Chapter I-On April 28, 2050, President Hicks gave a press conference in the White House, "What robot problem? They're much more efficient than human workers. So what if they take almost every job away from the people of this country? That's the price we pay for progress. I'm not totally heartless. I send deliveries of food and other necessities weekly to the ghettos."
At the same time, Johnny Bantam was walking into a meeting of the Underground. Even though he was passionate about the cause, he found the speeches boring because he had very little patience for anything. His mind wandered through Robeson's speech even though he respected him. Robeson was well-educated and highly intelligent. In fact, Robeson was the only person in the room that Johnny admired. He thought that the Underground was in good hands with Robeson in charge.
Then he saw her at the other end of the room. She was the most amazing little goddess that he had ever seen. He introduced himself during refreshments afterwards.
"Hi. I'm Johnny Bantam."
"I'm Veronica Vance; but everyone calls me Ronnie."
"It's nice to meet you, Ronnie. I'm a writer."
"Really? Have you been published?"
"No. It isn't easy to get published nowadays."
"I can imagine. I want to be a teacher like my mother was before robots took all the jobs. It's ridiculous!"
"I know!" She saw the lovestruck look in his eyes and warned him, "Don't fall in love with me! Life is too tough nowadays; and you can't give me the support and stability I need."
Johnny walked out of the meeting without saying another word.
Chapter II-More than a year later, Johnny made a momentous decision that changed his life forever. On a very pleasant summer evening, he broke into the home of Charles Denison, the wealthy industrialist. He would bring some much-needed supplies to the next Underground meeting. Ronnie might finally be impressed.
Unfortunately, he ran into Denison himself. "Who are you, young man?"
"A poor wretch who needs a bite to eat."
"Get out!"
"Don't you have a heart or a conscience?"
"No. I sold those both long ago to get ahead in life. Did you ever notice that you look exactly like me?"
"The thought never occurred to me."
"If you had gray hair, you'd be my double."
"Since I look like you, will you feed me?"
"No." Denison pulled a gun from his pocket. They wrestled for it; and it accidentally discharged. Denison collapsed to the floor dead. Johnny looked up to Heaven gratefully and then he switched their clothes and put black shoe polish in Denison's hair. He covered his own black hair with a large hat and called the police.
The policemen were very sympathetic. One of them said, "You're lucky it worked out this way. What if he had been one of those violent revolutionaries who kill the wealthy."
"The thought is enough to give me nightmares!"
"Don't worry! You're safe now, Mr. Denison. Do you want us to stand guard outside?"
"Do you think it's necessary?"
"I don't think so because your electronic surveillance system will probably keep out the next one. You have to remember to turn it on."
