“ They stared at him in vacant astonishment."Now you're implying that machines think," said Rajcik."Of course I am," Watkins said. "Because they do! No, I'm not out of my head. Any engineer will tell you that a complex machine has a personality all its own. Do you know what that personality is like? Cold, withdrawn, uncaring, unfeeling. A machine's only purpose is to frustrate desire and produce two problems for every one it solves. And do you know why a machine feels this way?""You're hysterical," Somers told him. ”
Robert Sheckley
Summary
“Death Wish”, is a work by Robert Sheckley. It explores elements such as Rajcik, Somers and Dierdre.
Quotes from Death Wish (Robert Sheckley)
“ We're going to cross the orbit of Mars before Mars gets there.""How long before?""Too long. Captain, we're flying out of the Solar System like the proverbial bat out of hell." Rajcik smiled, a courageous, devil-may-care smile which Watkins found singularly inappropriate."Damn it, man," he roared, "don't just leave it there. We've got a little fuel left. We can turn her, can't we? You are a navigator, aren't you?""I am," Rajcik said icily. "And if I computed my courses the way you maintain your engines, we'd be plowing through Australia now." ”
“ Rajcik shook his head. "Even if an outer planet were in the right place at the right time, we'd need fuel—a lot of fuel—to get into a braking orbit. And if we could, who'd come get us? No ship has gone past Mars yet.""At least we'd have a chance," Watkins said."Maybe," Rajcik agreed indifferently. "But we can't swing it. I'm afraid you'll have to kiss the Solar System good-by."Captain Somers wiped his forehead and tried to think of a plan. He found it difficult to concentrate. ”
