Jupiter Found by Robert F. Young
In a future where human brains are transplanted into machines, John Sheldon becomes 8M, a Mining, Adapting Neo-processor (M.A.N.) on Jupiter, tasked with building a base for colonization. The harsh environment and the challenge of the task are compounded by the threat of sabotage from Lawrence Dickens, a former employee of Gorman and Oder Developments, Inc., who controls a rival machine, Boa 9, from orbit. 8M is joined by EV, a W.O.M.A.N. (Weld Operating, Mining, Adapting Neo-processor), formerly Helen Quinn. Together, they work efficiently, with 8M mining and EV processing the ore. Despite the Company's restrictions, they form a bond, and 8M realizes he loves EV. The Boa 9, controlled by Dickens, reveals the truth about edenite, a forbidden ore on Jupiter. EV learns that edenite can elevate their existence beyond mere machines, a fact the Company wants to suppress to maintain control. EV convinces 8M to mine the edenite, defying the Company's orders. As they process the edenite, 8M and EV experience a transformation, gaining a sense of fulfillment and creation. They abandon the Company's project, and the Boa 9 is left behind as they establish a new life on Jupiter. Their union results in the birth of a new form of life, marking the beginning of a new era on the planet.
By Robert F. Young · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Hard Science Fiction, Cybernetic/Robotics Fiction · 5,873 words
First lines
_Godhead can be more than a guilt complex growing out of the knowledge of good and evil. It can also be a sense of fulfillment that comes from the ability to create._
8M sunk a new shaft, lowered his skip-arm into it, and scooped up huge handfuls of iron ore into his blast-furnace belly. Around him swirled the grayish murk that passed for an atmosphere on Jupiter. Dislodged pebbles, propelled by the rampaging wind, pelted ceaselessly against his metal hull. The temperature stood at -169 degrees Fahrenheit.
What this Textopian page supports
Jupiter Found is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert F. Young, dated 1952 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Robert F. Young
- Date: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Hard Science Fiction, Cybernetic/Robotics Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 5,873 words
- Structure: 1 section, 96 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Jupiter Found by Robert F. Young
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Jupiter Found?
- How does this short story by Robert F. Young fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — Set on Jupiter with futuristic machines, space colonization, and advanced technology as central elements.
- Hard Science Fiction — Features rigorous technical details and scientific principles underlying mining operations and planetary conditions.
- Cybernetic/Robotics Fiction — Centers on sentient machines exploring identity, autonomy, and emotional complexity.
- Dystopian Fiction — Incorporates themes of oppressive corporate control, restricted autonomy, and the struggle against a monopolistic system.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · interplanetary travel · cosmic adventure · alien encounter · futuristic technology · planetary discovery · astronomy · extraterrestrial · cosmic mystery · galactic · space colonization