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The Quality of Mercy

Daniel Keyes

First published November 1960
Type Short Fiction
Length Novelette

Synopsis

A giant, one-of-a-kind, computer called the Dispatcher determines when to freeze terminally ill people so their healthy organs and limbs can be transplanted to those it deems the best match. However, unknown to the general public, Dispatcher has begun to make mistakes, such as assigning a man who needs a right foot, a left foot instead. Anti-Dispatcher (A-D) rebels are secretly attempting to shut down or destroy Dispatcher.

Publications (6)

Date Publication Publisher Type Page
November 1960 If, November 1960 Digest Productions Corporation MAGAZINE 30
November 1960 If, No. 7 Thorpe & Porter MAGAZINE 30
February 1966 The Frozen Planet and Other Stories Macfadden-Bartell Anthology 97
February 1966 The Frozen Planet and Other Stories Macfadden-Bartell Anthology 97
June 1970 The Frozen Planet and Other Stories Macfadden-Bartell Anthology 97
June 1970 The Frozen Planet and Other Stories Macfadden-Bartell Anthology 97