The narrative follows Samson Bending, a nuclear engineer and inventor, who discovers that his laboratory has been vandalized and a crucial invention, the Converter, has been stolen. The Converter is a revolutionary power source capable of generating significant energy from water through hydrogen fusion, which poses a threat to existing power utilities. Bending suspects that Power Utilities, a major energy corporation, is behind the theft, as they had previously shown interest in his work. As Bending investigates, he realizes the potential economic ramifications of his invention if it were to be released to the public. The story delves into the complexities of technological advancement versus economic stability, highlighting the fear that the introduction of the Converter could lead to a catastrophic depression, similar to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Bending grapples with the moral implications of his invention, torn between his desire to innovate and the potential harm it could cause to millions of people reliant on the current power infrastructure. The plot thickens when Bending is approached by government officials, including the Secretary of Economics and representatives from Power Utilities and the Soviet Union. They express concern over the economic chaos that could ensue if the Converter were to be mass-produced. The officials propose a deal: Bending would sell the rights to his invention to Power Utilities, which would allow for a controlled and gradual introduction of the technology to mitigate economic disruption. Bending is initially resistant but ultimately agrees to the terms, recognizing the necessity of a careful approach to prevent widespread unemployment and financial collapse. However, the situation escalates when it is revealed that a second Converter has also been stolen, potentially falling into the hands of black market operators. This raises the stakes, as the technology could be misused, leading to further chaos. The narrative culminates in a tense discussion about the future of the Converter, the responsibilities of inventors, and the ethical dilemmas posed by technological advancements. Bending's journey reflects the struggle between innovation and the societal impacts of that innovation, ultimately leading to a resolution that seeks to balance progress with caution. The story concludes with a sense of urgency as the characters confront the implications of their actions and the potential consequences of the technology they are dealing with.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1962 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Satire