His Master's Voice
The narrative unfolds in a futuristic setting where the protagonist, a confidential expediter named Daniel Oak, is embroiled in a complex situation involving a malfunctioning robot spaceship named McGuire. Oak is summoned by Shalimar Ravenhurst, a shrewd but socially inept manager, who reveals that Oak inadvertently became the sole master of McGuire after issuing the first command to it. This unique situation complicates matters, as McGuire's programming prevents it from accepting commands from anyone else, leading to potential chaos. As Oak navigates the intricacies of his role, he learns that Ravenhurst's company, Viking Spacecraft, is under threat from rival corporations seeking to sabotage their operations. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, ethics, and the implications of artificial intelligence, particularly as Oak grapples with the responsibilities of controlling a sentient machine. The plot thickens when Oak discovers that a rival agent, Irwin Brentwood, has been compromised and is working against him. Brentwood's attempt to incapacitate Oak with a drug backfires, leading to a confrontation that reveals deeper layers of espionage and betrayal. The tension escalates as Oak must find a way to regain control over McGuire while dealing with the machinations of rival factions. Throughout the story, Oak's interactions with the robot and the human characters highlight the challenges of trust and the unpredictability of both human and machine behavior. The narrative culminates in a test flight to Phobos, where the stakes are high, and the potential for disaster looms. Oak's ingenuity and quick thinking become crucial as he devises a plan to ensure the success of the mission while navigating the treacherous waters of corporate espionage. Ultimately, the work delves into the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced robotics and the nature of authority, as Oak must confront the consequences of his actions and the responsibilities that come with wielding power over a sentient being. The resolution of the plot leaves readers contemplating the future of human-robot interactions and the moral implications of technological advancement.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1967 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy · 19,750 words
First lines
I'd been in Ravenhurst's office on the mountain-sized planetoid called Raven's Rest only twice before. The third time was no better; Shalimar Ravenhurst was one of the smartest operators in the Belt, but when it came to personal relationships, he was utterly incompetent. He could make anyone dislike him without trying.
When I entered the office, he was sitting behind his mahogany desk, his eyes focused on the operation he was going through with a wineglass and a decanter. He didn't look up at me as he said:
What this Textopian page supports
His Master's Voice is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1967 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Randall Garrett
- Date: 1967 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure, Satire
- Length: 19,750 words
- Structure: 1 section, 476 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for His Master's Voice by Randall Garrett
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering His Master's Voice?
- How does this novel by Randall Garrett fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book explores advanced technology and its implications, characteristic of the science fiction genre.
- Mystery — The plot involves solving a complex problem, typical of mystery narratives.
- Fantasy — Elements of speculative fiction and imaginative scenarios are present, aligning with fantasy themes.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of exploration and challenges faced by characters, fitting the adventure genre.
Tags
Science Fiction · Alternate History · Time Travel · Paranormal · Psychic Ability · Telepathy · Mind Control · Government Conspiracy · Espionage · Thriller · Mystery · Suspense