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The Machine That Saved The World
The Machine That Saved The World
They were broadcasts from nowhere--sinister emanations flooding in from space--smashing any receiver that picked them up. What defense could Earth devise against science such as this?
Book Excerpt
Sergeant Bellews snorted in denial.
* * * * *
"The broadcasts," said Lecky mildly, "claim a remarkable reason for certainty about an extremely grave danger which is almost upon the world. If it's the truth, Sergeant, it is appalling. If it is a lie, it may be more appalling. The Joint Chiefs of Staff take it very seriously, in any case. They--"
"I got cold shivers," said Sergeant Bellews with irony. "I'm all wrought up. Huh! The big brass gets the yellin' yollups every so often anyhow. Listen to them, and nothin' happens except it's top priority top secret extra crash emergency! What do you want to know about Betsy?"
There was a sudden squealing sound from the communicator on which all the extra recording devices were focussed. Betsy's screen lighted up. Peculiarly curved patterns appeared on it. They shifted and changed. Noises came from her speaker. They were completely unearthly. Now they were shrill past belief, and then they were chopped into very small bits of sound, and
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Readers reviews
3.7
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A cheesy story with cheesy characters and cheesy dialog about a threat to the Earth. The science is grade-school silly, and the dialog is, well...cheesy.
Nevertheless, the reader's interest is held well enough, and there is somewhat of a twist at the end. Worth a read, but keep expectations low.
Nevertheless, the reader's interest is held well enough, and there is somewhat of a twist at the end. Worth a read, but keep expectations low.
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Clever story set in the future (1972) when any machine could be made to run constantly and learn its job, gaining experience the longer it operates. Into this world come broadcasts from noplace that, when deciphered, claim to be from the future and warn of a mutating virus that will wipe out humanity unless their instructions are followed. Everything is kept secret, and it's up to a repair shop sergeant and three civilian scientists to figure out what's going on and why.
The sergeant is a great character, his name is Bellews, but it might as well be Lebowski.
The sergeant is a great character, his name is Bellews, but it might as well be Lebowski.
10/13/2014
(1957) Sci-fi (Invention) / Conspiracy / Short story (Magazine)
From 'Amazing Stories', December 1957.
R: * * * *
Plot bullets
In 1972, mysterious and receiver-busting broadcasts are received from someone who claims to be in the future, 2180.
The broadcasts, when deciphered, warn that unless action is taken, a deadly virus will devastate most the the world's population.
Is it a hoax or a real attempt to save the current time and provide for the future?
The Mahon-modified machines of 1972, have made life easier. They become more efficient the longer they are used. The modification can be made to almost any machine.
The most famous of the machines, is the military's Betsy. It is lovingly operated and cared for by Staff Sergeant Bellews.
The warnings from the future become graver and increasingly puzzling. Some believe them, and others mistrust them.
Something must be done soon. Bellews and Betsy are put to work to untangle the situation. Will Bellews and the Mahon-modified machines save the day. Will Betsy be 'The Machine That Saved the World'
From 'Amazing Stories', December 1957.
R: * * * *
Plot bullets
In 1972, mysterious and receiver-busting broadcasts are received from someone who claims to be in the future, 2180.
The broadcasts, when deciphered, warn that unless action is taken, a deadly virus will devastate most the the world's population.
Is it a hoax or a real attempt to save the current time and provide for the future?
The Mahon-modified machines of 1972, have made life easier. They become more efficient the longer they are used. The modification can be made to almost any machine.
The most famous of the machines, is the military's Betsy. It is lovingly operated and cared for by Staff Sergeant Bellews.
The warnings from the future become graver and increasingly puzzling. Some believe them, and others mistrust them.
Something must be done soon. Bellews and Betsy are put to work to untangle the situation. Will Bellews and the Mahon-modified machines save the day. Will Betsy be 'The Machine That Saved the World'
07/27/2014