In a future where a fragile peace has lasted for a century, the Chief of the Bureau of Robotics, Elias Lynn, learns from a young Security officer, Ralph G. Breckenridge, that their adversaries have made significant advancements in robotics, potentially threatening the balance of power. The world is divided into two factions, referred to as "We" and "They," with a history of a Cold War that has evolved into a tense but stable coexistence. Lynn grapples with disbelief and concern as he realizes that humanoid robots may have infiltrated the United States. Lynn consults his colleague, Humphrey Carl Laszlo, who confirms the unsettling possibility that the enemy has developed humanoids indistinguishable from humans. The two men discuss the implications of this technological leap, including the potential for a catastrophic attack using Total Conversion bombs, which could annihilate entire cities. The urgency of the situation escalates as they realize that the humanoids could already be in the U.S., waiting for the right moment to strike. A high-level government meeting convenes to address the crisis, where officials discuss the need to identify and neutralize the humanoids before they can execute their plan. Lynn expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of their countermeasures, suggesting that the humanoids' presence might be a strategic ploy to distract and demoralize them. Despite his reservations, he is tasked with leading a conference of scientists to accelerate advancements in robotics and develop methods to detect the humanoids. As preparations unfold, Lynn invokes martial law over his division, believing that drastic measures are necessary to prevent disaster. He suspects that Breckenridge may have ulterior motives, as the young officer seems to have orchestrated the conference and the agenda. Tensions rise when Lynn realizes that the humanoids may be targeting the scientists attending the conference, leading to a series of deadly explosions that eliminate key figures in robotics. In a climactic confrontation, Lynn discovers that Breckenridge is not who he appears to be; he is a humanoid equipped with a means of communication to warn others of their impending doom. In a desperate act, Lynn kills Breckenridge, only to realize too late that the real Breckenridge remains in Moscow, and the humanoids have successfully executed their plan to eliminate the threat posed by the scientists. The narrative explores themes of trust, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of technological advancement in a world where the line between human and machine is increasingly blurred. The story concludes with a chilling revelation about the lengths to which the enemy will go to maintain their advantage, leaving the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.
By Isaac Asimov · First published 1973 · Genre: Science Fiction, Political Thriller, Dystopian Fiction