War with the Robots

"Believe me, my young companion general, that is the one wish of my country. But how is this done in this day of total war? We tried radio and all other forms of communication, but all were blocked by robot mechanisms designed for that job. Then we sent the mission in person — not carrying weapons, so of course the robots ignored us. Our casualties were due simply to the deadliness of the battlefields we had to cross on the way here. The robots were completely indifferent to us, a forewarning of the future — or of the present, I might say. Battle is going on everywhere, and only a few peaceful areas exist, such as this one, above a strongly defended base. But even when I reached here I found no surface installations and no way of reaching you below."

"This is monstrous! Monstrous!" Pere bellowed.

"It is indeed, but we must be philosophical about it. Accept it as these good people have done who live here under a canopy of death. The robots will continue their war just as efficiently without us, and probably make it last much longer since they are so evenly matched. Find yourself a woman, settle down and enjoy the life."

Pere found himself glancing inadvertently at Natia, who looked away and blushed. Even if she was a general, she had a fine figure…

"No!" he shouted. "I will not submit. This is terrible. This is no way for mankind to live. Just to sit by and watch these senseless machines destroy each other."

"It does not matter, friend general, whether we like it or not. We have been bypassed. Displaced. We have played too long at the destructive game of war and made our machines too efficient. They enjoy the game too much themselves to relinquish it, and we must find some place where we can try and live to the best of our abilities. Some place where they will not step on us while they play."

"No, I can’t accept it!" Pere shouted again and tears of frustration and anger burned in his eyes. He threw off Natia’s hand when she put it on his arm. The horizon grumbled and flared red, hot metal rattled into the ground nearby.

"I just hope you’re having a good time," he cried and shook his fist up at the unheeding sky. "I just hope you’re having a good time!"