“It’s all nonsense: to call me here at this hour merely to stand by and watch the destruction of our gallant men who are giving their lives in a totally hopeless fight against overwhelming odds. We know what the outcome must be. You yourself, General, informed us this afternoon that the big tactical computer has analyzed the situation and reported no possibility of stopping them with what we’ve got. By the way, did you include the alternative of use of the big, er, Bolo, I believe they’re called—frightening things—they’re so damned big! But if, in desperation, you should be forced to employ the thing—have you that result as well? I see. No hope at all. So there’s nothing we can do. This is a sad day, General. But I fail to see what object is served by getting me out of bed to come down here. Not that I’m not willing to do anything I can, of course. With our people—innocent civilians—out on that blizzard-swept tundra tonight, and our boys dying to gain them a little time, the loss of a night’s sleep is relatively unimportant, of course. But it’s my duty to be at my best, rested and ready to face the decisions that we of the Council will be called on to make.

“Now, General, kindly excuse my ignorance if I don’t understand all this… but I understood that the large screen there was placed so as to monitor the action at the southern debouchment of Grand Crevasse where we expect the enemy armor to emerge to make its dash for Cold City and the Complex. Yes, indeed, so I was saying, but in that case I’m afraid I don’t understand. I’m quite sure you stated that the untried Mark XX would not be used. Yet on the screen I see what appears to be in fact that very machine moving up. Please, calmly, General! I quite understand your position. Defiance of a direct order? That’s rather serious, I’m sure, but no occasion for such language, General. There must be some explanation.”

21

This is a most satisfying development. Quite abruptly my Introspection Complex was brought up to full operating level, extra power resources were made available to my Current-Action memory stage, and most satisfying of all, my Battle Reflex circuit has been activated at Active Service level. Action is impending, I am sure of it. It is a curious anomaly: I dread the prospect of damage and even possible destruction, but even more strongly I anticipate the pleasure of performing my design function.

22

“Yes, sir, I agree. It’s mutiny. But I will not recall the Bolo and I will not report myself under arrest. Not until this battle’s over, General. So the hell with my career. I’ve got a war to win.”

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