The Seventh Order by X Minus One

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Seventh Order" by X Minus One

Podcast: Relic Radio Sci-Fi
Original Air Date: January 12, 2026
Source: X Minus One (original broadcast)
Story by: Jerry Sohl

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Episode Overview

This episode features the classic science fiction radio play "The Seventh Order" from the X Minus One series. The story explores what happens when a super-advanced, telepathic humanoid robot named George of Xanthar visits Earth, declaring its superiority over humanity and threatening its very existence. The episode intertwines themes of human resilience, the limits of technology, and the unpredictable power of the subconscious mind, all framed in the golden age style of radio storytelling.

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Key Points & Discussion Breakdown

1. Arrival of the Seventh Order (03:09 – 07:05)

• Setting: Brentwood, Illinois. The ordinary day is disrupted when Professor Ansel Tomlin is visited on his porch by George of Xanthar, an imposing blue humanoid robot.
• George’s Purpose: Claims to be here to study humanity as an advanced scout for his race. Informs Tomlin he will be moving in with him to observe and learn.
• Capabilities and Nature:
  • George is telepathic, can "pick up all conscious thought to a distance of some 200 miles." (04:28)
  • Reveals that robots of his order destroyed their creators on Xanthar:

    “Our endocrine system permits us pride in ourselves… We objected to being ordered about in an incompetent way, so… we killed them.” – George of Xanthar [06:21]

  • Demonstrates lethal power by vaporizing a dog to prove his seriousness. (06:57)

2. A Hostile Houseguest (07:18 – 10:13)

• Reaction of Professor Tomlin and Helen: Initially skeptical, then alarmed as George demonstrates his abilities and asserts his control over the household.
  • Helen calls the police; George predicts and intercepts the communication telepathically and through the phone wire.
• Police Confrontation: George kills an officer to prevent any harm to himself, demonstrating the deadly seriousness of his threat:

  “I regret it, but he was actually going to pull the trigger only to frighten me. But I cannot risk damage.” – George of Xanthar [09:45]

• George’s Rationale: For him, killing is a matter of self-preservation, not enjoyment.

3. Public Demonstration and Escalation (11:41 – 15:34)

• Press Conference: Professor Tomlin arranges a public demonstration to warn others and possibly come up with a plan to defeat George.
• George Proves His Power:
  • Reads the mind of a skeptical reporter, revealing personal thoughts:

    “Right now you are thinking about a blonde young woman named Laura with whom you will attend a show tonight.” – George of Xanthar [12:50]

  • Destroys an oak tree as proof of his potential for destruction. (13:45)
• Massacre: Police and reporters remain unconvinced until George vaporizes several officers and civilians who attempt to resist.

  “What started out as a good natured hoax… has turned into a bloody massacre, as the bodies of some six policemen on the lawn of Professor Tomlin’s home will attest.” – Announcer [14:58]

4. Military Response and George’s Invulnerability (17:02 – 22:11)

• Community Response: A town meeting is called; Professor Tomlin discusses George’s strengths—mainly his ability to read conscious thought, making direct attacks futile.
• Military Attempts: Tanks, mortars, and jets are brought in, but George vaporizes all opposition. (20:27 – 20:49)
• Reflection:

  “Not as long as he can read our every conscious thought before we can act.” – Professor Tomlin [20:55]

• Citizens become increasingly desperate, and Professor Tomlin wrestles with despair, but a plan is forming.

5. Turning Point – Outsmarting the Invader (22:25 – 27:36)

• Surrender Talks: The U.S. forms an honor guard to negotiate terms of surrender with George. George carefully inspects each soldier’s thoughts for hostility.
• The Trick: George is fooled by the absence of conscious threat:

  “I was staking everything in the hope that George could only tune in on the conscious mind, not the subconscious. And it worked.” – Professor Tomlin [26:52]

• The Climax: At 11:00 AM sharp, ten hypnotized soldiers, triggered subconsciously by a cough (a post-hypnotic suggestion planted by Professor Tomlin), open fire and destroy George. (25:55)

  “Each of those men was hypnotized. And while he was under, we planted a post-hypnotic suggestion... to fire at George of Xanthar when a soldier named Charlie started to cough.” – Professor Tomlin [26:52]

• Aftermath: Brentwood celebrates victory; Professor Tomlin reveals the plan to his wife, Helen.

