It's the 1870s, and a robot modeled on Abraham Lincoln serves as sheriff to the peaceful community of Northfield, Minnesota. Then one day, the James-Younger Gang rides into town to rob the bank.
And as it happens, all of them are robots too.
"Cole stepped away from the open door. Its brothers searched the sheriff, pulling pliers and a pair of screwdrivers out of its pockets. Each automaton was wearing its original, now famous face. Stepping indoors, the sheriff recognized them in turn. Cole Younger was a balding creature with a short dark beard and moustache and the distant eyes of someone who had been soldiering for too long. The James brothers were in the back, watching while three associates resumed working on the stubborn safe. Fully fueled, the sheriff was as powerful and tireless as a machine press. But these entities were a notch or two stronger. Twelve years of refinements showed in their fluid motions, each delivering a very precise blow with a massive steel hammer. The safe's handle and dial had been twisted and battered. Sparks flew, and the racket deafened. The sheriff turned away, discovering the bank's patrons and employees huddled in a dark corner -- seven people tied together like livestock. Nodding in their direction, the machine tried to lend encouragement. Then somebody shouted, 'Quit,' and the pounding came to a merciful end."
Robert Reed is the author of several hundred published stories. His latest novel, THE DRAGONS OF MARROW, is available as a Kindle Book.
Genre: Science Fiction
And as it happens, all of them are robots too.
"Cole stepped away from the open door. Its brothers searched the sheriff, pulling pliers and a pair of screwdrivers out of its pockets. Each automaton was wearing its original, now famous face. Stepping indoors, the sheriff recognized them in turn. Cole Younger was a balding creature with a short dark beard and moustache and the distant eyes of someone who had been soldiering for too long. The James brothers were in the back, watching while three associates resumed working on the stubborn safe. Fully fueled, the sheriff was as powerful and tireless as a machine press. But these entities were a notch or two stronger. Twelve years of refinements showed in their fluid motions, each delivering a very precise blow with a massive steel hammer. The safe's handle and dial had been twisted and battered. Sparks flew, and the racket deafened. The sheriff turned away, discovering the bank's patrons and employees huddled in a dark corner -- seven people tied together like livestock. Nodding in their direction, the machine tried to lend encouragement. Then somebody shouted, 'Quit,' and the pounding came to a merciful end."
Robert Reed is the author of several hundred published stories. His latest novel, THE DRAGONS OF MARROW, is available as a Kindle Book.
Genre: Science Fiction
Used availability for Robert Reed's American Cheetah