The robots that control the energy beams are in turn co-ordinated by QT-1, known to Powell and Donovan as Cutie, an advanced model with highly developed reasoning ability.

Their attempts to remove Cutie physically also fail, as the other robots have become disciples and refuse to obey human orders.

The situation seems desperate, as a solar storm is expected, potentially deflecting the energy beam, incinerating populated areas.

John W. Campbell purchased it on 22 November—his third from Asimov, and the first he did not ask for a revision of—and published it in the April 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction.

The costumes were re-painted from black to grey and yellow, as they were to be shot against a completely white backdrop for the serial in question.