DEATH ON MOON 4 — Joe Vadalma

Was the robot killer or victim? Under the stresses of their jobs on Moon Four of Epsilon Eridani One, Rick and Gabrielle's marriage has disintegrated. Rick is unhappy about living in an artificial environment, hates his job, and blames Gabrielle whose career has brought him to Moon Four. Gabrielle drinks too much and orders their humbot Newton to make love to her, which it readily obeys. Then Rick comes home early and discovers Gabrielle and Newton in bed together. Rick is so furious he orders Newton to kill her. The humbot tells him programing prevents all robots from harming humans. But when Gabriel is murdered, Newton becomes the prime suspect and is arrested. Rick immediately sues the humbot's manufacturer for wrongful death. Enter Duke Wilberstone, insurance investigator. If Newton is found guilty his company will lose millions and the entire basis of galactic â€" the belief that robots can not harm humans â€" will be at risk. Together with robotologist Shirla Cassico, he must prove the robot innocent and unmask the real murderer. But, as Wilberstone and Cassico's relationship heats up, they find the biggest obstacle to acquitting Newton is â€" the robot himself. Art: Sam Addison