The Ruum

"The Ruum" is a 1953 short story of science fiction with a pursuit theme by the prolific American writer, Arthur Porges. Probably his best known work, the story encapsulates a clever plot device extrapolating detailed scientific knowledge to create a tense, brooding story. [ [http://mysite.orange.co.uk/arthurporges] ]

Plot

A specimen-gathering robot is accidentally left behind on earth during the prehistoric period by visiting alien anthropologists. Its work is collecting different species of animals within a certain weight limit and preserving them in a state of suspended animation for later retrieval.

Many thousands of years later, a prospector in the North American wilderness comes across the robot, still functioning and, realising the cache of specimens is select and of a high quality, the prospector's calculations lead him to understand that his perfect health and peak fitness make him a collector's piece of prime humanity. The Ruum inevitably discovers him and now intent upon adding him to its collection, is relentlessly unwavering, tirelessly pursuing him through the toughest terrain as he uses all his powers to avoid capture.

The chase only ends when the prospector, weakened, exhausted, defenceless, surrenders. He is coolly examined by the robot only to be rejected as below standard.

References

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