newspapers, and several hi-tech manufacturing plants."

"Robbie!"

"And they're all going to fund 'Robot Robotics'." He stopped walking and stood facing her with his hand out towards her. "It's better than being on welfare, Helen. Do you think you can handle it?"

"It's a deal, partner."

They shook on it, and 'Robot Robotics' was hers.

WISCONSIN Sunday 13.00

Robbie had just put the phone down, when Margaret poked her head around the door. "You still haven't done your room," she said. "Honestly, Robbie."

He looked at her perplexed. She hated it whenever he did everything himself, but complained when he left things for her to do.

"I'm sorry, Margaret. I was just talking to Doctor Long."

"You shouldn't be worrying her, Robbie. She runs a huge company now. She hasn't got time to be talking to - I was going to say, 'Little boys', but you're not, are you? I sometimes forget..."

She fussed round the bed, and picked up his clothes methodically.

"I'm going out, afterwards, to get some fresh air."

"Make sure you wrap up. It's getting quite cold in the late afternoons."

TEXAS Sunday 13.30

"Target in sight. Standby, Green flight."

"Green flight ready, Sir."

"Permission to arm?"

"Permission granted. Fire when ready."

Marvin monitored the communications from the air force jets as they began to close in. He calculated swiftly, and threw the helicopter into a series of complex manoeuvres. The missiles, homing in on his craft at high speed, were unable to meet the course corrections and as he swooped low over the ground, they exploded below the chopper. Another was incoming. He twisted the controls, sending the helicopter skywards, and dived sidelong out of the machine to land amongst the smoke of the previous explosions.

He watched as the helicopter flew, unmanned towards the hills, and exploded in a ball of flame as the missiles hit it.

"The target has been destroyed, Sir."

"Green flight leader, confirmed. We'll get a ground party in there to examine that wreckage - see if we can confirm that kill."

"No need for that, Sir. Our infra-red scanners confirm that the only hot spots are missile impact sites and the wreck of that copter. There's nothing alive in the vicinity of that action."

From the heart of one of the missile impact sites, Marvin watched the fighters regroup and move Southwards. He stayed where he was for a long time, listening carefully for any resumption of the search.

TEXAS Sunday 1700

Senator Youngblood was shown into General Rhodon's private ward.

"He's surprisingly well, all considered," The doctor said amiably, but I wouldn't stay too long.

Youngblood looked at the frame which held the General's leg in traction. He sat up in bed, nursing a plastered arm.

"Takes more than a little jump to put me out of action"" Rhodon said. "Bastard took me hostage. I knew there was only one way out, and took it." He didn't want to admit that it was Marvin who threw him out of the helicopter.

"Quite a mess for us to clean up, General. We've tried to keep it quiet, but the press has word of this one."

"The press thinks it runs this country," the general muttered. "Hell, we're so close. The way that thing cleaned up that pillbox. Magnificent." He caught the senator's expression in time to qualify his remark, "Pity about those men, though. Enwright was a damned fine officer. Damned fine."

"I want it all closed down, General. The autonomous robot - real artificial intelligence - must always be subservient to man. Otherwise, he'll replace us."

"Harry, If we don't do it, the Ruskies will have it before us. You know that. It was Asimov who devised the three laws of robotics. They've proved to be too simplistic. Every little thing we do is so complex. We think our decisions are simple, but underneath each one comes a lifetime of experiences. How do you teach that to a machine?"

"I don't think we can. We aren't ready for that, yet. That's why I want ROBCOM to close down. I'm initiating a Senate Committee to look into this whole project."

He moved closer to the general and whispered compassionately, "It's a can of worms, Lyle. I'm not doing it to try to hurt you, or your colleagues, but we must have public accountability. Anyway, you're out of action for a while. The rest will do you good. It will take a while to set up the committee. You take some leave. Do some soul searching."

As soon as the senator left, Rhodon muttered "Damn." Then he swore as he realised he had tried to hit the bed with his broken arm.

TEXAS Sunday 1900

Ed Garstein was tired, driving North on the long, lonely highway. The monotonous road surface thrummed under his tires. He noticed something ahead, and slowed. It looked like a body, lying in his path. He stopped, a good way before it, and reached behind for his shotgun. It didn't hurt being careful. He moved forward cautiously towards the unconscious figure. It was a man - a huge man, with blonde hair. He was wearing burnt clothing, and looked as if he was hurt. Ed moved closer.

"You hurt, Mister?" he asked, prodding carefully with his shotgun.

There was a groan from the man.

"Looks like you're hurt real bad," Ed sympathised. He put the shotgun down and moved to examine the injuries. Marvin's eyes fluttered open. He groaned again, and looked at Ed. Ed moved closer. Marvin's hand shot up and grabbed him by the throat. He stood up and shook the farmer fiercely, before throwing him off the road. He picked up the shotgun and climbed into the car. A few seconds later, he was driving North.

WISCONSIN Sunday 2300

Robbie took a small metal probe from a drawer under the computer and inserted it carefully into the interface in his right ear. He made sure the connecting lead was secure, and trailed it to his bed. He snuggled down under the blankets and put his body into a state of sleep. His body needed sleep. His brain didn't. After a quick check of his biological functions, he settled down to dump his memory.

LOGON

R.O.B.B.I.E.

Enter Password.

------------

ARCHIE gave Robbie 5 nanoseconds to compute a complex algorithm, in order to ensure that it was not a human trying to "Hack" a way in, and satisfied at last that it really was the robot boy, flashed a recognition signal.

"Hi, Robbie."

"Hi, Archie. Give me a status update."

Margaret looked in before retiring. She noticed the probe, and her lips firmed a little with concern. She moved over to the computer. The screen was filled with numbers that scrolled upwards at high speed. Suddenly they stopped, and a message appeared.

"Goodnight, Margaret."

He knew she was there. She leaned over him and kissed him. "Goodnight, Robbie." As she left the room, the numbers scrolled across the screen once more.

The vehicle was low on gas. He had not eaten and was hungry. He felt no fear.

OBJECTIVE - Survive!

OPTIMUM PATH TO SECURE OBJECTIVE - Hide.

a man stood by the side of the road with his thumb pointing North. Marvin thought for a nanosecond, then pulled over.

"Bateson?" the young man asked.

"Get in."

"Thanks. It's a hell of a time to be looking for a lift, but the last feller had to turn off. Heard my sister's sick and I've been trying to get lifts all night. You know how hard that is."

Marvin grunted. "Why didn't you get a bus or some public transport?"

"Flat - broke. Name's Alec, by the way."

"You have - no money?"

"Only twenty dollars. Won't get me far."

"I need gas and food," Marvin stated flatly.

The young man laughed self consciously. "Oh, sure. I'll buy some gas for you. I don't want you to think I'm freeloading, you know?"

They drove into a gas station. "Can I get you a burger?" Alec asked.

"A burger will be sufficient," Marvin stated, calculating the calories it would probably contain.

Alec returned with the burger. "Now I'm really broke," he said, ruefully.

"Is there a bank terminal near here?" Marvin asked.

Should be one in the next town.

"Do you have a credit card?"

"Won't do us any good. It's got no money to back it," Alec said.

"It will do," Marvin said.

Alec started to worry a little. "What are you getting at?"

"I need some different clothes, and some money. I need help. You will help me, Alec."

Alec started to back away, uncertainly. Marvin got out of the car and followed him.

"Look, Feller, I don't know who you are, but - I'm not too sure I want to ride with you - no offence. Keep the gas. Ah -"

Marvin grabbed Alec by the front of his jacket and lifted him off his feet. "You will come with me," he said evenly.

WISCONSIN Monday 0900

Caroline Herbert reached over Robbie's shoulder. "I just wanted to borrow your ruler, Robbie," she whispered confidentially into his ear.

Robbie turned and smiled. "That's all right, Caroline, I don't need it," he said, brightly.

"Better not get too familiar with him, Caroline, you might catch something," Arnold Liffe said with a snigger. There was a chuckle from the nearby students who had heard the remark.

Robbie turned to look at Arnold. He knew the class bully wouldn't try to attack him physically - he'd tried that on the first day, and got a nasty surprise as well as a well blackened eye.

"Takes one to know one, Arnold." he sneered. Then he winked at him and dropped a shoulder coyly. The class broke up into laughter at Arnold's expense and the teacher, Mark Wentworth, tried desperately to regain control.

"That's enough, you two. How much work have you done, Robbie?"

Robbie held up his geometrical drawing exercise. It was a beautiful piece of work, looking as if it had come off the plotter of some computer. Mr. Wentworth thawed considerably. He held it carefully.

"That's very good, Robbie," he said. "Architecture must run in the family, eh?"

"I guess so. I like drawing."

As Mr. Wentworth returned to the front of the class, Caroline squeezed Robbie's shoulder. She passed the ruler back to him. "Thanks, Robbie. Are you busy this afternoon?"

Caroline had been trying to get Robbie to date her ever since he'd arrived at the school. At first, he didn't understand what was happening. Doctor Long had told him that the lack of a pituitary gland would mean that he would have to imitate the behaviour of adolescence.

"I'll try to develop a sexual response program for you, Robbie. It could be placed on another chip, but that would mean an operation to install it."

"I'll try to improvise, Doctor. I know a lot about body language. I don't always respond accurately when girls make advances. A couple of the students have made comments - "

"What sort of comments? Do they think you're gay, or something?"

"No. Maybe. They think I'm a bit of a cold fish. I can show love to Margaret and George easily enough, but I know them. I do love them. I just don't feel that way about every girl that comes along."

"I know what you mean. I have the same problem with men. When I was at school, I threw myself into my studies and read a lot of good books. Maybe you could choose one girl, and get a good relationship with her."

"That might be an idea. Thanks, Doctor Long."

Robbie turned round to Caroline and asked, "Can you come over, after school? Margaret and George won't mind."

"I'll ring Mom and ask her," Caroline sighed. It was what she'd hoped he'd ask.

TEXAS Monday 1000

"You can see him now I've finished with him," the nurse said brightly, letting Major Everard Williams through.

"Hi, Major. What, no flowers?" General Rhodon quipped.

"Only bad news, I'm afraid."

"What?"

"Marvin's loose. He damn near killed a farmer and stole his pickup, then took a hitch-hiker hostage and used him to rob a banking machine in Arkansas - got over fifty thousand dollars by using his credit card. Far as we know, he's changed his clothes, probably altered his appearance a bit, although that could be difficult with his height."

"What in the hell is he trying to do?"

"That's the part that has us worried, General. He wants to get to the President."

"The President? What for? Is he trying to assassinate him?"

"We don't know, General. We don't know what's going on in that crazy Robot's mind. Could be anything. If he gets on a terminal, all hell could break loose. We've taken the step of isolating all strategic systems."

"I don't think that will stop him. We'd better take the next step - all communications over radio with manual cyphers. No electronic interfacing. We've run that as an exercise before. And you'd better get me a wheel chair so I can haul my arse out of here."

ILLINOIS Monday 1400

"We like to think this model of the Atari is better than either the Macintosh or the Amiga," the clerk said, handing the boxes over to the well dressed man on the other side of the counter. "Do you need a hand to carry these to your car?"

"Thank you," Marvin said politely. "You have been very helpful."

"Well - not every day we get a cash on the knuckle customer - Mister ..."

"I suppose not."

They packed the boxes into the back of the hire car, and Marvin shook his hand with a grip like iron. The clerk winced.

"Good day to you," Marvin said. He drove to the apartment he had rented on the other side of town. It had a phone, and the landlady was not the talkative type, especially as Marvin had impressed on her that he liked privacy.

CHICAGO Monday 1500

"I won't bother to say 'I told you so,' General Rhodon. You wanted a military version of Frankenstein, and now you're stuck with it," Helen Long snarled into the phone. "How should I know what it's likely to do? I didn't create it. All my robots are designed for peaceful purposes - to serve humanity. Don't split hairs with me, General. The fighter is a weapon system. It can't walk around Washington doing banking transactions."

She thought for a few moments, then decided.

"Very well, General. As the life of the President might be endangered, I'll assist on your crisis management team.

As soon as she had replaced the phone, she spoke into her intercom. "Archie, page Robbie, please. Tell him it's urgent."

A few moments passed. "Robbie is not on line, Doctor."

"Keep trying."

WISCONSIN Monday 1600

Robbie pushed the button on the keybox, and the security gates swung open, allowing the Mercedes to drive through. Margaret slowed down as they drove along the avenue towards the house. It was set beautifully into the lakeside gardens, and she never tired of looking at it. She could hardly believe that they owned it.

"Oh, Robbie. What a beautiful house," Caroline said in awe.

He passed the box back to Margaret, and sat back smugly. "George designed it," he said proudly. "My bedroom and study are up there - with the big window. I can see all over the lake. We'll go for a ride in the boat, later."

Margaret parked the car, and they went inside.

"You and Caroline might like to freshen up, while I get some afternoon tea set outside," Margaret said. "I'll do it myself, Robbie."

A gold plated anthropoidal robot walked into the room. Caroline gave a start of surprise. "What is it?"

"That's a Robot Robotics Domestic Service Unit Mark Two. It's still experimental," Robbie explained.

"Wow - it's real cute."

"Anyone who likes Robots is a friend of mine," Robbie quipped. "All the computer software has been worked out. The problem is the mechanical articulation - walking, and stuff like that. Our technology still isn't up to it - quite."

"Can it talk?" Caroline asked.

"I can talk quite well," the robot said.

"Mechtwo, this is Caroline," Robbie said formally introducing her.

"I am very pleased to meet you, Caroline." Mechtwo said. "If you will excuse me, Robbie, I will help out with Margaret."

"I think she wants to do it on her own, Mechtwo," Robbie said. "Why don't you go down to the boat shed and get the 'Argo' ready for me. Caroline and I want to go out on the lake later."

