The Warlock’s Companion
Christopher Stasheff
THE BIRTH OF FESS
“That’s the ‘Faithful Cybernetic Companion’ series. The program’s for extreme loyalty, as well as the usual total obedience.” Al turned to his screen and called up the program. “It just might be strong enough to counter the Declaration of Independence.”
Jose frowned. “How could it…” Then his face lit up. “Of course! If the robot’s extremely loyal to you, it can be totally independent, and still be on your side!”
Al nodded. “Independence might counter an inclination toward obedience, but loyalty would make the robot do what his owner said to, anyway—unless there was a damn good reason not to.” He shrugged. “But all our programs have overrides for illegal or blatantly unethical commands, anyway.”
Jose felt excitement building. “Then the robot might not have to be destroyed?”
“And you might not have to be fired.”
Praise for the WARLOCK series
“ Fresh… well written and entertaining.”
—W. D. Stevens, Fantasy Review
“Enchanting adventure… One starts to get the feeling of what it’s like to be a child with magical powers.”
— Fanzine
“It is refreshing to see a fantasy hero aided by his wife and children.”
—Rick Osborne, Fantasy Review
contents
Christopher Stasheff
THE WARLOCK’S COMPANION
ACE BOOKS, NEW YORK
This book is an Ace original edition, and has never been previously published.
THE WARLOCK’S COMPANION
An Ace Book/published by arrangement with the author
PRINTING HISTORY
Ace edition/December 1988
All rights reserved.
Copyright (c) 1988 by Christopher Stasheff.
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