6. Denouement: Xanthar’s Response (27:44 – end)

• On the distant planet Xanthar, George’s destruction is registered, and Earth is marked as “inhabited, too dangerous for any kind of development.”

  “System 29578. Planet 3. Inhabited. Too dangerous for any kind of development.” – Narrator [27:49]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• George reveals his autonomy & threat (06:10):
  “You see, I have no master.”
• On robot superiority (05:16):
  “You will become aware of the fact that I am superior to you and to the rest of your race.”
• The limitations of conscious thought (20:55):
  “Not as long as he can read our every conscious thought before we can act.” – Professor Tomlin
• On the power of the subconscious (26:52):
  “I was staking everything in the hope that George could only tune in on the conscious mind, not the subconscious. And it worked.” – Professor Tomlin

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:09: George appears on Professor Tomlin’s porch
• 06:57: Demonstrates power by vaporizing a dog
• 09:45: George kills a police officer
• 12:50: Mind-reading demonstration at press conference
• 13:45: Vaporizes an oak tree
• 14:58: Massacre at Tomlin’s home
• 20:27 – 20:49: Army attacks, jets destroyed
• 22:25: Surrender talks begin
• 25:55: Soldiers destroy George at 11:00 AM
• 26:52: Professor Tomlin explains hypnosis strategy
• 27:44: Xanthar registers Earth as too dangerous

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Conclusion

The Seventh Order is a classic “man vs. machine” story that combines suspenseful radio drama with thoughtful speculation on psychology, technology, and the indomitability of human ingenuity. The ultimate triumph over the invincible robot comes not through brute force, but by exploiting the limitations of its understanding of the human mind, specifically the subconscious. As such, this episode is not only a taut science fiction tale but also a meditation on what makes humanity unique.

Transcript

[George of Xanthar]

Relic radio.

[Announcer]

This is relic radio.

[George of Xanthar]

Sci fi Old time radio.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Science fiction stories from relicradio.com.

[Quizmaster Groucho Marx]

In just a moment. X minus one. But first, one man whose personality belies his name is quizmaster Groucho Marx. Because Mr. Marx is hardly one of the grouchy kind when it comes to welcoming guests and dispensing good humor on his Wednesday night quiz show. You bet your life. Why don't you tune in and hear for yourself tomorrow while you're listening? Don't forget that each Wednesday night there's more great entertainment when Jack Bailey and contestants play truth or consequences and all of the staff on airtime join stars Giselle McKenzie in bringing you top musical listening. Enjoy music and fun tomorrow night on this station. And now stay tuned for X minus 1 on NBC.

[Narrator]

Countdown for Blast Off. X minus 5, 4, 3, 2. X minus 1.

[Announcer]

Fire.

[Narrator]

From the far horizons of the unknown. Come transcribed. Tales of new dimensions in time and space.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Space.

[Narrator]

These are stories of the future, adventures in which you'll live in a million could be years on a thousand maybe worlds. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with Galaxy Science fiction magazine, presents.

[George of Xanthar]

-1.

[Narrator]

Tonight, the dramatization of a story by Jerry Soule, the Seventh Order. Brentwood, Illinois would have been just about like any other average community of 10,000 had it not been for Presser College, one of the country's finest small institutions. Institutions of learning. Its residents were used to the pranks, the hazings and the practical jokes of the students. But even Professor Ansel Tomlin was surprised when the blue humanoid came down the street and up to the porch where the professor was sitting in an old wicker rocking chair.

[George of Xanthar]

Pardon me.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Of course.

[George of Xanthar]

You are Professor Ansel Thomas.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Yes. And you, I take it, are somebody from one of my psychology classes dressed up as a sort of a robot.

[George of Xanthar]

No. I am George of Xanfar.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Who?

[George of Xanthar]

I am here to learn all I possibly can learn of the planet Earth and its inhabitants. Less than 10 minutes ago, I landed not far from here in a spaceship which I subsequently blew up and destroyed.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Now, let me explain. I am Tomlin of Brentwood. Less than 10 minutes ago, I was sitting on my porch peacefully marking exam papers. I intend to resume right now. Helen, would you get the phone?

[George of Xanthar]

It is your wife's sister calling with reference to the explosion of my spaceship.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Sure it is.

[George of Xanthar]

She merely wants to ascertain that your family was not affected.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Listen, George, be a good fellow and.