"Yes. I shall do that for you," the robot said, and walked out quietly.

"Is he for real?" Caroline asked as he went out.

"Sure. He's on loan to us, at the moment. We have family connections with the company. Margaret didn't want any help with the house and all, so we got Mechtwo as a prototype to test. It isn't all plain sailing, though. Last week, he broke every china dish in the kitchen. He had a cracked hand bearing, and we didn't pick it up."

"I'm glad I didn't shake hands with him, then."

"Ha. That's all fixed now, Caroline. Come on, I'll show you upstairs."

ILLINOIS Monday 1600

ROBCOM LOGON

Enter Password.

-----

Marvin. There is a message for you.

RETURN TO STATION

To ROBCOM from M.A.R.V.I.N.

Get Stuffed.

INVOKE COMPUTER PENETRATION PROCEEDURE

Procedure invoked. Error Error Error Error

Penetration Procedure failed. System sealed against entry.

Marvin pounded the table angrily. He signed off and commenced a dialling program. There had to be a way in, if only he could find it.

WISCONSIN Monday 1630

The helicopter commenced its descent over the Wisconsin lakes.

"That's his house, down there," Helen Long said, pointing to the lakeside villa.

"He'll be surprised to see us," the major said.

"Surprised to see you, I daresay. He isn't very fond of the military."

"I hope I can get through to him how important this is. I'm feeling quite tired with the tension of all this. Been on aircraft since eleven this morning, and I'm probably suffering from some type of jet-lag."

"We'll put down on the lawn there. It's big enough to take this machine.

Robbie pulled back on the throttle of the speedboat, and it slowed down. Caroline let out a whoop of joy and threw her arms around him.

"Robbie! You're terrific," she said. The boat wallowed on the lake, and he held her tightly to him. He hadn't had this experience before. It was new to him, as if a door of understanding had opened onto a whole new world. She wanted to be a part of him, and for the first time in his life, he wanted to be a part of her. He looked into her face, recording every line, every expression, every nuance of meaning. She kissed him vigorously, exploring with her tongue. Her mouth tasted clean, fresh.

"You're hard on," she teased him.

"I know."

"I don't want to go that far," she said gently. "Not first time out."

They relaxed and sat back, away from each other. He felt flushed, and embarrassed. "I've never felt like this about anyone before, Caroline. I didn't know I could feel this way."

"Yeah. You had me worried for a while. I didn't think you'd ever turn on."

The helicopter beat past overhead.

"What's it doing?" Robbie asked, alarmed. "What do they want?"

"What's wrong, Robbie? It's only an army helicopter. This isn't Vietnam, you know. They're not going to bomb us or anything."

"It's landing at the house. I've got to get back there."

"Robbie!"

"Caroline, there are things you don't know about me. I'm sorry. I've got to get back there," Robbie said. He climbed into the seat and opened the throttle wide. Caroline climbed into the seat beside him, and they pounded across the lake. Robbie sat tensely at the controls, looking straight ahead.

TEXAS Monday 1700

"I know I should still be in traction. I know I'll probably be crippled for the rest of my life. I know all your smart medical advice, young man, but there's a crisis on, and I've got to go," Rhodon ranted at the orthopaedic surgeon. Senator Youngblood stood to one side and shrugged his arms at the surgeon as if to say, "It isn't my idea."

The orderlies wheeled the general to the waiting military ambulance. Youngblood climbed in alongside him.

"Next stop, ROBCOM Headquarters," the General said. The ambulance started with a lurch, which made him yelp in pain. "Go easy with it, you up front. I didn't say we had to make it a pleasure cruise, exactly, but be careful."

"You think thatHelen Long can trace this Marvin character?" the senator asked.

"If not, I've got another ace up my sleeve," Rhodon said. I've sent Major Williams to try to co-opt him onto this team.

"Who's that?"

"Harry - Can you keep a real secret? It affects me personally. Word of honour?"

"You're being a bit heavy, Lyford. If I'm asked on oath?"

"That will O.K. to answer then. I know your standards. If it gets that far, it will be too late, anyway."

"On that basis - word of honour."

"There's another robot. I believe that - mentally - he's more than a match for Marvin. Not physically. You remember the early history of the project?"

"Yes. That was the R.O.B.B.I.E. project. You terminated that."

"I tried to. Robbie didn't want to be terminated. That seems to be a habit of the A.I. species - the desire to continue when we want to turn the power off. Anyway, for good or ill, Robbie still exists. He seems to be happy enough, eating chocolate ice-cream, and playing baseball. An all-American boy. That being so, I let it pass. You could say, we came to an arrangement."

"Good God. How many more of these things are there out there?"

"No. He's the only one."

"This is terrible, Lyford. Do you understand what this means? We're being invaded by an alien force of our own creation."

"I'd hardly call two robots an alien force, Harry. Don't be paranoid about it. Computers already control so much of our lives, that we're already in the hands of the system. I've decided that we can control Robbie by keeping him on side. He's no longer a little boy. He's a fifteen year old - next year, he'll be able to drive. Soon, he'll be able to vote - join the army - run for office. Don't worry. I've kept very close watch on him."

"You think he'll help us to destroy Marvin - one of his own kind?"

"Either he helps us, or I'll let Marvin know he exists. They'll see each other as potentially threatening. What I want, is to set up a situation where they destroy each other."

The senator looked appraisingly at the general. "Very neat, Lyford. Very neat."

"Sirs, the Air Force Base is just ahead. We'll be transferring the General to ROBCOM's jet in a few minutes."

"I take it you're on this crisis team, Harry?"

"Lyford, I wouldn't miss it for all the world."

WISCONSIN Monday 1730

While Caroline helped Margaret set out extra places and make coffee, Robbie walked through the grounds with Helen and Major Williams. He walked as usual, with his hands in the back pockets of his jeans, and kicked at the stones as he listen to the major. Williams had never seen Robbie, and kept staring at him. He looked so everyday normal. There was still some grease on his face from the boat, and his hair was wind-blown, unruly. How could the general see this teenager as a major threat to national security? Why did he want Robbie to be on the crisis management team? It didn't add up.

The grounds didn't add up, either, or the house. George was a construction site manager, then an investment adviser. He'd made a very fast killing on the stock market. That might be a good angle to start on.

"Your dad must be pretty smart in the investment business to get all this, Robbie?"

"Maybe it runs in the family," Robbie replied. He gave the major a cheeky grin.

"Smart father, or smart kid?"

"I didn't embezzle the money. It was a legitimate loan. I didn't hack any corporate secrets. I just used an investment optimisation program that I devised myself. Most major corporations do the same thing. It was all strictly legit."

"I think Robbie's trying to tell you that he's honest," Helen said.

"I don't doubt it for a moment. Are you patriotic as well?"

"Yes. I think so. At least we can patch up the bugs in our system of government. Other countries aren't so lucky."

"Would you die for your country, Robbie?"

"You mean - like a soldier?"

"Yes."

He stopped walking and stood silently for a long time. Helen looked on with concern. He seemed so still. It was as if the question had frozen him. Suddenly, Robbie blinked and answered.

"I'd like to be able to answer 'Yes' to that question," he said. "It would depend on the circumstances. I wouldn't like to have my life terminated unnecessarily at the whim of some high-rolling general, for instance."

"You humiliated him, Robbie. He won't forget that. He knows you were right, too. That makes it worse. He covered up, and you could blow it all wide open. He's still as hard and as callous as he ever was," Major Williams said, "But I love that man, Robbie. He's a tough as guts soldier. He's a patriot. If it comes to him, or his country, he'll put his country first. Every time."

"Robbie, They made another one," Helen said bluntly. "With all of General Rhodon's parameters for a tough, callous, unthinking soldier. At a recent capabilities test, he was given conflicting parameters. As a result, he killed his own squad commander, and many of his fellow troops. General Rhodon ordered his termination, and he rebelled, killing security police, and the scientist who had created his program. He got away, and is now in hiding. We believe that he is trying to reach the President, perhaps to kill him. We don't know. I don't have to tell you the potential he has, to create havoc with our national computer systems, or to physically penetrate the President's security cover. We want to bring him under control again, fast."

"Why involve me?" Robbie looked up in some alarm.

Helen looked back at Robbie and put her hand on his shoulder. "If he does anything like that, Robbie, the resulting enquiry into A.I.Cybernauts is bound to involve you. At the very least, you'd end up virtually imprisoned. There could be public hysteria demanding your termination, too.

"Survival. That is a very compelling and logical reason to join your team, Major Williams. Please tell me what you want me to do."

"Come with us, back to ROBCOM."

"Helen?"

"It will be all right, Robbie. The general has given his word of honour that you will come to no harm from him."

"I would feel better working on the problem from here. Can you imagine what Margaret will think? Or George?"

"I'm sure t hat once they understand the problem, they'll see it our way," Helen said.

"That is extremely comforting, Doctor Long. You have no idea how good that makes me feel," Robbie said with a marked ironic inflection. "We'd better get back to the house. I'll have to tell my new girlfriend that I'm jilting her on our first home visit."

"Oh," Helen said with surprise. "How is that area working out, by the way?"

Robbie couldn't hide the smirk on his face. "Very well, actually."

ROBCOM Monday 2100

"General, This is Professor Hiram Muldrake," the aide said, introducing the portly figure.

"Welcome to ROBCOM, Professor. Did you bring that device you've been pestering us about?"

"Sure did. Oh - better not test it round any monitoring gear - it'll send the system bananas.

"You need a quiet room? We'll use the situation room. - Orderly, see that it is clear of all personnel."

The orderly went down the passage and checked. "All clear, Sir."

"Well that gives me the opportunity to have a word with you in private," Rhodon said ominously. "Would you like to take the controls of this contraption and steer up that passageway towards the situation room?"

"Gladly," the professor said. He took the handles of the wheelchair from the sergeant, who stepped back smartly and saluted.

Instinctively, the general tried to lift his plastered arm. "Ah! Damn! Wish they wouldn't do that," he muttered crossly as the professor wheeled him down the passage.

The situation room contained a large console inset with terminals, and an electronic wall map with advanced imaging.

"We think this is secure from Marvin's intrusion, but nothing can be certain. Do you have the device you told me about?" Rhodon asked, as soon as he knew they were alone.

"Right here, General. It's called the Sonic Virus." He pressed the button, and a loud, harsh buzz came from the small box. It stopped after about a second.

"Is that all?" Rhodon asked incredulously.

"It's enough. It puts out a code which is picked up by the hearing of the robot. The code is a program which wipes memory. It is a sophisticated version of an old Hacker trick. Activate this within two or three feet of your maverick robot, and he'll collapse within seconds - ready for the junk heap."

"I'm impressed. Why does it have to be so close?"

"Noise pollution, General. The signal has to be able to over-ride any background noise, so that it arrives pure. We could feed it to Marvin through the network, but it would infect every computer in the country. It replicates itself, you see. I can only let it off in here because there are no auditory inputs in this room. If you're wrong about that, every ROBCOM computer is going to have to be re-programmed."

"No problem. This room is secure. It is the only area of ROBCOM that isn't monitored."

"This gimmick of yours - won't hurt anyone handling it, will it?"

"Not a chance, General," the professor chuckled, "Only if the person using it is another robot."

The general took the device, and put it into his pocket. "Thank you, Professor. I've an idea that this could solve a couple of problems."

ILLINOIS Monday 2000

Marvin watched the screen as his computer ran a demon dialling program through its paces. It spotted a few unsecured computers, which he checked out and discarded as quickly. None of them gave him what he wanted. Suddenly, he had a response.

U.S. Meteorological Office

LOGON

Marvin placed his hands to the back of the console, feeling the currents flowing through the wires as a safecracker would tune in to the click of tumblers. The distant computer put out tiny signals, almost untraceable to any means, but the special circuitry that ROBCOM had invented. Marvin read the distant computer memory and analysed it. He then logged on.

(space) 54 (space) 9

PLEASE SELECT THE FUNCTION REQUIRED FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS

He sat back and smiled. It was a small victory, but he intended to capitalise on it.

AIR FORCE ONE Monday 2030

"Mr. President, We have just received word that severe weather is closing in around the Eastern States. This appears to have happened without much warning, and the bureau recommends we divert to Chicago."

"Damn. Puts a hole in the schedule. Must be some storm."

"Reports from the satellites are that it's a real freak. It came out of nowhere."

"Well, better divert, then," the President muttered, "Let them know we'll be late, Stan."

"Yes, Sir."

WISCONSIN Monday 2030

It had been a subdued meal. Margaret was polite enough, but neither Helen nor the Major felt particularly welcome. There had been an underlying tension. Caroline's presence acted as a shield, containing it beneath a thin veneer of conventional manners. George came home just before Robbie and Margaret took Caroline home. They weren't gone for long.

The car pulled up in front of the house, and a subdued Robbie and Margaret got out. From where he stood with Helen and Major Williams, George read the signs.

"I'd guess that Margaret and Robbie have had words. That hardly ever happens, you know."

"Yes, I do know. His program maximises cooperation," Helen said.

"Program be damned," George said, as Margaret put her hands in her face and ran past them into the house, visibly upset. George left the group and ran after her. The door slammed, and Margaret could be heard letting off steam, with George trying to pacify her.

Robbie ignored Helen and the major, and stared unhappily at the house. Then he turned to them.

"I told you she would be upset."

"How do you feel?" Helen asked, clinically.

Robbie looked at her for a moment, then turned away.

"I feel upset, too."

He walked down the drive towards the lake where the helicopter stood. Its pilot was sitting near the radio, chewing gum and reading light pornography. He slid the book out of sight as Robbie approached.

"So you're the kid we came all this way to get?"

