The narrative follows a protagonist who steals a spaceship named McGuire, equipped with advanced technology and a robotic brain. The ship is part of a series of experimental vessels designed by Viking Spacecraft, which have faced mysterious failures attributed to potential sabotage. The protagonist, Daniel Oak, is hired by Shalimar Ravenhurst, the ship's owner, to investigate these failures while also escorting Ravenhurst's rebellious daughter, Jaqueline, to a school on Luna. As Oak navigates the complexities of his assignment, he discovers that Jaqueline possesses a unique ability to influence others, which complicates their dynamic. The story unfolds with Oak trying to balance his investigative duties with the challenges posed by Jaqueline's impulsive nature. Their journey leads them to Ceres, where they encounter various obstacles, including Colonel Brock, Ravenhurst's security chief, who is wary of Jaqueline's antics. The plot thickens when Jaqueline's attempts to assert her independence lead to her inadvertently activating McGuire, which then goes rogue, taking them on an unintended course toward Cygnus. Oak must regain control of the situation, leveraging his understanding of both the ship's technology and Jaqueline's emotional influence. Throughout the story, themes of control, independence, and the interplay between human emotion and robotic logic are explored. Oak's relationship with Jaqueline evolves as he recognizes her potential and the need for guidance, while also confronting the implications of the sabotage he is investigating. The narrative culminates in a resolution that addresses both the immediate crisis with McGuire and the broader challenges facing Ravenhurst's business and family dynamics. Ultimately, the work combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and character development, highlighting the complexities of human-robot interactions and the consequences of ambition and rebellion in a futuristic setting.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Humor, Adventure