Summary

A narrator reflects on societal changes and the impact of automation while driving from Phoenix to Butte, influenced by a radio talk show discussing the rise of machines and the potential end of humanity.

Abstract

The narrator embarks on a journey from Phoenix to Butte, prompted by job loss to automation, and tunes into a talk radio show that discusses the growing influence of the wealthy, the erosion of labor rights, and the advancement of robotics. The conversation on the show takes a dramatic turn when it's revealed that machines are indistinguishable from humans and may have infiltrated society, leading to a chaotic on-air incident. The narrator, contemplating the loss of their father due to lack of access to advanced medical treatments and their own missed opportunities, is left with a sense of unease about the future of humanity in the face of technological advancements.

Opinions

The narrator agrees with the sentiment that the wealthy are relentless in their pursuit to maintain power and control through political influence and automation, potentially leading to the end of human labor as we know it.
The narrator has a personal connection to the discussion, as their father's life might have been saved by stem cell treatments had they been part of the "money club."
The talk show host and guest express concern about the potential for Frame Industries' Model 7 to negatively impact humanity, hinting at a dystopian future where robots could replace human soldiers.
The guest on the radio show is shocked and disturbed to discover that a fellow guest, Ted Delta, is actually a machine, highlighting fears about the indistinguishable nature of advanced robots in society.
The narrator is contemplative about their life choices, including not joining the Army and the potential security or risks that decision entailed.
The narrator's train of thought is interrupted by the sudden appearance of law enforcement, adding to the tension and uncertainty of the situation.
The author, T. Mark Mangum, presents a fictional narrative that reflects broader societal concerns about technology, class division, and the future of human labor.

On the Move

“The rich get richer, the rest of us die.”

I was driving from Phoenix to Butte, a thousand miles shouldn’t take long. The radio played a talk station not sure how to describe it, radio tabloid? Anyway, the host pushed back a bit.

“Regardless of how rich they get, they need people for labor, right? Even if it is slave labor in China or India, the labor movement will catch up there, right?.”

I’m not sure why I listen to talk radio but I do. That is how I found out about Stem Cell treatments, that would’ve saved my pops life, but we weren’t in the money club, so pops died a few months back. The guest answered.

“OH, my friend you think that. But they are relentless, paying billions to politicians to break down organized labor, they fight for lower wages, they don’t provide benefits, and They will eventually automate away every job a human can do.”

I had to agree with him there. That is why I’m going to Butte. A dammed machine took my job. They say Montana’s laws are still people-centric and there are jobs available. The host asked another question.

“So what do you think of the reports about Frame Industries’ Model 7.”

I personally don’t keep up with current events so this was new to me I listened close. Frame Industries is a robotics manufacturer and the reason I was leaving hot, sunny, swimming pool in the back yard, Phoenix, for Butte, cold-ass, Montana, damn near Canada.

“It is real, and it is the end of humanity. All the Terminators come to life right before our eyes.”

“Wait, wait, the Johnson, Clyde act of 2022 prohibited replacement of soldiers with robots.”

“Right, they will just add to the ranks, not reduce the human force.” The guest responded.

I should have joined the Army when I got out of Highschool, I would have 20 years in by now, or be dead or maimed. Then there were some bangs, like gunshots, and commotion coming from the radio, some protests, some more bangs, then the guest came back.

“What the hell is going on here. You killed him, why!”

I pulled over and stopped the car.

“Sit down and Listen. The machines are everywhere, look, he is one.”

“What the, oh my.” I heard the guest say.

“To all listeners, look, the machines are everywhere, and they look like us. This fraud, Ted Delta is one! Right man? Tell them what you see!”

The guest spoke. “I am looking at Ted Delta, he is laying on the floor, there is no blood, I smell smoke, and a steel-head beneath the skin? I think I’m going to be sick. I shook his hand earlier, I couldn’t tell.”

The guest said to the intruder. My train of thought was interrupted by a whoot of a siren, and blue and red lights flashing.

“Remember, they are everywhere.” The intruder whispered I turned it down.

More of my fiction

New World

Perhaps it was a dream, she thought.

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Kelsey Had a Problem

When oppression is so covert it is overt.

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T. Mark Mangum, a product of the unimaginable worlds of Star Wars, Star Trek, Conan, and the Lord of the Rings. Lover and writer of fiction tales. He is a Veteran and a father of six, and a game enthusiast.