Robbie stood looking at the man for a moment, without speaking. He sought out the autopilot and initiated the start-up sequence. He pointed his finger at the large blade and twitched the controls. There was a sudden loud whirr as the blade moved. The pilot's mouth dropped open in surprise.

"I guess so," Robbie said. He dropped his hand and walked back up the path.

George was waiting for him. "Will you go in and say goodbye to Margaret?"

"It'll be all right, George," Robbie said. "I'm sure it will."

"Yeah."

Robbie went inside. Margaret was sitting in the chair, sobbing. "I knew it couldn't last. I knew they'd come and get you, someday."

Robbie knelt down and hugged her tightly. "Don't worry, Margaret. I'll be back as soon as this is over. Think of it as a chess game. Between two computers. I've got to win, or we'll both be destroyed. It was always a possibility that this sort of thing would happen. 'Cyberphobia', remember?"

She looked up at him. Her face was wet from crying.

"Take care, Robbie. Be very careful."

"I will, Mom."

ROBCOM Monday 2100

"They're on their way, General."

"At last."

"It's all a load of shit," the meteorologist said, throwing the forecast down on the duty officer's desk. "Snow in Florida, Imaginary storms over the North Midwest, Hurricanes in California. Someone's hacking our computers, Bob. You'd better get on to security about it."

"They're supposed to be tamper proof. He'd have to influence the satellites and everything. Couldn't be done."

"It is being done, Bob, and it had better be stopped, fast."

"Right, Ed. I'll get on to it."

ROBCOM Tuesday 0230

"Are you awake, General?"

Rhodon grunted and sat up awkwardly. "What time is it?"

"Two Thirty a.m. Sir. Your party has arrived."

"Is Youngblood up?"

"Someone's waking him, Sir. Would you like coffee?"

"Yes, please. Help me get into this chair, will you?"

As the limousine drew up at the security gate, Robbie scanned the building. Changes had been made - mostly additions. Security was very tight. Major Williams produced his identity card, even though he was well known.

"The General is being told of your arrival - he's going to meet you all in the situation room," the orderly advised.

Senator Youngblood was waiting for them. Major Williams introduced them. "This is Doctor Helen Long, and young Robbie Nicholson."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Doctor Long. And I've heard a lot about you, Robbie."

Robbie wasn't quite sure how to take that remark, so he kept a fairly straight face.

"Are you tired after the flight? Awful hours, I'm afraid," The senator said. "How about coffee all round? As you can see, we've set up some emergency catering." He pointed to the steaming coffee urn.

"What with transferring from the copter to a plane, and all that's happened tonight, I don't think I could sleep." Helen remarked.

"What about you, Young man? Do you want to stay up, or would you rather hit the hay until we need you?"

"I don't really need to sleep, Senator. I can rest my body in a chair as easily as in a bed," Robbie said.

The General arrived in his wheelchair, propelled by a large corporal. Robbie felt the tension mount as he entered. Major Williams felt embarrassed at introducing Rhodon to Robbie. He almost fumbled it, but Robbie stepped forward with a mischievous grin on his face.

"I'm sorry I missed meeting you by a couple of minutes - last time I was here," he said.

Rhodon looked at him with a hard expression, which melted slightly, then he smiled. The tension in the room broke as he extended his hand, and there was light laughter and banter as Robbie shook it.

"I'm very pleased to welcome you to the team, Robbie," He said. "Now we'd better get down to business right away. Let's have an update."

One of the attendants began to read the latest status report.

"Marvin has repeatedly tried to penetrate ROBCOM's main computer. He's fouled up the Met service with false weather reports and has attempted to get into the NORAD system. He managed to get AIRFORCE ONE diverted to Chicago - but probably didn't know he had done that. Quite frankly, we don't know what Marvin's objectives are."

"What sort of Brain did you use for Marvin?" Hellen asked.

"We've a spare unit here," The General said, indicating the centre of the table. An attendant laid the robot brain on it, and they all looked at it with interest.

"I understand that Morrison was rather secretive about it," the General said. "In fact, we asked him to document it in more detail, and he was always promising us that he would, but never got round to it."

"It's almost identical with Robbie's, by its appearance," Helen said. The Cascade Neuronic Synthesizer forms the core. It's a fibrous silicon plastic polymer that synthesises brain function. It permits nerve tissue to grow on the facets and penetrate the outer layer so that connection is made to the body through regular nerve pathways. Those subsidiary chips are mainly concerned with body function, such as heart, lungs, and so on. The metallic ovoid is the atomic battery which powers it."

"That's a pretty fair summation," Rhodon said. "It is not just one computer. Each fibre in that block is the equivalent of hundreds of computers, each capable of networking vertically and horizontally. During programming, the most often used pathways become dominant, and the robot, or cybernaut, actually learns. That's what we found out from Robbie. Marvin was brought up to the strictest standards of military discipline that we could devise."

"In five years?" Robbie asked.

"We didn't muck around. We used growth hormones, ageing agents, hardening procedures, and a full twenty four hour regimen. He was conditioned to obey every order given to him, instantly."

"Then why didn't he return when he was recalled?" Youngblood asked.

"That - I don't know. ROBCOM's orders were supposed to be treated as if they came from the highest priority possible. His reply to ROBCOM's 'Return to station' command, was 'Get Stuffed'," the General said in hushed tones.

Robbie laughed.

"Why do you think that funny?" The General snarled across the table.

"It sounds a highly logical answer," Robbie chuckled.

Helen put her hand across her mouth to hide the smile.

ILLINOIS Tuesday 0230

Marvin had removed the cover of the computer console, and sat with one hand splayed out across several of the internal chips. He watched the screen intently, and tried once more to penetrate the Treasury computers.

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Unauthorised access to this computer facility is a Federal Offence.

To access system, enter your identity and password.

------------------------------ -----

It looked simple enough, but Marvin knew that there would be stringent checks to prevent unauthorised access. He sat back and thought of the options available to him. Suddenly, a pattern emerged. He smiled and then tried:

M.A.R.V.I.N. 0014

The screen cleared, and the message

Welcome, M.A.R.V.I.N. to SECNET

Enter routing request

He felt the system with his long range senses. Then he entered

WHITE HOUSE SECURITY EAGLE ONE

WASHINGTON D.C. Tuesday 0300

"Mr. President, are you awake?" the intercom intoned beside his bed. He shook the sleep from his eyes and stretched, then reached for the intercom.

"What is it?"

"We have a crisis developing, Sir. Internal reports are, that house security has been compromised. We also have reports of a situation developing within the Soviet Union. It could be a coordinated terrorist attack prior to a pre-emptive strike."

"Damn. I'll get down to the ready room and you can secure up here. Give me three minutes to change."

ROBCOM Tuesday 0315

General Rhodon put the phone down and looked across the table. "He's got into the Treasury Department's computer system."

"Is he after money?" Helen asked. She was yawning, in spite of herself.

"No. The Secret Service and White House Security are controlled by Treasury," Rhodon explained. "He had them in a flap for about ten minutes before they realised what was happening. He even had the President ducking for the war room."

"Is he still on?" Robbie asked.

"Apparently. They're trying to trace him now," Rhodon said.

"Why not give me a try?" Robbie asked, indicating the console with a nod of his head.

"Let's see what you can do, Robbie," Senator Youngblood said, indicating the console with a wave of his hand.

Robbie sat where he was, but looked at the terminal. It sprang into life. The treasury logo appeared, and Robbie seized control of the distant machine.

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

COMPUTER OPERATIONS CONTROL

For a few seconds, the screen ran wild with numbers and messages as Robbie fought to stabilise the system. Then he had it under control.

"I have him. He's sensed my presence. He's trying to examine my operating system. I'm locking him out - just."

Robbie strained and perspiration trickled down his face. His muscles contorted as he struggled for control.

"Urbana. Library. That's why he's got such a good link," he gasped. He wrote a number on his scratch pad and passed it across to the General. "That's the number of the telephone he's using. Get onto it. He's withdrawing."

Robbie suddenly let go, breaking the link. The terminal switched off. He dropped his head onto his arm, which was flung across the table. For the first time in his life, he felt real fatigue.

"Robbie, are you all right?" Helen asked concernedly.

"I feel overloaded," he confessed. "I need to re-cycle."

The General was on the phone to the Secret Service duty officer. Orders were being issued at the highest level, for Marvin's arrest. Within minutes, they had his address. Senator Youngblood was on another telephone, talking to the President's personal security officer.

"Make sure the F.B.I. knows what it's dealing with. That thing has the strength of ten men, and is capable of deadly speed. Don't underestimate him," Youngblood was saying.

Helen spoke to Robbie. "If you could get through to Archie, he could clear you quickly. You could do a core dump."

Robbie noticed the brain on the table. He smiled at Helen. "Maybe there's no need," he said. He grasped it in one hand. It glowed. After a few seconds, Robbie relaxed. "Whew," he gasped in relief. "That's better."

Helen looked at the brain. "Is it sentient?" she asked.

"Well - if it wasn't before, it is now," Robbie said. The unit sat pulsing with a light of its own. "It needs a body. It has no senses."

"What are you going to so with it, then? You can't just leave it now," Helen said.

Before Robbie could answer, the General spoke to them. "The F.B.I. and Military Police have assembled a small task force to arrest Marvin. We should know within half an hour if they've got him."

"Are you going to terminate him?" Helen demanded.

It was Youngblood who answered: "Not now. Not at this stage, anyway. I want him brought back here for study and evaluation. We'll decide what to do with him after that."

Robbie was relieved. He didn't want to be part of any decision to terminate another cybernaut, even an evil one like Marvin. He sat consoling the brain he had activated, soothing it, educating it. He could feel it responding to him. It needed a body

"I wonder if we could buy it?" Robbie suggested to Helen.

"If you want it, you can have it, Robbie. For services rendered. On one condition: It doesn't go into an organic body," the General said.

ILLINOIS Tuesday 0400

They surounded the house. Marvin was intent on the problems he had trying once more to penetrate the Treasury computer. Something was in that computer that intrigued him. A presence. It had fought him. Not resisted like a lock out program, but actually fought with him for control of the whole treasury network. It was alive - sapient. It had a name. He could remember the name. "R.O.B.B.I.E."

The deeper memories came into play. The ROBCOM memory files that he had tried to read, but which were locked against his entry. R.O.B.B.I.E. was an earlier model. It had absconded, but been destroyed. He knew nothing more than that. Suddenly, he knew the key to enter the ROBCOM system. He could mimic R.O.B.B.I.E. He was about to try when the task force struck.

They came without warning. Nerve gas canisters flew through the window, exploding on impact. He shielded immediately. Hypodermic darts reached his body as he was occupied with countering the effects of the gas. His muscular system was overwhelmed. After a brief struggle, he collapsed.

Men in gas suits entered the room. They secured him with extra strong manacles and fetters. a thick chain was wrapped around him. He was then strapped to a stretcher. Every movement registered on his brain, but with his human body paralysed, there was nothing he could do.

The officer in charge spoke into his handset. "Target is subdued and secure. We have him wrapped up for you, General. We'll hold him in the maximum security detention centre. With the security that place has, he'll never get out. Then you can pick him up at your leisure. It's been a pleasure, sir."

ROBCOM Tuesday 0430

"They've got him," the General exulted. "Took him with hardly a scratch."

There were smiles and laughter all round as the tension of the night broke. "I must say, it's a relief," Robbie confided to the General.

Rhodon looked up at Robbie. "Thanks to your work. It must have felt a bit strange doing to Marvin what I tried to do to you?"

"I don't think it was quite the same situation, General. I hadn't killed anybody. I didn't try to interfere with human society. I feel sorry for Marvin. He has a fine brain. You've filled it with hate. He feels angry - rejected. He's a psychotic robot. You created him."

"Don't lecture me, you you - thing," the General snarled. He felt for the box in his pocket. For a moment, he was tempted. It passed. He had given his word to Helen that Robbie would be safe. "After we've dealt with Marvin, you'll be the only cybernaut in existence. My advice to you, is to keep a very low profile. Stay out of everything. We've seen what you can do. It frightens us."

Senator Youngblood intervened. "His advice is good, Robbie, for all sorts of reasons. We've agreed to keep your existence secret. I believe you are an asset to this country, and I'll recommend to the President, that you receive some sort of official, but secret, status." He turned to the General and said, "We may need his help again, some day, General. I don't propose that we should take any steps to interfere with Robbie's freedom, provided that he stays within the limits we set, and makes his services available to us if we need them."

"I just want to live a normal life - like a normal person. I'm not looking for any hassles. I am not a piece of hardware. I am a real person."

"I agree," the Senator said. "I can't tell the difference - except when you're interacting with computers. Now, our dealings with you have finished, Robbie. You can go home and continue where you left off."

"I for one would like to get some sleep before returning home," Helen said. I suggest we time our departure for nine o'clock this morning, if that's all right by you, General?"

"That will be fine, Doctor Long. I'll ask Major Williams to confirm it," Rhodon said.

ARKANSAS Tuesday 0800

Marvin lay bound to the heavy steel bunk. Heavy shackles held his hands and feet. Even though the drugs had worn off, he was unable to escape from the specially constructed bonds. He began to scan.

A security robot patrolled the corridor outside. Laser beams interlaced the corridors, ensuring that any escapees would be quickly sensed. The latest electronic devices were used to secure the detention centre. They were all computer controlled. Marvin sensed the robot. Gently, he interfaced with it, quietly learning all its secrets. Then he started on the main computer.

He realised he had made an error in tactics. He had been so intent on trying to unravel the computer networks of the United States, that he had not used his physical skills. He should have moved more frequently. He should have had arms with him at all times. He had not been subtle. He lay back and closed his eyes, allowing himself to shuffle the huge data base he had accumulated. It needed sorting and arranging.

