Compulsory

Name: Compulsory
Rating: 4.5 (7411 reviews)
Author: Martha Wells

Authors: Martha Wells
Series:
Type: Story
Genres: Science fiction
Rank:
Top 10 in Best 15-Minute Literature & Fiction Short Reads on Amazon
Top 300 in Best Science Fiction (Kindle Store) on Amazon
Rating: 4.5 based on 7,411 reviews
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Print length:

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About the book

Murderbot - the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells - has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.

While trying to watch episode 44 of The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, Murderbot is - again, what is it with humans? - distracted by something that is technically outside its purview. A miner is suddenly in danger following a pointless (to Murderbot's way of thinking) argument, and the choice is to risk discovery and leap into action, which would require hitting the pause button during a very exciting part of SanctuaryMoon, or to follow orders and stay still.

This is a tougher choice than it seems. But then, when has Murderbot ever been faced with an easy choice?

A shorter version of this story originally appeared in Wired magazine.

About the author

Martha Wells

Martha Wells, a prolific writer in the realm of science fiction and fantasy, has crafted over twelve novels, encompassing series such as Ile-Rien (The Death of the Necromancer) and the Books of the ...