Second Variety

In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and evolve in hidden subterranean factories. After six grueling years of conflict, an urgent conference is called by the Soviets, prompting UN Major Joseph Hendricks to embark on a perilous journey to meet them. What he uncovers about the Claws along the way is far more alarming than he could have ever imagined. Originally published in the May 1953 edition of Space Science Fiction Magazine, this gripping tale is narrated by Gregg Margarite.