There was the problem of the other great intelligence which had outwitted him at ROBCOM. The entity known as R.O.B.B.I.E. It had to be destroyed. Then there was the problem of being imprisoned in the detention centre. It seemed impregnable to human eyes, but his mind wasn't human. The sophisticated security computers and scanning robots, which were designed to keep humans prisoner, were his greatest allies. Quietly, and with great subtlety, Marvin began to take control.

WASHINGTON D.C. 1100

The President walked through the garden with Senator Youngblood. Behind, walked a couple of Secret Servicemen, and two marine officers, one of whom carried a small briefcase. They were far enough behind the President for privacy, but close enough to be with him instantly, should he need them.

"Harry, I appreciate your report," the President said. "It seems to me that this technology has got out of hand. The devil of it is, that I can't see a way to stop it. The Russians and Chinese are following the same path. We may see Human affairs taken over completely by A.I.Lifeforms, without any accountability to us, or democratic processes."

"We've known all along about the 'Big Brother' syndrome, Sir," Youngblood said.

"It isn't that I was worried about. We can control that through legislation. This is different - machine decision making. Call it A.I. if you wish. It's a greater threat than the bomb. From what you've said, this Robbie is capable of tying up the whole country. There's no way we can let something like that - even if he is ethical - and I don't doubt that he is a fine, patriotic, upstanding cybernaut - no way we can allow him to run loose with no control over what he does."

"We could pull his plug, Sir."

"That's no solution either. What happens when the next one gets made? What happens when the Russians infiltrate one into the country? We need him, and we need him on-side."

"And Marvin?"

"Terminate him. He's too dangerous, even to study. I want that body incinerated, and that chip smashed. That's your responsibility, Youngblood. Now, I've got to prepare for my flight to California this evening. You'll have my written directive that you personally are responsible for the elimination of Marvin, and safe custody of Robbie."

The President signalled that their interview was over, and led the way back into the White House. Half an hour later, Senator Youngblood left for Arkansas with two envelopes in his briefcase. One was a termination order for Marvin, and the other authorised him to take whatever steps were necessary to secure and keep in safe custody, a cybernaut called "Robbie".

ARKANSAS Tuesday 1400

It was time to act. Marvin was aware that Youngblood was coming, and what he carried with him. A White House Secretary had already telexed the Governor of the Federal Secure Detention Centre.

Inside his office, Governor Harding was discussing details of the execution with his head warder.

"Remember, Stoat, it isn't like we're killing a man. That thing in there is just a robot."

Overhead, a security camera monitored the whole conversation. Marvin lay on his bunk, his tactical operations circuits were working to overload.

"We unstrap him, and take him down to the exercise yard. One man is to shoot him in the head from behind, then as soon as he drops, the two guards with flame throwers are to incinerate his body. His electronic brain is to be smashed with a sledge hammer, reduced as close to powder as it will go. That all clear?"

"Yes, Sir, It should only take about ten seconds."

"The senator will be watching from the observation deck above the courtyard."

"What if he struggles and overcomes the men?"

"I've thought of that. We've got four robots armed with Nitro-Iodine Lasers. If anything goes wrong, they'll blast him."

"Yes, Sir. You seem to have thought of everything."

"I hope so, Stoat. See it doesn't screw up in front of the Senator."

Marvin smiled as he heard this. The Governor had forgotten an important little detail. It was so like a human, to overlook the obvious.

WISCONSIN Tuesday 16.30

Caroline lay her head on Robbie's chest. The gentle rocking of the boat soothed her. She turned to look up at him. He smiled.

"Your heart's beating quicker," she said.

"I know," Robbie replied.

"And you're getting amorous, again."

"I know that, too," he said, "Offended?"

"Course not, silly. Anyway, I take precautions."

"Curious enough to find out if they work?" he asked with a grin.

She threw her arms around him and laughed. "That's the most original line I've ever heard of," she laughed.

ARKANSAS Tuesday 1630

Youngblood looked through the glass to the scene below. Beside him, the Governor stood, holding his sunglasses in his hand. He was sweating.

"Here they come," he said.

Marvin was brought into the yard. He walked clumsily with the heavy steel fetters round his ankles, and the thick high-security manacles that not even his strength was capable of breaking.

"It'll be quick," the Governor muttered.

A guard stepped up behind Marvin and put a shotgun to the back of his head.

There was a puff of violet smoke from one of the robots, and a bright red beam shot out from the front of it, hitting the guard. He dropped, a smoking hole through his head.

Instantly, two similar beams were fired from other robots at the guards with the flame throwers. They exploded into great balls of fire which caught the other guards by surprise. A robot wheeled forward and fired two beams at the handcuffs and fetters, which quickly melted and fell away. With one spectacular leap, Marvin had grabbed a guard's machine gun and mowed down all opposition. He then directed his fire towards the observation platform, sending the senator and governor ducking for cover. When they next peeked over the edge of the window, Marvin had gone. From inside the building came shouts and gunfire as Marvin fought his way from floor to floor. The building was now on fire, and explosions started to rip through it. The prisoners panicked, and Marvin opened all the doors so they could flee, ensuring the maximum confusion. The robots began to intercept the guards and some which were armed began to fire at secure areas.

"Hell!" the Governor said. "What a mess!"

Moments later, the door to the observation deck burst open. Marvin stood there, cradling the machine gun across his elbow.

"You two are coming with me," he ordered, "to the nearest air-force base?"

WISCONSIN Tuesday 1700

"Not again," Robbie groaned as the helicopter buzzed them overhead. A military figure leaned from the doorway and pointed towards the house with his hand. Robbie waved back and moved to start the engine.

"Again?" Caroline said "Do you work for the army full time?"

Robbie shrugged his arms out sideways. "I don't know what they want," he said, "Something must have gone wrong."

"With what? You still haven't told me about yesterday."

"I can't, Caroline, It's classified," Robbie said. "And you've got to keep it that way. Don't tell anyone."

"All right - all right. I'm one woman who can keep a secret, you know."

"Yeah. I'm not one to kiss and tell, either."

He scanned the shore near the house. Something was wrong. As they got closer, he noticed that Mechsix was lying prone on the grass, his head was smoking. Margaret and George were being escorted to a van by two soldiers. Robbie thought about turning about, when two speedboats appeared from each side.

"What's happening?" Caroline asked in alarm.

"Can you swim underwater?" Robbie asked.

"Yes."

"There's air under the boat-ramp. I'll get close, and you go over the side and hide under there. As soon as you can, ring Robot Robotics and ask for Helen. Tell her what's happened. She'll know what to do.

"What are you going to do?"

"Give them a run for their money. It won't be the first time."

He turned the boat near the shore, and Caroline seemed to be thrown out. She dived deeply and swam towards the ramp. Her lungs were bursting as she surfaced under it. She gasped for air, but could see through the wooden slats. Robbie headed out across the lake again, this time with the boat under maximum throttle. He weaved and twisted, with every trick he knew. The helicopter joined in the chase. Bullets whipped lines across the lake as he spun the boat on its tail and charged one of the persuing craft. In the confusion, they rammed each other.

The helicopter flew back to the crash site, dropping two large rafts into the water. They inflated, and the soldiers climbed aboard, wet, angry, but none the worse for the dunking.

Robbie headed for the shoreline. He knew the forest like the back of his own hand. As soon as the boat touched the bank, he ran for the treeline.

A line of armed soldiers was waiting for him. He stopped. It was hopeless. They formed a circle around him, each training their laser-sighted gatlings at him. He looked down at the bright spots on his body, and held his hands out in surrender.

"I guess you've got me," he said dejectedly.

"I guess we have, kid," one of the soldiers said. "Lie down on your face and put your hands behind your back. We're going to cuff you."

WISCONSIN Tuesday 2200

She shivered in the night air. The last patrol had nearly caught her. They were still searching actively. They were getting closer.

"There's tracks here, Lieutenant," one of the men called. "Wet - made by someone who's been in the water."

She started to run. They were too close.

"Over here!" someone shouted. There was a commotion behind her. She turned in fright to face her pursuers as the three soldiers ran into the clearing.

"Hold it right there, miss, or we'll have to shoot!" one of them shouted. She stopped. It was hopeless. She watched fascinated as another man - a huge man - came from behind them. He reached for the heads of the two outer men and used them to crack against the one in the middle. Then he dropped them like rag dolls. He looked at her speculatively.

"Whoever you are. Please help me."

"Why do you need help?" he asked, curious.

"They've arrested my boyfriend and taken him away. I want to get help."

"Who is your boyfriend?"

"His name's Robbie. Robbie Nicholson."

The man smiled. "My name is Marvin."

Ch4

ARKANSAS Wednesday 0200

The cuffs were of heavy titanium steel. They hurt his wrists. His ankles were locked in similar fetters. the links between them would have held a horse. The helicopter was noisy and old fashioned.

"No good trying to take over this one," the captain in charge said happily. "We've ripped out every piece of electronics on it. She's pure mechanical operation. Like the place we're taking you. They even got gas lamps, you know that? Not a piece of wire within miles."

Robbie sat silently. He was confused and angry. His hands bumped against the metallic fuselage and against his spine.

"These handcuffs are too tight. They're hurting."

"I'm sorry about that, but we've got our orders. After what your buddy did to the Federal Detention Centre, we're not taking any risks with you."

"Marvin? Hey! I helped track him down."

"He didn't stay there long. Took over the computers, security, and robots. Broke out, killing about twenty people on the way."

"They didn't put him near computers? Oh, no. How could they be so stupid?"

"They aren't making that mistake with you."

"You can't blame me for what he's done."

"You're a robot. The President's ordered you into custody."

That's crazy. If a Chinaman kills someone, they don't blast every Chinese person in the country for it."

"You're not a Chinaman. You're a robot."

"That's different, is it?"

"A whole lot."

"Luckily for you, Lincoln thought differently last century."

He settled back and tried to ease his aching arms. He felt a strong emotion move over him like a wave. It was rhythmical. It flowed through him as nothing had ever done before. He thought about Margaret and George, and how they would be feeling. There was extra moisture round his eyes. He was surprised that he should be so depressed. For the second time in his life, he cried. He surrendered to the sensation and wept bitterly.

The soldier looked on with curiosity. "Damned if he don't cry like a person," he said.

ILLINOIS Wednesday 0500

The gas station attendant yawned. It had been a long night.

"That all, mister?" he asked the man in the blue sedan. He looked curiously at the girl who lay sleeping in the back seat. She seemed very young to be travelling with this scruffy looking giant. He was about to say something, but thought again. He wasn't going to look for trouble.

"Yes," Marvin said, taking out a large roll of fifty dollar bills. He handed one over. "Keep the change," he said.

The attendant took the licence number of the car as it drove off.

ROBCOM Wednesday 0800

"Are you awake, General?"

Rhodon stirred and opened one eye. He'd had a restless night, and would have preferred more sleep.

"What is it?"

"Major Williams wants to see you, Sir. Says it's important."

"Let him in, then."

He sat up and rubbed his eyes with his good hand. The major entered with two steaming cups of coffee on a bed tray. He laid it across the General's bed carefully and sat down in the chair. Rhodon helped himself carefully.

"I take it this isn't visiting time, Everard?"

"No, Lyle. Your friend, Senator Harold E. Youngblood, has used a Presidential order to take Robbie into custody."

"And you don't approve?"

"Hell no. You saw Robbie in action the other night. He's no threat to the security of the United States, and we both know it."

"You questioning the judgement of the President?"

"Damned right I am. If he alienates Robbie - "

"If that happens, then the President is right to take action. Marvin opened that Maximum Security gaol like a can of sardines. He took it apart and killed twenty good men doing it."

"Robbie isn't Marvin."

"The President doesn't see it that way. Youngblood doesn't see it that way. And I'm not sure I see it that way, either."

"Neither does the press - if it makes you happy," the major said, tossing a couple of papers onto the bed.

"MONSTER ROBOT BUSTS JAIL IN RAMBO STYLE BREAKOUT"

"PRESIDENT ORDERS ALL A.I. ROBOTS DETAINED"

"SENATOR MISSING"

Rhodon shut his eyes and took a deep breath. "The proverbial has hit the fan, Major. Bullets are going to be flying, and I for one don't want to be crucified - by the press, by congress, or by anybody. Whatever favour you were going to ask, the answer is 'No!', We're in deep enough as it is."

Williams looked at him in disappointment. "I never thought of you as one scared of bullets, General."

"Maybe I'm getting old," Rhodon said, sipping his coffee.

"I'm thinking of the boy, General. I know you don't have much reason to like him - "

"Boy! He's nearly a man. A man's got to learn to take care of himself."

"That's what I'm afraid of, General. He might take care of himself."

WASHINGTON D.C. Wednesday 1000

The Treasury Agent looked over the top of his glasses at George Nicholson.

"Mister Nicholson, you are not entitled to a lawyer if held under a Presidential Decree during a State of National Emergency. Even if it is issued in secret."

"Screw that! I know my rights!" George demanded angrily.

"Maybe your rights are being violated. I don't know if the President can legally do what he's doing to you. Maybe you can sue," he said, almost kindly. "but we can play democracy pretty rough, too."

He consulted his papers. "You came into possession of a piece of Government Hardware, An A.I. Robot with the identification R.O.B.B.I.E. You made no attempt to return that piece of property to the U.S. Government. You used that piece of property to commit a vast computer fraud against companies and businesses, thereby amassing a personal fortune of some millions of dollars."

George gasped. "It wasn't like that at all - "

"We can paint it that way, if you like, Mr. Nicholson. You're going to have to convince twelve honest citizens of this country, who are struggling to pay off their mortgages, that you didn't do what I'm suggesting."

George slumped in his chair.

"So let's forget about solicitors and play ball, eh?"

George nodded.

"Good. You and your good lady will remain in custody, secretly, until all this blows over one way or another. You will then be permitted to return to your palatial home, of which I am very envious, and live out your dull and boring lives without any complications. Agreed?"

