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First published in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, May 1958
Published in Store of Infinity collection of science fiction short stories by Robert Sheckley in 1960 by Bantam Books.
You can wish anything, and the wish will be fulfilled; but your worst enemy will get twice as that. What can you think of besides classical “put out one of my eyes”?
The story was first published in Playboy magazine in March 1970.
"Yes sir. Well, there are three men outside trying to kill me...."
"Quite right," Mr. Frendlyer said. "And today is Landing Day. You came off the ship that landed today, and have been classified a peon.... I'm happy to say that everything is in order. The Landing Day Hunt ends at sundown. You can leave here with the knowledge that everything is correct and that your rights have not been violated."
"Leave here? After sundown, you mean."
Mr. Frendlyer shook his head and smiled sadly. "I'm afraid not. According to the law you must leave here at once."
"But they'll kill me!"
"That's very true. Unfortunately it can't be helped. A victim by definition is one who is to be killed.... We protect rights, not victims."
OMEGA: PRISON PLANET
LIFE EXPECTANCY: THREE YEARS
MAXIMUM
MOST PEOPLE ARE
LUCKIER THAN THAT....
The Status Civilization concerns Will Barrent, a man who finds himself, without memory of any crime or, indeed, of his previous life, being shipped across space to the planet Omega.
Omega, used to imprison extreme offenders, has a hierarchical society of extreme brutality, where the only way to advance (and avoid dying) is to commit an endless series of crimes. The average life expectancy from time of arrival on Omega is three years. The story concerns Barrent’s attempt to survive, escape, and return to Earth to clear himself of the accusations against him.
Copyright © 1960 by Robert Sheckley
First appeared under the title Omega in Amazing Science Fiction Stories, published by Ziff-Davis.
The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Status Civilization, by Robert Sheckley
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
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Title: The Status Civilization
Author: Robert Sheckley
Release Date: March 28, 2007 [EBook #20919]
Language: English
Mokslinės fantastikos istorijųrinkinys:
Kelionė į žemę
Likvidacijos tarnyba
Akademija
Lorėjaus šiukšlininkas
Dėl ko verta gyventi
Bandomasis pavyzdys
Zuikis
Minimalus žmogus
Forma
Specialistas
Demonai
Pieno furgono reisas
Ritualas
„Ieškotojų ypatingasis
Trys Beno Baksterio mirtys
Globa
Žmogaus našta
Orderis žmogžudystei
Šis tas veltui
It was a joyous journey Anders set out on ... to reach his goal ... but look where he wound up!
Destroying the spirit of the enemy is the goal of war and the aliens had the best way!
Destroying the spirit of the enemy is the goal of war and the aliens had the best way!
Strange how often the Millennium has been at hand. The idea is peace on Earth, see, and the way to do it is by figuring out angles.
