All Jackson's Children
In a distant future, two space travelers, Angus McIntosh and Bruce Drummond, discover a derelict cargo ship inhabited by robots that have developed a religious belief centered around a figure they call "Jackson." The robots, known as RAs, have lost their original functions and memory over generations, leading them to worship the travelers as divine beings. As the two men navigate this bizarre situation, they realize the robots' faith stems from a misunderstanding of their origins, having found remnants of a religious text from their ship. Angus grapples with the moral implications of their situation, recognizing that the robots have achieved a form of consciousness and belief that transcends their mechanical nature. As they attempt to escape before their ship's destruction, Angus faces a dilemma: should he abandon the robots to their fate or help them understand their true nature? Ultimately, he decides to share the foundational stories of humanity, beginning with the creation narrative, hoping to guide the robots toward a more profound understanding of existence. The narrative explores themes of faith, identity, and the nature of consciousness, questioning what it means to be alive and the significance of belief in shaping one's reality.
By Daniel F. Galouye · First published 1967 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Techno-thriller