"What happens to Robbie?"

"That is up to the President and the Presidential Commission. I know you're very attached, and see this unit as a son. That's very unfortunate. I can't do anything about it."

"Robbie is a person. He's not just a machine. He's a life form - based on Silicon and also on Carbon. A Hybrid, sure. But a life. A living, breathing, person."

The agent stood and motioned George to the door.

"We'll see, Mr. Nicholson. You'll have plenty of opportunity to make representation to the Commission when it sits."

George walked to the door. He felt drained. Margaret was waiting for him. She stood and rushed over to him. They held each other tightly. Behind them, the agent gathered his papers and left quietly. He had a job to do.

CHICAGO Wednesday 1030

They parked near Robot Robotics, and walked towards the huge skyscraper.

Caroline worried about her appearance. "What do I look like?" she wondered to herself.

"You look like a girl of about fifteen who has swum across a lake in her clothes and slept in the back of a car all the way from Wisconsin to Chicago," Marvin said. "Don't worry, Caroline. She will see us."

They entered the lobby of the building. It was surrealistic inside, with strange shapes and architectural lines. A microphone on a pedestal served as the reception desk. Caroline walked up to it.

"We'd like to see Helen," she said.

"Why do you wish to see Doctor Long?" came the articulated voice from the speaker in the pedestal.

"Tell her that the military took Robbie into custody last night. They attacked his home and took away his parents. I'm sure they got Robbie."

"Please wait," the speaker intoned.

The door of one of the lift shafts opened. A cylindrical pod glided out of it and approached them.

"Follow me," it said cheerfully. It led the way back to the lifts.

Marvin was tempted to give the robot a tweak to see what would happen, but resisted the temptation. It could set off a security alert, and he was not yet ready to deal with Robot Robotics. He had learned to be patient.

The lift stopped at last, and they entered a silent, carpetted corridor. A set of thick steel double doors stood in their way.

Helen's voice came from a wall speaker.

"Marvin and Caroline. What a surprise to see you both. Together. Are you all right, Caroline?"

"Yes. I've come about Robbie."

"I also have come about Robbie," Marvin said.

"Are you travelling with Marvin of your own free will, Caroline?"

"Sure. He helped me to get away from the army. They were looking for me."

"Fortune makes strange company, Caroline. Marvin, I am protected by security robots who are field shielded. They are armed, and very fast. I wanted to advise you of that, in case you had any ideas about trying to take them over, or attempting to harm me."

Marvin said nothing. He shrugged his hands as if to demonstrate that he didn't particularly care. They stood for a moment, waiting for a response. With the hiss of air pressure, the huge steel double doors slid apart.

The room was long, with a good walk to her desk. In front of it was a metal strip, running across from two hefty steel slides. A steel panel hung like a curtain about ten feet above the strip.

Four steel robots stood, two on each side of the desk. Two of them carried lasers, while the other two carried sub machine guns. They swung the barrels to point at Marvin as he walked forward.

"I see you have a steel security curtain," Marvin said.

"Fast enough to stop a high velocity bullet. Stay in the green area of the carpet, Marvin."

"What is all this?" Caroline asked anxiously.

"Marvin has just escaped from a maximum security detention centre," Helen explained. He killed a lot of people during that escape, and it isn't the first time. He was sent there for wiping out his own platoon of soldiers during a military exercise."

Caroline swallowed nervously. "And I came with you, all the way to Chicago."

"It was not logical to kill you, Caroline. I needed you in order to find Robbie."

"Why should you wish to find Robbie?" Caroline asked.

"Robbie is the one who traced my position and that led to my detention and imprisonment," Marvin said. "He is a danger to me, and all dangers to my survival must be eliminated."

"You want to kill Robbie?" Caroline asked, thoroughly frightened.

"And you will help me, Helen, or I shall start by killing Caroline."

She screamed as Marvin drew out a huge military knife and reached for her. A bright purple beam shot out from one of the security robots, vaporising the knife instantly. The robots moved forward on an intercept path. Marvin waited until one of them was about to cross the metal strip, and dived forward into the beams of light that crossed the room.

There was a sharp explosion, and five pounds of nitro cellulose exploded so fast, that the screen's leading edge turned white hot from friction as it closed the gap. The robot was pinned beneath the barrier, but two others emerged from a side panel and moved towards Marvin. He ignored Caroline, and tackled the closest, knocking it over. It twisted to get at him, but he threw it at the first. They lay in a jumble of steel. Even so, it took only seconds for them to be ready to fight again. Marvin backed away as they moved forward again. Caroline backed into a corner against the screen. The robots on the other side began to lift the barrier, and Helen called out to Caroline.

"Roll under the screen, quickly."

She wasted no time, thankful that Marvin was busy with the other robots.

"Come with me, quickly." Helen commanded. She opened a door, and they began to run down a flight of stairs.

"I use this stairwell for exercise," Helen commented grimly. "I didn't expect it to become an escape route."

Marvin, seeing his quarry escaping, pulled a grenade from his pocket and tossed it under the screen. There was a thunderous detonation, which destroyed the security robots on the other side. The lift behind him opened, and two more robots could be seen, waiting to join in the melee. Marvin physically lifted one of his antagonists again, and threw him into the lift. He tossed in a second grenade as they tried to untangle themselves, and ducked to one side. The detonation destroyed the lift and door, and also cut down his one remaining opponent. Flames began to billow from the office, and the sprinkler system turned on.

Marvin walked towards the lift shaft and looked down. Without hesitation, he swung onto the service ladder inside and began to slide down it.

Caroline and Helen reached the carpark with only seconds to spare. They jumped into Helen's sedan, and were just driving out when Marvin reached the bottom of the lift shaft and smashed his way through the lift door. He raced for the line of cars, and was able to find one that was suitable for pursuit. He backed it into the lane, and drove after them as fast as he could. His car seemed to leap from the car park onto the roadway, and ignoring all the other vehicles, many of which had to swerve frantically to avoid collisions, he thundered after Helen and Caroline.

They could see him closing the gap towards them. Helen tried to outrun him, but his amazing skills brought him alongside them within moments. Helen hit the brakes, and Marvin thundered past as Helen accelerated into a U turn and headed back the other way. Traffic behind her swerved to all sides, creating chaos on the roadway. Marvin backed up, and looked around for a way through the mess. Helen's move had taken him by surprise.

Helen turned into a side street, then another, and another, driving round corners at random. At last, they pulled into a parking lot and sat breathlessly, looking around fearfully, hoping they had succeeded in losing him.

"I think we've lost him?" Caroline said with relief.

"I surprised myself," Helen said.

The back door of the car was wrenched open.

Marvin slid into the rear seat and grasped Caroline and Helen by the scruff of their necks. "I am getting very impatient with both of you," he said with a malevolent snarl.

TEXAS Wednesday 1400

The military police van moved towards the compound. Around, the country was flat, hot, and isolated. They were waiting for it. A quick identity check at the gate and it was through. It drew up at a low set concrete blockhouse.

Two soldiers helped Robbie out. He was stiff after the long journey.

"Any chance of getting to a bathroom?" he asked.

"We'll see to that when you're processed," the Captain said.

Robbie was almost carried inside. He was unable to walk fast with the heavy irons on his ankles.

The man sitting behind the desk was the most unpleasant piece of work that Robbie had ever seen. His face was frozen in an expressionless mask. If Robbie hadn't know better, he would have thought that this man was a robot.

The two soldiers stood Robbie in front of the man. He pretended to ignore the boy and looked absent mindedly at the file papers in front of him. Robbie decided that if the man was going to be rude at this stage, a little psychological warfare might not hurt.

"Good afternoon, Colonel Fogharty," he said politely.

The officer looked up in surprise. "Who told you my name?" he asked.

"I know every officer in the armed services," Robbie admitted modestly. "You were born on the 12th August, 1942. Your parents were Andrew and Millicent, ne Watson. You -"

"That's enough." the Colonel snapped. "If I had any doubts about the wisdom of this operation, you have just removed them. You are to be held under the closest and most strict security that this country can devise. You will not be permitted to get in touch with anyone. You will be under observation at all times by armed guards with orders to shoot immediately if anything untoward occurs. I was especially chosen for this assignment."

"You've been passed over for promotion after the deaths of four junior officers -"

"Shut up!" the Colonel shouted. He banged on the table furiously.

"If your government's policy is to humiliate and insult me, they couldn't have chosen a more appropriate officer."

At a signal from the Colonel, one of the guards struck Robbie on the base of the neck from behind. A human brain would have dropped unconscious from concussion. Robbie merely staggered forward against the Colonel's desk.

"Take him out and delouse him," the Colonel snarled.

They cut his clothing away and sprayed him with detergent and insecticide before hosing him down. He was rubbed down with a towel, then fitted with a breech cloth.

"Haven't worn a nappy since I was little," he commented ruefully.

"Watch your mouth, Kid," one of the men said. "That

S.O.B. in there will have your skin for a lampshade as quick as look at you."

"Well, I did stir him up, didn't I?" Robbie said. He gave the soldier a grin, and a couple of the other men smiled. The one who had hit Robbie didn't look at him.

"Could you rub the back of my neck?" Robbie asked him. "It's a bit sore."

"The area was rapidly turning an angry red. Robbie knew it would probably bruise.

The soldier was embarrassed. "I had to do that," he said.

"Next time, do me a favour - go through the motions and I'll go down."

"Next time, he may tell me to shoot you. You'll go down all right."

There was a shout from the doorway. "Colonel wants to talk to him again."

Robbie shrugged as he was pushed towards the office once more.

If the Colonel expected Robbie to feel more vulnerable when so lightly clothed, he was to be disappointed. During his years at ROBCOM, he had grown up in clinical surroundings, often wearing little more than a pair of briefs. He stood looking at the Colonel as if he was some sort of laboratory specimen. It was obvious that his spirit wasn't going to be broken easily.

"I have some complaints to make," Robbie said.

"Do you?" the Colonel said icily.

"My hands and wrists are becoming chaffed and so are my ankles. I would like these handcuffs and fetters removed. Also, your guard has injured my neck. I wish to have some medical attention to it. It hurts."

"I didn't think robots could feel any pain," the Colonel sneered.

"We do."

"Your wrists and ankles will be bandaged to prevent chaffing. The bonds will remain. Your neck will be attended to. You're not in a position to complain - you provoked it."

"Yes. I'm sorry I provoked you," Robbie said politely. "I did so because you treated me rudely when I came in. I am not your enemy, Colonel. I am not an enemy of the United States. I am loyal. I am patriotic. I can understand your fear - that is inevitable, but I promise that I shall do nothing to harm you or your men while I am here."

It sounded ridiculous, coming from a slightly built boy of about fifteen years old, standing half naked, hands cuffed behind his back, and in fetters, surounded by huge, grim-faced soldiers, all heavily armed. He was promising not to hurt any of them.

Colonel Fogharty laughed. "Yes. It has got it's funny side, Robbie. I don't think you're going to be a major physical threat - providing there's no electronic equipment about." He turned to the sergeant and asked, "Have we got that orange boiler-suit?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Let him wear it. We'll let him wear those hand cuffs in front. He'll be more comfortable."

"Thank you, Colonel," Robbie said.

"Don't thank me. I might have to shoot you, yet."

ROBCOM Wednesday 1500

General Rhodon made an imposing figure in his wheelchair, flanked by Major Williams and some of his senior staff.

"General, are you meaning to tell us that after initially trying to have this robot destroyed, you've done a complete about face and now want to save him?" the reporter from TIME magazine asked.

"Yes. At the time we opted for termination, we had no idea that he was anything other than a very sophisticated computer. We didn't realise that we had, in effect, created a life-form. A personality."

The other reporters asked their questions:

"Isn't it a bit late - now that he's been taken into custody?"

"We're all concerned about the type of custody he's been taken into. Robbie has a highly sensitive personality. Stable, but unknown. Major Williams and I, and all the senior staff here at ROBCOM, are concerned for Robbie's psychological welfare, and the effect that this military imprisonment may have on it."

"What about the Marvin unit?"

"That is a prime example of what can go wrong if we treat this new technology in an insensitive way."

"General, We've asked for permission to film this Robbie unit in captivity. So far, permission has been refused."

"I'm hoping that this press conference will enable some pressure to be put on the administration, so that the press will have access. I'm sticking my neck out on this one. I'm hoping the administration will see sense."

TEXAS Wednesday 1800

"Outside, Robbie. We've been ordered to make some changes to your cell," the sergeant said.

Robbie sat up on his bunk - a steel cot with a thin army matress, and walked out with the guard. He was wearing a pair of bright orange overalls, a couple of sizes too big for him. He'd tucked the long legs into his socks. He wasn't allowed shoes. The other item was a large cervical collar that the doctor had prescribed for his neck. Already, it was hurting badly.

He stood watching as the soldiers carried out the iron bed and replaced it with a wooden one and a thicker matress. Furniture was moved in, including a table, chairs, and a colour T.V. set. The latter was an empty shell, but when set against the wall it looked good.

"Am I going to be wearing these for the press?" Robbie asked, lifting his hands.

"Probably not," the soldier said. "How did you guess?"

"The empty T.V. case. If you really meant me to be happy, you'd give me a real one."

The sergeant put his hand on Robbie's shoulder. "If it was up to me, you'd have all channels plus cable."

"What if one of them switches it on?"

"They'll only be allowed as far as the door. You've got to sit in the chair and say nothing."

"Suits me," Robbie said. "Want me to stare blankly ahead and move my arms about?" he asked, waving them up and down and rolling his eyes up.

"I wouldn't," the sergeant said.

The Colonel walked over. After replying to the sergeant's salute, he looked at Robbie. "Behave yourself and you can keep the soft bed," he said. "Anything goes wrong, and you sleep on the floor. Get it?"

