The Myers, Howard L. 1930-1971 creator Emshwiller, Ed 1925-1990 text utu 2010 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "The Reluctant Weapon" by Howard L. Myers is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story centers around a sentient weapon known as Sentient Killer No. VT672, left behind by the destructive Zoz Horde on a remote planet. The weapon, imbued with the capability for mass destruction, grapples with its purpose and conscience, illustrating the complex relationship between power and morality. In the narrative, the ruler Tresqu of Hova learns that a decontaminator ship has been captured by humans on Earth, posing a threat to his empire. To resolve the situation, he seeks the aid of the reluctant weapon, which is initially resistant to engaging in destruction once more. Tresqu forcibly retrieves a human, Jacob, to interact with the weapon, hoping that the creature's vile traits will incite the weapon's dormant desire to annihilate humanity. However, as time progresses, the weapon undergoes a transformation, realizing the futility of blind destruction and developing an unexpected bond with Jacob. Ultimately, the weapon recommits to its purpose, resulting in the obliteration of the Hovan planets and a quest to rejoin its ancient masters, leaving questions about the morality of its actions and the nature of power lingering in the balance. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2010-04-15 Produced by Sankar Viswanathan, Greg Weeks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories PS Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31995 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31995 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133729.0 31995