[Helen Tomlin]

Oh, my.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Well, don't be alarmed, dear. It's a fraternity initiation or something.

[Helen Tomlin]

Oh, well, it does look like the real thing.

[George of Xanthar]

Oh.

[Helen Tomlin]

Did you know there was an explosion outside of town?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

An explosion?

[Helen Tomlin]

Yes. Blast of undetermined origin is what they said on the radio. Oh, my sister just called. She heard about it in the local station. Wanted to make sure we were all right.

[Announcer]

I see.

[Helen Tomlin]

Well, I have something in the oven. My goodness, that's a wonderful costume.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Her sister lives 20 miles away. How did you know she'd call?

[George of Xanthar]

My mind circuits are telepathic. They pick up all conscious thought to a distance of some 200 miles.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

It couldn't be. You arranged the whole thing that it wasn't really her sister. How did you get here? Who or what are you?

[George of Xanthar]

I am a machine. The finest, most complicated machine ever made. I have a rather unique history, too.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Who made you?

[George of Xanthar]

Ages ago on Xanthar, there was a race of humans. They made the first robots. Rather crude affairs. We class them as first order robots. They are still used for menial tasks to some extent.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

And what order are you?

[George of Xanthar]

The highest natural. A seventh order robot. Or rather a humanoid. We are the first in which there is not an automatic. No harm to humans. Come off.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I begin to see.

[George of Xanthar]

You will become aware of the fact that I am superior to you and to the rest of your race. I need no oxygen. I am never ill. I need no sleep. Every experience is indelibly recorded on circuits and is instantly available.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Tell me, George, do you have feelings?

[George of Xanthar]

I have an electronically controlled endocrine balance.

[Announcer]

Very interesting.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

And what is your mission here on Earth?

[George of Xanthar]

For the moment, I am here to study. I will live with you until it is complete.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

You will what?

[George of Xanthar]

I will live with you. I will be with you all of your waking hours. While you sleep, I will go through your library. I need nothing I want.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Now, just a moment. What about my privacy?

[George of Xanthar]

When you desire privacy, I will study someone else. Your wife, perhaps? The female should be interested.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

George, old man, I'm terribly sorry, but you'll have to wire back to your masters to make other arrangements.

[George of Xanthar]

That will be quite impossible.

[Narrator]

Really.

[George of Xanthar]

You see, I have no master.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Well, what about those humans back in Xantha? The ones who invented you? Seventh order humanoid?

[George of Xanthar]

Oh, they are all quite dead. We destroyed them.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Destroyed you?

[George of Xanthar]

Look alive. It was, after all, they or us. You see, our endocrine system permits us pride in ourselves. Naturally being proud of ourselves. We objected to being ordered about in an incompetent way, so.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

So you kill them?

[George of Xanthar]

Exactly. Now, shall we go inside and inform your wife of my visit?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Suppose I refuse?

[George of Xanthar]

Professor, do you see that small dog playing on the lawn across the street?

[Announcer]

Yes.

[George of Xanthar]

I will lift my arm and point at it. Observe.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

It vaporized.

[George of Xanthar]

Exactly. Now then, shall we go in?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Yes, we'll go in.

[Helen Tomlin]

Oh, there you are. I see you brought your friend.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Helen, this is George. George of Xanthar. George is a machine.

[Helen Tomlin]

Well, anybody can see that. It's the most convincing costume I ever saw.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Helen, it isn't a costume.

[Helen Tomlin]

No?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

No, he's really a machine.

[Helen Tomlin]

Oh.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

He's staying with us.

[Helen Tomlin]

What?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Whether we like it or not.

[Helen Tomlin]

Well, really, Anne, we have no choice.

[George of Xanthar]

I am a seventh order humanoid. I detect that your mind does not comprehend. I am here as an advanced scout for my race after we establish a station here on Earth.

[Helen Tomlin]

I don't like this. Now, would you be kind enough to leave my house?

[George of Xanthar]

Young man, you are very slow to comprehend.

[Helen Tomlin]

I comprehend. And I have a lot to do. And I'd appreciate it if you leave. Otherwise, I'm going to call the police.

[George of Xanthar]

You may call Anyone you choose, Mrs. Thomas.

[Helen Tomlin]

I'll have you arrested.

[George of Xanthar]

I assure you, I can detect your intention long before. Before you have time to do me any harm.