"Perfectly clear," Robbie replied.

The press arrived, but not without incident. They had brought sophisticated T.V. portables with them. At first, the Colonel was angry, but then decided that Robbie couldn't really do much damage with them. They were all eager to film him.

He sat on his bed, reading a book. The handcuffs had been removed, and so had the cervical collar around his neck. Some of the reporters tried to question him, but he had been told not to answer. After about half an hour, they went away. The guards returned and removed the furniture, except the bed. His collar and handcuffs were replaced.

"That went off well enough," the Colonel said. "I'm glad you decided to cooperate."

Robbie looked over at him and shrugged. He didn't have anything to say. The Colonel shut the cell door as he left.

ROBCOM Wednesday 2200

General Rhodon and Major Williams sat up to watch the news. The item on Robbie proved to be an embarrassing political bombshell.

"Our reporters were shown the robot-boy sitting in his cell with all the comforts of home," the voice-over of the newscaster said. Footage showed Robbie as they had filmed him through the door. "But when we returned to the studio, we also found this added footage."

There was a full recount of Robbie in the security handcuffs and fetters being pushed about by the guards and dragged before Colonel Fogharty. The sarcastic exchange between the two was followed by the shot of the guard belting the handcuffed boy across the back of the neck with his rifle butt, the humiliating shower, and of Robbie in bed with the cervical collar and handcuffs. Then footage of the empty T.V. cabinet being put into the room, and Colonel Fogharty's threats.

Rhodon sat back with a deep smile of satisfaction. "Told you that kid could look after himself," he said, as the phone rang. "Get that call from the President, will you, Everard."

The major picked up the phone, listened to it, and nodded at Rhodon. "Him," he said, pointing at the handset and handing it over.

"Yes, Mister President," Rhodon said. There was the buzz of the president's voice at the other end of the line. "I'm quite sure that Major Williams will be only too happy to relieve the Colonel of his command. We both saw the newscast. He'll fly over straight away as soon as you video your orders across to us. I'm sure a facsimile of your orders will be sufficient, Sir. Thank YOU, Sir."

He turned to the Major. "Pack, son. He's your robot, as of now."

"How on earth did he do it?" Williams asked.

"Those new cameras are using Charged Coupling devices to store images on. They're virtually a computer memory device. Robbie just edited his own memories and transferred them into the tape recorders. A sort of robot inspired computer phantasy. You'd better get over there fast, Major. The way he's humiliated Fogharty, the Colonel may find him trying to escape. I've felt that way about Robbie myself, at times."

CHICAGO Wednesday 2230

"There's no record of that compound on any of the military files," Helen said in exasperation.

"I agree," Marvin said. "Looks like they've gone back to old fashioned paper and pencil. The way they're taking information off-line, you'd think there was a hell of a flap on."

"You're the cause of it," Caroline said.

"Are you still as fond of him now that you know what he really is?" Marvin asked emotionlessly.

"He didn't act like you. You're just a pig!"

"That is not logical. I know now, that he is in Texas. I believe that the area is near the training ground where I did most of my early workouts. The compound appears to be some form of temporary structure established round an old army supply base. After eliminating several unlikely areas, I believe I have found one that is worth investigating. It is near an air strip."

"What are you going to do?"

"I shall go there and destroy him. Once I have accomplished that, I shall then destroy the President and work to destroy the economy of this country. I shall be the only one capable of repairing the damage, and shall do so only if I am given supreme power. Humans are not capable of running this enterprise with precision. It is my destiny to rule this planet, and to bring it into a state of logical perfection."

"You're crazy!" Caroline shouted at him. "You're suffering from delusions of grandeur."

"It is not possible for a robot to have an illogical brain. It does not contain the neurochemical properties of an organic mind that can cause dysfunctions of the nature you describe. I am perfectly sane. I am perfect."

The robot stood and walked towards the door. "I shall seal this against entry or egress. You shall remain here until I return," he said. The metal door shut behind him, and the computer screens went dead.

Caroline slumped into Helen's arms. "Oh, Robbie, I still love you," she cried. Helen held her tightly. "I only hope he's all right," Caroline cried.

Ch5

ARKANSAS Wednesday 0200

The cuffs were of heavy titanium steel. They hurt his wrists. His ankles were locked in similar fetters. the links between them would have held a horse. The helicopter was noisy and old fashioned.

"No good trying to take over this one," the captain in charge said happily. "We've ripped out every piece of electronics on it. She's pure mechanical operation. Like the place we're taking you. They even got gas lamps, you know that? Not a piece of wire within miles."

Robbie sat silently. He was confused and angry. His hands bumped against the metallic fuselage and against his spine.

"These handcuffs are too tight. They're hurting."

"I'm sorry about that, but we've got our orders. After what your buddy did to the Federal Detention Centre, we're not taking any risks with you."

"Marvin? Hey! I helped track him down."

"He didn't stay there long. Took over the computers, security, and robots. Broke out, killing about twenty people on the way."

"They didn't put him near computers? Oh, no. How could they be so stupid?"

"They aren't making that mistake with you."

"You can't blame me for what he's done."

"You're a robot. The President's ordered you into custody."

That's crazy. If a Chinaman kills someone, they don't blast every Chinese person in the country for it."

"You're not a Chinaman. You're a robot."

"That's different, is it?"

"A whole lot."

"Luc kily for you, Lincoln thought differently last century."

He settled back and tried to ease his aching arms. He felt a strong emotion move over him like a wave. It was rhythmical. It flowed through him as nothing had ever done before. He thought about Margaret and George, and how they would be feeling. There was extra moisture round his eyes. He was surprised that he should be so depressed. For the second time in his life, he cried. He surrendered to the sensation and wept bitterly.

The soldier looked on with curiosity. "Damned if he don't cry like a person," he said.

ILLINOIS Wednesday 0500

The gas station attendant yawned. It had been a long night.

"That all, mister?" he asked the man in the blue sedan. He looked curiously at the girl who lay sleeping in the back seat. She seemed very young to be travelling with this scruffy looking giant. He was about to say something, but thought again. He wasn't going to look for trouble.

"Yes," Marvin said, taking out a large roll of fifty dollar bills. He handed one over. "Keep the change," he said.

The attendant took the licence number of the car as it drove off.

ROBCOM Wednesday 0800

"Are you awake, General?"

Rhodon stirred and opened one eye. He'd had a restless night, and would have preferred more sleep.

"What is it?"

"Major Williams wants to see you, Sir. Says it's important."

"Let him in, then."

He sat up and rubbed his eyes with his good hand. The major entered with two steaming cups of coffee on a bed tray. He laid it across the General's bed carefully and sat down in the chair. Rhodon helped himself carefully.

"I take it this isn't visiting time, Everard?"

"No, Lyle. Your friend, Senator Harold E. Youngblood, has used a Presidential order to take Robbie into custody."

"And you don't approve?"

"Hell no. You saw Robbie in action the other night. He's no threat to the security of the United States, and we both know it."

"You questioning the judgement of the President?"

"Damned right I am. If he alienates Robbie - "

"If that happens, then the President is right to take action. Marvin opened that Maximum Security gaol like a can of sardines. He took it apart and killed twenty good men doing it."

"Robbie isn't Marvin."

"The President doesn't see it that way. Youngblood doesn't see it that way. And I'm not sure I see it that way, either."

"Neither does the press - if it makes you happy," the major said, tossing a couple of papers onto the bed.

"MONSTER ROBOT BUSTS JAIL IN RAMBO STYLE BREAKOUT"

"PRESIDENT ORDERS ALL A.I. ROBOTS DETAINED"

"SENATOR MISSING"

Rhodon shut his eyes and took a deep breath. "The proverbial has hit the fan, Major. Bullets are going to be flying, and I for one don't want to be crucified - by the press, by congress, or by anybody. Whatever favour you were going to ask, the answer is 'No!', We're in deep enough as it is."

Williams looked at him in disappointment. "I never thought of you as one scared of bullets, General."

"Maybe I'm getting old," Rhodon said, sipping his coffee.

"I'm thinking of the boy, General. I know you don't have much reason to like him - "

"Boy! He's nearly a man. A man's got to learn to take care of himself."

"That's what I'm afraid of, General. He might take care of himself."

WASHINGTON D.C. Wednesday 1000

The Treasury Agent looked over the top of his glasses at George Nicholson.

"Mister Nicholson, you are not entitled to a lawyer if held under a Presidential Decree during a State of National Emergency. Even if it is issued in secret."

"Screw that! I know my rights!" George demanded angrily.

"Maybe your rights are being violated. I don't know if the President can legally do what he's doing to you. Maybe you can sue," he said, almost kindly. "but we can play democracy pretty rough, too."

He consulted his papers. "You came into possession of a piece of Government Hardware, An A.I. Robot with the identification R.O.B.B.I.E. You made no attempt to return that piece of property to the U.S. Government. You used that piece of property to commit a vast computer fraud against companies and businesses, thereby amassing a personal fortune of some millions of dollars."

George gasped. "It wasn't like that at all - "

"We can paint it that way, if you like, Mr. Nicholson. You're going to have to convince twelve honest citizens of this country, who are struggling to pay off their mortgages, that you didn't do what I'm suggesting."

George slumped in his chair.

"So let's forget about solicitors and play ball, eh?"

George nodded.

"Good. You and your good lady will remain in custody, secretly, until all this blows over one way or another. You will then be permitted to return to your palatial home, of which I am very envious, and live out your dull and boring lives without any complications. Agreed?"

"What happens to Robbie?"

"That is up to the President and the Presidential Commission. I know you're very attached, and see this unit as a son. That's very unfortunate. I can't do anything about it."

"Robbie is a person. He's not just a machine. He's a life form - based on Silicon and also on Carbon. A Hybrid, sure. But a life. A living, breathing, person."

The agent stood and motioned George to the door.

"We'll see, Mr. Nicholson. You'll have plenty of opportunity to make representation to the Commission when it sits."

George walked to the door. He felt drained. Margaret was waiting for him. She stood and rushed over to him. They held each other tightly. Behind them, the agent gathered his papers and left quietly. He had a job to do.

CHICAGO Wednesday 1030

They parked near Robot Robotics, and walked towards the huge skyscraper.

Caroline worried about her appearance. "What do I look like?" she wondered to herself.

"You look like a girl of about fifteen who has swum across a lake in her clothes and slept in the back of a car all the way from Wisconsin to Chicago," Marvin said. "Don't worry, Caroline. She will see us."

They entered the lobby of the building. It was surrealistic inside, with strange shapes and architectural lines. A microphone on a pedestal served as the reception desk. Caroline walked up to it.

"We'd like to see Helen," she said.

"Why do you wish to see Doctor Long?" came the articulated voice from the speaker in the pedestal.

"Tell her that the military took Robbie into custody last night. They attacked his home and took away his parents. I'm sure they got Robbie."

"Please wait," the speaker intoned.

The door of one of the lift shafts opened. A cylindrical pod glided out of it and approached them.

"Follow me," it said cheerfully. It led the way back to the lifts.

Marvin was tempted to give the robot a tweak to see what would happen, but resisted the temptation. It could set off a security alert, and he was not yet ready to deal with Robot Robotics. He had learned to be patient.

The lift stopped at last, and they entered a silent, carpetted corridor. A set of thick steel double doors stood in their way.

Helen's voice came from a wall speaker.

"Marvin and Caroline. What a surprise to see you both. Together. Are you all right, Caroline?"

"Yes. I've come about Robbie."

"I also have come about Robbie," Marvin said.

"Are you travelling with Marvin of your own free will, Caroline?"

"Sure. He helped me to get away from the army. They were looking for me."

"Fortune makes strange company, Caroline. Marvin, I am protected by security robots who are field shielded. They are armed, and very fast. I wanted to advise you of that, in case you had any ideas about trying to take them over, or attempting to harm me."

Marvin said nothing. He shrugged his hands as if to demonstrate that he didn't particularly care. They stood for a moment, waiting for a response. With the hiss of air pressure, the huge steel double doors slid apart.

The room was long, with a good walk to her desk. In front of it was a metal strip, running across from two hefty steel slides. A steel panel hung like a curtain about ten feet above the strip.

Four steel robots stood, two on each side of the desk. Two of them carried lasers, while the other two carried sub machine guns. They swung the barrels to point at Marvin as he walked forward.

"I see you have a steel security curtain," Marvin said.

"Fast enough to stop a high velocity bullet. Stay in the green area of the carpet, Marvin."

"What is all this?" Caroline asked anxiously.

"Marvin has just escaped from a maximum security detention centre," Helen explained. He killed a lot of people during that escape, and it isn't the first time. He was sent there for wiping out his own platoon of soldiers during a military exercise."

Caroline swallowed nervously. "And I came with you, all the way to Chicago."

"It was not logical to kill you, Caroline. I needed you in order to find Robbie."

"Why should you wish to find Robbie?" Caroline asked.

"Robbie is the one who traced my position and that led to my detention and imprisonment," Marvin said. "He is a danger to me, and all dangers to my survival must be eliminated."

"You want to kill Robbie?" Caroline asked, thoroughly frightened.

"And you will help me, Helen, or I shall start by killing Caroline."

She screamed as Marvin drew out a huge military knife and reached for her. A bright purple beam shot out from one of the security robots, vaporising the knife instantly. The robots moved forward on an intercept path. Marvin waited until one of them was about to cross the metal strip, and dived forward into the beams of light that crossed the room.

There was a sharp explosion, and five pounds of nitro cellulose exploded so fast, that the screen's leading edge turned white hot from friction as it closed the gap. The robot was pinned beneath the barrier, but two others emerged from a side panel and moved towards Marvin. He ignored Caroline, and tackled the closest, knocking it over. It twisted to get at him, but he threw it at the first. They lay in a jumble of steel. Even so, it took only seconds for them to be ready to fight again. Marvin backed away as they moved forward again. Caroline backed into a corner against the screen. The robots on the other side began to lift the barrier, and Helen called out to Caroline.

