The laws of robotics

1. A robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

This novel is dedicated to

Daniel Carnahan

who will understand Marcus’s dilemma.

Special thanks are due in the writing of this novel to Ricia Mainhardt, John

Betancourt, and Byron Preiss.

Additional help during the period in which this was written came from Michael

D. Toman, Laura J. LeHew, and Bridgett and Marty Marquardt.