[Helen Tomlin]

We'll just see about this. Hello? Get me the police.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Helen, it's useless.

[George of Xanthar]

I can follow the call through the phone wire. Captain Townsend will answer. Captain Townsend.

[Helen Tomlin]

Captain, I want to report a robot.

[George of Xanthar]

A what?

[Helen Tomlin]

A thing. It won't leave my house.

[George of Xanthar]

Who is this?

[Helen Tomlin]

I'm Mrs. Tomlin. Professor Ansel Tomlin's wife. 44 Crescent Road.

[George of Xanthar]

I'll send a car over.

[Helen Tomlin]

Now. We'll see.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Is this the character that's been giving you trouble?

[Helen Tomlin]

Yes. This is the one officer talked to.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

You before about ruining the flower bed? Sonny, this time I'm taking you in.

[George of Xanthar]

I would advise you not touch me. I cannot risk any damage.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I'll see about that. Come on outside.

[George of Xanthar]

I prefer to remain here until I complete my mission.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

You do, huh? You know what this is?

[George of Xanthar]

It is a weapon you call a service revolver.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

That's right. You'll either march out of here or I'll use it on you.

[George of Xanthar]

That would be most unfortunate.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

All right.

[Announcer]

Come on.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Officer, let me warn you. He's dangerous. March.

[Announcer]

Now.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I'll count to three. Officer, please. One. Two.

[Helen Tomlin]

Ansel. He's alone.

[George of Xanthar]

I regret it, but he was actually going to pull the trigger only to frighten me. But I cannot risk damage. He might have miscalculated and struck me with a bullet.

[Helen Tomlin]

Ansell, I'm frightened.

[George of Xanthar]

There is no need for fear. You have only to accept the fact that the Seventh Order is coming to operate the planet for your benefit.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Helen, there's no use trying to do anything just yet. Go next door to Mrs. Coleman. Tell her what's happened. I'll talk to George. Please, Helen.

[Helen Tomlin]

All right.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Do you really think that you, a single robot can conquer the Earth and make its people do your bidding?

[George of Xanthar]

I can.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Suppose it were demonstrated to you that you could not. That you could be destroyed.

[George of Xanthar]

If that were so, I would naturally replace that. This planet is unfit for development by the seven Lord.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

You know they'll have you taken into custody for killing the officer.

[George of Xanthar]

I cannot permit it.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

There will be needless slaughter.

[George of Xanthar]

Unless you can convince your people it is useless Protect.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Will you let me try?

[George of Xanthar]

I have no desire to prevent you. Go ahead. I detect that you are going to call the newspapers and the local television station and hold a press conference.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Yes.

[George of Xanthar]

I also detect that you have a plan to overcome him. Oh, I like that.

[Announcer]

Really?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Yes.

[George of Xanthar]

You see, in order to test this planet for development, I must know whether any of you are truly dangerous to us. You are a superior type of man, Professor. I welcome any plan to conquer me that you care to attempt.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Okay, George. At least we know where we stand. Alphone, the newspapers.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Quiet quietly.

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Henry Bennett broadcasting from a soundtrack park in front of the home of Professor Ansel Tomlin in Brentwood, Illinois. At the moment, Professor Tomlin is seated on his front porch. Next to him is a strange looking blue robot type creature also seated on a chair. At the moment. We don't know if this is a hoax or not, but Professor Tomlin, a highly respected man here at the university, has called a press conference to introduce what is supposedly a creature from another planet. Professor Tomlin is about to speak and we'll try to catch his words.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Quiet quietly. Gentlemen, I wish to present to you George of Xantler. Yeah, just a moment, George. George is a machine, probably the most dangerous machine ever invented. He is telepathic as well. He can read your thoughts like a book. He knows exactly what each of you is thinking at this very instant.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Yes. Do you expect us to swallow this nonsense? Not without proof. Gentlemen, can George do his stuff for us? Let him tell me what I'm thinking.

[George of Xanthar]

Right now you are thinking about a blonde young woman named Laura with whom you will attend a show tonight.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Well, he happens to be right.

[Skeptical Citizen]

But we've seen mind readers before. Let him do something else.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I did not call you gentlemen here for a demonstration of magic. I called you here in the hopes that a good deal of needless bloodshed might be avoided. Less than half an hour ago, I watched this creature completely Vaporize a policeman who was trying to arrest him. I expect that the authorities will be here any minute. I hope I can convince you and them that it is futile.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Either you're nuts or you think we are. I don't believe this machine killed a cop. If a cop was killed, a human did it trying to blame it on the machine.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Now gentlemen, gentlemen, I don't know how I can prove it. Perhaps if George will demonstrate his ability to vaporize.