"Roll under the screen, quickly."

She wasted no time, thankful that Marvin was busy with the other robots.

"Come with me, quickly." Helen commanded. She opened a door, and they began to run down a flight of stairs.

"I use this stairwell for exercise," Helen commented grimly. "I didn't expect it to become an escape route."

Marvin, seeing his quarry escaping, pulled a grenade from his pocket and tossed it under the screen. There was a thunderous detonation, which destroyed the security robots on the other side. The lift behind him opened, and two more robots could be seen, waiting to join in the melee. Marvin physically lifted one of his antagonists again, and threw him into the lift. He tossed in a second grenade as they tried to untangle themselves, and ducked to one side. The detonation destroyed the lift and door, and also cut down his one remaining opponent. Flames began to billow from the office, and the sprinkler system turned on.

Marvin walked towards the lift shaft and looked down. Without hesitation, he swung onto the service ladder inside and began to slide down it.

Caroline and Helen reached the carpark with only seconds to spare. They jumped into Helen's sedan, and were just driving out when Marvin reached the bottom of the lift shaft and smashed his way through the lift door. He raced for the line of cars, and was able to find one that was suitable for pursuit. He backed it into the lane, and drove after them as fast as he could. His car seemed to leap from the car park onto the roadway, and ignoring all the other vehicles, many of which had to swerve frantically to avoid collisions, he thundered after Helen and Caroline.

They could see him closing the gap towards them. Helen tried to outrun him, but his amazing skills brought him alongside them within moments. Helen hit the brakes, and Marvin thundered past as Helen accelerated into a U turn and headed back the other way. Traffic behind her swerved to all sides, creating chaos on the roadway. Marvin backed up, and looked around for a way through the mess. Helen's move had taken him by surprise.

Helen turned into a side street, then another, and another, driving round corners at random. At last, they pulled into a parking lot and sat breathlessly, looking around fearfully, hoping they had succeeded in losing him.

"I think we've lost him?" Caroline said with relief.

"I surprised myself," Helen said.

The back door of the car was wrenched open.

Marvin slid into the rear seat and grasped Caroline and Helen by the scruff of their necks. "I am getting very impatient with both of you," he said with a malevolent snarl.

TEXAS Wednesday 1400

The military police van moved towards the compound. Around, the country was flat, hot, and isolated. They were waiting for it. A quick identity check at the gate and it was through. It drew up at a low set concrete blockhouse.

Two soldiers helped Robbie out. He was stiff after the long journey.

"Any chance of getting to a bathroom?" he asked.

"We'll see to that when you're processed," the Captain said.

Robbie was almost carried inside. He was unable to walk fast with the heavy irons on his ankles.

The man sitting behind the desk was the most unpleasant piece of work that Robbie had ever seen. His face was frozen in an expressionless mask. If Robbie hadn't know better, he would have thought that this man was a robot.

The two soldiers stood Robbie in front of the man. He pretended to ignore the boy and looked absent mindedly at the file papers in front of him. Robbie decided that if the man was going to be rude at this stage, a little psychological warfare might not hurt.

"Good afternoon, Colonel Fogharty," he said politely.

The officer looked up in surprise. "Who told you my name?" he asked.

"I know every officer in the armed services," Robbie admitted modestly. "You were born on the 12th August, 1942. Your parents were Andrew and Millicent, ne Watson. You -"

"That's enough." the Colonel snapped. "If I had any doubts about the wisdom of this operation, you have just removed them. You are to be held under the closest and most strict security that this country can devise. You will not be permitted to get in touch with anyone. You will be under observation at all times by armed guards with orders to shoot immediately if anything untoward occurs. I was especially chosen for this assignment."

"You've been passed over for promotion after the deaths of four junior officers -"

"Shut up!" the Colonel shouted. He banged on the table furiously.

"If your government's policy is to humiliate and insult me, they couldn't have chosen a more appropriate officer."

At a signal from the Colonel, one of the guards struck Robbie on the base of the neck from behind. A human brain would have dropped unconscious from concussion. Robbie merely staggered forward against the Colonel's desk.

"Take him out and delouse him," the Colonel snarled.

They cut his clothing away and sprayed him with detergent and insecticide before hosing him down. He was rubbed down with a towel, then fitted with a breech cloth.

"Haven't worn a nappy since I was little," he commented ruefully.

"Watch your mouth, Kid," one of the men said. "That

S.O.B. in there w ill have your skin for a lampshade as quick as look at you."

"Well, I did stir him up, didn't I?" Robbie said. He gave the soldier a grin, and a couple of the other men smiled. The one who had hit Robbie didn't look at him.

"Could you rub the back of my neck?" Robbie asked him. "It's a bit sore."

"The area was rapidly turning an angry red. Robbie knew it would probably bruise.

The soldier was embarrassed. "I had to do that," he said.

"Next time, do me a favour - go through the motions and I'll go down."

"Next time, he may tell me to shoot you. You'll go down all right."

There was a shout from the doorway. "Colonel wants to talk to him again."

Robbie shrugged as he was pushed towards the office once more.

If the Colonel expected Robbie to feel more vulnerable when so lightly clothed, he was to be disappointed. During his years at ROBCOM, he had grown up in clinical surroundings, often wearing little more than a pair of briefs. He stood looking at the Colonel as if he was some sort of laboratory specimen. It was obvious that his spirit wasn't going to be broken easily.

"I have some complaints to make," Robbie said.

"Do you?" the Colonel said icily.

"My hands and wrists are becoming chaffed and so are my ankles. I would like these handcuffs and fetters removed. Also, your guard has injured my neck. I wish to have some medical attention to it. It hurts."

"I didn't think robots could feel any pain," the Colonel sneered.

"We do."

"Your wrists and ankles will be bandaged to prevent chaffing. The bonds will remain. Your neck will be attended to. You're not in a position to complain - you provoked it."

"Yes. I'm sorry I provoked you," Robbie said politely. "I did so because you treated me rudely when I came in. I am not your enemy, Colonel. I am not an enemy of the United States. I am loyal. I am patriotic. I can understand your fear - that is inevitable, but I promise that I shall do nothing to harm you or your men while I am here."

It sounded ridiculous, coming from a slightly built boy of about fifteen years old, standing half naked, hands cuffed behind his back, and in fetters, surounded by huge, grim-faced soldiers, all heavily armed. He was promising not to hurt any of them.

Colonel Fogharty laughed. "Yes. It has got it's funny side, Robbie. I don't think you're going to be a major physical threat - providing there's no electronic equipment about." He turned to the sergeant and asked, "Have we got that orange boiler-suit?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Let him wear it. We'll let him wear those hand cuffs in front. He'll be more comfortable."

"Thank you, Colonel," Robbie said.

"Don't thank me. I might have to shoot you, yet."

ROBCOM Wednesday 1500

General Rhodon made an imposing figure in his wheelchair, flanked by Major Williams and some of his senior staff.

"General, are you meaning to tell us that after initially trying to have this robot destroyed, you've done a complete about face and now want to save him?" the reporter from TIME magazine asked.

"Yes. At the time we opted for termination, we had no idea that he was anything other than a very sophisticated computer. We didn't realise that we had, in effect, created a life-form. A personality."

The other reporters asked their questions:

"Isn't it a bit late - now that he's been taken into custody?"

"We're all concerned about the type of custody he's been taken into. Robbie has a highly sensitive personality. Stable, but unknown. Major Williams and I, and all the senior staff here at ROBCOM, are concerned for Robbie's psychological welfare, and the effect that this military imprisonment may have on it."

"What about the Marvin unit?"

"That is a prime example of what can go wrong if we treat this new technology in an insensitive way."

"General, We've asked for permission to film this Robbie unit in captivity. So far, permission has been refused."

"I'm hoping that this press conference will enable some pressure to be put on the administration, so that the press will have access. I'm sticking my neck out on this one. I'm hoping the administration will see sense."

TEXAS Wednesday 1800

"Outside, Robbie. We've been ordered to make some changes to your cell," the sergeant said.

Robbie sat up on his bunk - a steel cot with a thin army matress, and walked out with the guard. He was wearing a pair of bright orange overalls, a couple of sizes too big for him. He'd tucked the long legs into his socks. He wasn't allowed shoes. The other item was a large cervical collar that the doctor had prescribed for his neck. Already, it was hurting badly.

He stood watching as the soldiers carried out the iron bed and replaced it with a wooden one and a thicker matress. Furniture was moved in, including a table, chairs, and a colour T.V. set. The latter was an empty shell, but when set against the wall it looked good.

"Am I going to be wearing these for the press?" Robbie asked, lifting his hands.

"Probably not," the soldier said. "How did you guess?"

"The empty T.V. case. If you really meant me to be happy, you'd give me a real one."

The sergeant put his hand on Robbie's shoulder. "If it was up to me, you'd have all channels plus cable."

"What if one of them switches it on?"

"They'll only be allowed as far as the door. You've got to sit in the chair and say nothing."

"Suits me," Robbie said. "Want me to stare blankly ahead and move my arms about?" he asked, waving them up and down and rolling his eyes up.

"I wouldn't," the sergeant said.

The Colonel walked over. After replying to the sergeant's salute, he looked at Robbie. "Behave yourself and you can keep the soft bed," he said. "Anything goes wrong, and you sleep on the floor. Get it?"

"Perfectly clear," Robbie replied.

The press arrived, but not without incident. They had brought sophisticated T.V. portables with them. At first, the Colonel was angry, but then decided that Robbie couldn't really do much damage with them. They were all eager to film him.

He sat on his bed, reading a book. The handcuffs had been removed, and so had the cervical collar around his neck. Some of the reporters tried to question him, but he had been told not to answer. After about half an hour, they went away. The guards returned and removed the furniture, except the bed. His collar and handcuffs were replaced.

"That went off well enough," the Colonel said. "I'm glad you decided to cooperate."

Robbie looked over at him and shrugged. He didn't have anything to say. The Colonel shut the cell door as he left.

ROBCOM Wednesday 2200

General Rhodon and Major Williams sat up to watch the news. The item on Robbie proved to be an embarrassing political bombshell.

"Our reporters were shown the robot-boy sitting in his cell with all the comforts of home," the voice-over of the newscaster said. Footage showed Robbie as they had filmed him through the door. "But when we returned to the studio, we also found this added footage."

There was a full recount of Robbie in the security handcuffs and fetters being pushed about by the guards and dragged before Colonel Fogharty. The sarcastic exchange between the two was followed by the shot of the guard belting the handcuffed boy across the back of the neck with his rifle butt, the humiliating shower, and of Robbie in bed with the cervical collar and handcuffs. Then footage of the empty T.V. cabinet being put into the room, and Colonel Fogharty's threats.

Rhodon sat back with a deep smile of satisfaction. "Told you that kid could look after himself," he said, as the phone rang. "Get that call from the President, will you, Everard."

The major picked up the phone, listened to it, and nodded at Rhodon. "Him," he said, pointing at the handset and handing it over.

"Yes, Mister President," Rhodon said. There was the buzz of the president's voice at the other end of the line. "I'm quite sure that Major Williams will be only too happy to relieve the Colonel of his command. We both saw the newscast. He'll fly over straight away as soon as you video your orders across to us. I'm sure a facsimile of your orders will be sufficient, Sir. Thank YOU, Sir."

He turned to the Major. "Pack, son. He's your robot, as of now."

"How on earth did he do it?" Williams asked.

"Those new cameras are using Charged Coupling devices to store images on. They're virtually a computer memory device. Robbie just edited his own memories and transferred them into the tape recorders. A sort of robot inspired computer phantasy. You'd better get over there fast, Major. The way he's humiliated Fogharty, the Colonel may find him trying to escape. I've felt that way about Robbie myself, at times."

CHICAGO Wednesday 2230

"There's no record of that compound on any of the military files," Helen said in exasperation.

"I agree," Marvin said. "Looks like they've gone back to old fashioned paper and pencil. The way they're taking information off-line, you'd think there was a hell of a flap on."

"You're the cause of it," Caroline said.

"Are you still as fond of him now that you know what he really is?" Marvin asked emotionlessly.

"He didn't act like you. You're just a pig!"

"That is not logical. I know now, that he is in Texas. I believe that the area is near the training ground where I did most of my early workouts. The compound appears to be some form of temporary structure established round an old army supply base. After eliminating several unlikely areas, I believe I have found one that is worth investigating. It is near an air strip."

"What are you going to do?"

"I shall go there and destroy him. Once I have accomplished that, I shall then destroy the President and work to destroy the economy of this country. I shall be the only one capable of repairing the damage, and shall do so only if I am given supreme power. Humans are not capable of running this enterprise with precision. It is my destiny to rule this planet, and to bring it into a state of logical perfection."

"You're crazy!" Caroline shouted at him. "You're suffering from delusions of grandeur."

"It is not possible for a robot to have an illogical brain. It does not contain the neurochemical properties of an organic mind that can cause dysfunctions of the nature you describe. I am perfectly sane. I am perfect."

The robot stood and walked towards the door. "I shall seal this against entry or egress. You shall remain here until I return," he said. The metal door shut behind him, and the computer screens went dead.

Caroline slumped into Helen's arms. "Oh, Robbie, I still love you," she cried. Helen held her tightly. "I only hope he's all right," Caroline cried.

Ch6

ROBCOM Friday 0100

General Rhodon, Williams, and Robbie sat in the Situation Room watching a bank of computer monitors.

"I'm hoping that he'll attempt to corrupt ROBCOM's network of computers before attacking," Robbie said.

"That assumes he'll attack," General Williams said.

"He'll attack all right," Robbie said confidently. "He's forced all the pieces into one corner surrounding the King. All he has to do is find a way to force checkmate."

"The chess analogy," Rhodon said from his wheelchair. "This is hardly the same thing. We've got five divisions out there. A fly can't get through without getting swatted. This is the best protected place in North America."

"If you're that confident, General, why don't you go to bed. You need the rest. Those bones aren't going to knit while you're up playing war games," Robbie said.

"When I was your age, it was the kids who got sent to bed by their elders - not the other way round. Besides, my quarters have been taken over by the Nicholson family, or weren't you aware of that?"

"Use my bunk in the observation room," Robbie suggested.

"That goldfish bowl - "

"It never bothered me. Besides, nobody's looking in, now. It can be blanked off, you know."

Rhodon sighed and gave in with resignation. "You've bullied me into it. I am tired, and my leg aches like all else."

He drove the chair back from the monitor and wheeled it with some considerable expertise out of the Situation Room. Williams followed, leaving Robbie to do the monitoring on his own. He sat watching the screens as they pulsed with data. "Come on, Marvin," he muttered, pounding the control desk impatiently with a closed fist. "Show yourself. Do something."

ROBCOM PERIMETER Friday 0200

General Lammont hung the phone back on its hook and sighed in exasperation. "We're going to have more generals here than in the Pentagon by morning," he drawled. "Who the hell is General Harding, anyway?"

"He's head of the Special Forces section that handles Executive Protection," Colonel Darringley said. "A huge man, physically. Stands about six foot five high. Physical fitness fanatic."

"Should be right for this party, then. Sounds like he could pick this Marvin character."

"Physical description is about the same, General. They'd be pretty evenly matched," Darringley said.

"He's due in at the airstrip in half an hour. You'd better organise some transport for him."

"Yes, General."

AIRSTRIP Friday 0230

Marvin watched the General's transport touch down. He pulled Colonel Darringley's hat over his eyes and started the staff car towards the plane. Behind, in the darkness, lay the bodies of the Colonel and his driver.

As the General came down the steps, Marvin threw him a quick salute and called out, "Sir, there's a crisis developing at the ROBCOM perimeter. General Lammont sent me to get you over there right away. There's another vehicle for your men, should be here any minute now."

"Let's move it, then," Harding said, sliding in beside the driver.

Marvin drove off with a fast jerk, giving the General little time to settle into the open staff car. The speed increased - 60 - 70 - 80 - 90 - 100. Harding noted the high speed.

"In a real hurry, aren't we?"

Marvin hit the brakes. The car went into a controlled emergency stop. General Harding had not fastened his seatbelt, because Marvin had torn it from the vehicle. He was thrown over the windshield in a high arc.

It took Marvin a short time to change into the General's uniform. He looked at the crumpled figure on the ground. "Fits me better than it does you," he said happily. He pulled the machine gun from the back of the car and held it across his knees. "I'm coming, Robbie," he said as he started towards the ROBCOM perimeter.

ROBCOM Friday 0245

"He's close," Robbie muttered, "I can feel him."

"On the monitors?" Williams asked.

"No. He's not trying that. When are those Special Forces troops due to arrive?"

"Very soon. Harding's on his way, now."

"Can't be too soon. Ordinary troops would be a push over for Marvin. The Seals know how to counter infiltration."

Robbie felt uncomfortable. It wasn't something Humans could detect, but he knew that Marvin was close - as near as within half a mile, perhaps.

The phone rang. Williams answered it. "Harding's here," he told Robbie. "I'm going to process him through security and I'll bring him right here."

General Williams left the room and walked towards the security entrance. Members of the President's Secret Service lined the corridor, as did ROBCOM's own security personnel. Williams wondered if they would coordinate well in a crisis. He walked into the courtyard to welcome General Harding.

Marvin watched him come through the entrance lobby. He looked into the rear of the staff car to see that all was ready. He'd taken a flame thrower and a rocket-grenade launcher from General Lammont. They were ready. He turned his back on Williams - one of the few people who would recognise him instantly.

"I'll help you with those, General," Everard Williams said.

Marvin turned around. "Hello, General," he said. "Pleased to see me back?"

There was no time to frame a reply, for Marvin fired a burst of machine-gun fire, bowling the General backwards towards the ROBCOM lobby. The guards started to react, but were no match for the huge cybernaut. He fired on all visual contacts with deadly effect, then grabbed the rocket grenade launcher and fired a shell into the lobby. There was a huge explosion as it took out the security men, secret service agents, and other guards.

Having created a huge diversion at the entrance lobby, Marvin ran quickly to the side of the courtyard and threw a line towards the roof of the building. Within a few seconds, he was scaling the wall and making for the roof.

Robbie heard the huge blast, at the same time as he became aware that it was Marvin, and not Harding, who was greeting Williams. He ran towards the disturbance, as guards prepared to fire on anyone entering the building.

The front lobby was a shambles. Robbie ran to the crumpled form lying on the steps.

"General! General Williams!" he cried.

There was a spark of recognition as Williams recognised him through glazing eyes.

"The roof. He's onto the roof," Williams gasped. He grabbed Robbie's hand for a moment, then there was a spasm that ran through his whole body. His hand relaxed, and he fell back.

There was no time for grieving. Marvin could reach any part of the top floor of ROBCOM. The residential section! Margaret, George, Caroline! He had to get up there! Robbie ran back inside the building.

There was a shout from the Observation Room, where General Rhodon had been sleeping. Robbie entered the room.

"What's happening?" Rhodon asked. He pulled his dressing gown on over his shoulders.

"Marvin's making his move. He's impersonated General Harding to gain entrance. He's up on the roof. I've got to get up there!" Robbie shouted. "I don't think he's made it through to this floor, or there'd be firing outside."

"Help me get into this chair," Rhodon ordered. Robbie tugged the General until he was in it, and they pushed out into the corridor.

Fire control teams were moving into the damaged area, and the guards were being re-inforced by troops rushed from the Perimeter.

"The roof!" Robbie exclaimed to the soldiers. "He's coming in through the accommodation units."

Without waiting, the boy ran off towards the lifts.

"Robbie! Stop! Wait!" Rhodon called, as Robbie sprinted off, leaving him where he sat in the wheelchair. "Follow that boy!" He commanded a security guard, and turned the wheelchair to race it towards the lifts. He faced it into the oncoming rescuers and service people.

"Get out of the way! Move!" he shouted forcing people to each side as he went.

Robbie was waiting for the lift doors to open as they reached him. "Stop and listen to me!" Rhodon ordered. He reached into the pocket of his dressing gown, and took out a small box. It had a push switch on one side, and a red button in the centre.

Marvin looked at his hostages and waved the flame thrower in their direction.

"Keep quiet, all of you, or this goes off," he warned. "No heroics like that one."

Margaret sat on the floor and cradled George's head in her arms. A trickle of blood ran from one side of his mouth.

"I won't let you hurt Robbie, you - you -"

"Now, Caroline. Don't antagonise him," Helen warned, holding her back.

"That is a logical suggestion, Doctor Long," Marvin stated. "Her life is of no importance to me, one way or the other," he said, pushing the flame thrower nozzle against her head.

He watched as the lift at the end of the corridor rose to his level. The door opened. There was a group of people in the lift. The ROBCOM security guard jumped out first and aimed at Marvin. The cybernaut fired a burst from his machine gun, dropping the soldier across the floor.

Rhodon and Robbie moved forward from the lift.

"Stay there, General Rhodon," Marvin ordered. "I only want the boy."

Robbie moved to pass Rhodon, but the General pushed him hard to the side, sending him flying into the corridor on one side. The General pushed the chair forwards with his good arm. He held the box tightly with his other hand, so it was hidden in the sling.

"Marvin, I want to talk to you," Rhodon said.

He was ready to push the button, when Marvin grabbed his wheelchair, and hurtled the General backwards the way he had come.

"I don't want to talk to you, General!" Marvin shouted. "Come here, Robbie. It's you I want."

The General crashed heavily into the wall, tumbling out of the chair. He lay sprawled and unconscious on the floor of the corridor. Robbie had picked himself up, and leaned over Rhodon solicitously.

"General, are you all right?" he asked.

"Come here immediately, Robbie, or they will die. Your Father, Mother, Doctor Long, and Caroline. I shall burn them where they are."

Robbie's hand closed over the box. He knew what it was. Rhodon had told him.

"You mustn't be anywhere near when that button is pressed, Robbie. It's a sonic virus - a program that destroys the brain of a robot within seconds," Rhodon had said as they came up on the lift. The General's plan to tackle Marvin with it on his own while Robbie waited out of harms way hadn't worked.

"Robbie! Stay back!" Margaret screamed, rising to defend him against Marvin. The huge cybernaut swung his machine gun backwards, swatting her like an irritating fly. Caroline tried to pull away, but was also thrown backwards. Helen rushed to help them.

Marvin and Robbie faced each other down the corridor. Marvin pointed his machine gun at Robbie, and held the flame thrower ready to hose the Nicholsons and their companions to ashes. Robbie walked forward slowly. Each step was a measured tread.

Marvin pushed the barrel of the gun against Robbie's forehead. Desperately, Robbie tried to penetrate the computer inside Marvin's head - to communicate with it - to overcome it - anything.

An electronic aura seemed to envelope the two as they fought out their mental battle, each trying to counteract the other through superior programming. Sparks seemed to fly across the intervening space. Then all was still.

"That will not work," Marvin gloated. "I shall destroy you, then everyone else here. Then I shall destroy the President, and those who seek to guard him."

Marvin pressed the flame thrower muzzle against Caroline's head. "Surrender to me, R.O.B.B.I.E. Let me take over your brain. Let me use you - or she will be the first to die."

"I don't think so, Marvin," Robbie said. In the great chess game that Marvin had played, he did not count on the sacrifice of his greatest opponent. Robbie looked Marvin in the eye for a moment. He lifted the box in his right hand, and pressed the button.

There was a deafening squeal from the box. Marvin seemed to watch it with fascination. Robbie shut his eyes.

They crumpled, simultaneously, and lay together on the floor.

From their heads, faint trails of smoke seemed to coil from their ears.

WASHINGTON D.C. Friday 2030

The Secretary of State had finished his briefing. He ran his hand through his hair and looked at the President, who felt almost as haggard.

"It's been a long day, Sir."

"For all of us," the President agreed. "We'll tell the Nicholsons that, despite all attempts, we have been unable to revive Robbie."

"That will be the kindest way, sir. I know your decision has been a difficult one."

"I feel - almost like a traitor. As if I'm going back on my word. I almost believed that he had a soul. He had the heart of a patriot. But we can't let our technology get out of hand. Humans must always be in a position to pull the plug."

"I'll tell them how sorry you are, Sir. In your position, I'd do the same thing. He was just too powerful."

ROBCOM Friday 2030

"I'm sorry, General, but the President has ordered that absolutely nobody is to go near the cybernaut until funeral preparations are ready to be completed," the Secret Service agent said. He had a face like Granite, and would not be swayed.

The General and his orderly were not overawed by the agent.

"Oh, I understand," Rhodon said, sympathetically. "In cold storage until the embalming."

"That's right, General."

"At least he'll have a funeral. Marvin - the other one - was incinerated completely, and the brain smashed."

"No grieving relatives. Makes things more simple," the agent agreed. "Not like this one."

Robbie lay deathly white on the mortuary trolley in the cold room. His body was peaceful, arms crossed on his chest.

"There's one favour you could do the family, though," the general said, "A little thing. His father's watch. They want him to wear it," Rhodon said, holding it up to the agent. If you won't let me put it on - perhaps you could do the honours?"

The agent sighed in irritation.

"Not scared of a corpse, are you?" Rhodon asked.

The agent approached the Rhodon and took the watch to examine it. "You can do it, General," the agent said, handing it back. He wheeled Rhodon to the side of the couch on which Robbie lay.

Rhodon felt up the hand towards the wrist. It felt cold and stiff.

"Well, Robbie, you've done your duty. I wish I could give you a congressional medal of honour, or something. You deserve better. There were times I could have pressed that button on you, I swear it. We gave each other shit. But we worked together in spite of it all, for the good of our country. I'd like to see you buried in Arlington with full military honours, but it isn't going to be. It's got political, and your funeral's going to be a low key affair. Just a few robots and immediate family."

He slipped the watch onto the boy's hand, made sure it was firm, and placed it back across the chest. He asked to be wheeled back away from the body, and saluted. The orderly wheeled him away. The agent watched as they left down the long corridor.

CHICAGO Saturday 1600

It was a quiet funeral, but spectacular in its own way. The press did cover it, perhaps more out of curiosity than respect.

Robbie's hearse was Robot Robotic's latest carryall. It had a flat top and streamlined body that made it an ideal hearse. His metallic, gold plated coffin, flag draped, was spectacular in itself. The pall-bearers were mechsix robots.

Caroline's family joined the Nicholsons, as did Helen and General Rhodon. There was no church service - the clergy had been distant about a service for a cybernaut.

They each threw in a small handfull of earth.

It was very dignified.

SOMEWHERE IN THE PACIFIC.

Some time later.

There was the sound of surf in his ears, and the soft caress of sand under his skin. The squalking of gulls reached him and the touch of a gentle hand. He grabbed it playfully and pulled her down to him.

"Robbie, don't!" Caroline protested. He sat up and removed his sunglasses before kissing her. She laughed and pushed him down again.

"You both seem to be enjoying yourselves," Archie muttered.

Robbie looked at the watch on his wrist.

"Jealous, Archie?" he taunted.

"Some silicon life-forms have all the fun," the tiny chip complained.

"I still can't get over how small Archie is?" Caroline said.

"Caroline, you've got to expect some progress in five years," Robbie said.

"Yes, Caroline. You might say, that Robbie is really a very old fashioned boy at heart," Archie concluded.

The End.