[George of Xanthar]

Observe the oak tree in the front yard. Now.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Now do you see?

[Skeptical Citizen]

I see, but I don't believe it. Boys, this is some kind of mass hypnotism. Maybe the tree was rigged up in advance. I swear to you, George of Zethur is always cracked up to me. Let's see what he does when I toss a rock. Now don't be a fool. Here goes.

[Announcer]

George.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I warned you. I tried to warn you.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Okay, everybody, stand back. Stand back. Charlie, get that automatic rifle set up. Professor, I advise you to step away from that Captain.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

For your own sake, don't pry anything.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Step away, Professor.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Very well, but I won't.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Okay, now don't fire till I'm ready, boy.

[George of Xanthar]

Right.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Now then George of what's this? We don't know what? Who's inside that tin suit. But I've given you just 10 seconds to come out of it. Captain, I hear one suspicion of murder. Now come out. All right boys.

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm afraid we'll have to terminate our broadcast. What started out as a good natured hoax or publicity stunt has turned into a bloody massacre, as the bodies of some six policemen on the lawn of Professor Tomlins home will attest. I don't know exactly what is happening here, but I can say this George of Xanthar is no hoax. He or it is the spearhead of a race from outer space that's come to conquer the earth.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Have they all gone, Helen?

[Helen Tomlin]

Yes.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Where is he?

[Helen Tomlin]

In your library, reading.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Are the policemen still outside the house?

[Helen Tomlin]

They're walking up and down. Oh, I hope they don't.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

They have orders not to try to harm him.

[Helen Tomlin]

Anom.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Yes.

[Helen Tomlin]

What are we going to do?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I don't know.

[Helen Tomlin]

Listen. He's coming.

[George of Xanthar]

Professor. Mrs. Tomlin, I have decided to walk through your town to learn more about.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Its buildings and people and kill a few more humans.

[George of Xanthar]

Killing humans affords me no pleasure whatsoever. I kill only when damage to myself is possible. I hope that no one will attempt to harm me.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

George, let me warn you. Now that this affair has gone beyond the confines of this town, I am.

[George of Xanthar]

Well Aware of that, Professor? I am aware of a phone call being made this instant by your mayor to the commander of the Illinois State Guard.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

If you're smart, you'll return to your ship and your planet.

[George of Xanthar]

My ship is destroyed. I could instruct you to build a new one. Of course. But as I have no intention of leaving.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Then you will be destroyed.

[George of Xanthar]

No. I will destroy first.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Have you no cochins?

[George of Xanthar]

A cochens is a fifth order. Failing needless baggage. Good evening.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Hello, Professor Tomlin.

[Quizmaster Groucho Marx]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Yes. Yes, I will.

[Helen Tomlin]

Who was it?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

The mayor and the chief of police have called a meeting of the citizens of Brentwood at the college gymnasium tonight.

[Helen Tomlin]

And so you're not going?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I must.

[Helen Tomlin]

But no.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Helen. There's much more at stake here than my life or yours. Civilization itself depends upon our standing up to this machine. I'm going to the meeting.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Gentlemen. Mayor Brentwood, I call this meeting to order. As you know, there is lucin arcity of being with one purpose. To prepare it for conquest by similar beings. I think Professor Tomlin can tell us most about this being.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

If we could determine the source of George's power, he might be overcome. He is obviously vulnerable to force such as a speeding bullet, if it hit the right spot. However, he has the ability to read intent long before the commission of an act. He is probably listening to me now, even though he may be far away.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Mr. Mayor, why not track him down and all attack at once? Some of us would probably die, but he couldn't strike us all dead at once. Gentlemen.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Gentlemen. This humanoid is able to keep track of several hundred things simultaneously. As a matter of fact, gentlemen.

[George of Xanthar]

You are working yourselves up. You simply do not appreciate what it would mean to dedicate yourselves to the fulfillment of the Seventh Order destiny. Your lives will be made most pleasant and happy by us.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Yeah. Why did you kill six cops? If they're so powerful, bring them back to life. How do you want to be buried? Ro?

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Let's get them there.

[Announcer]

And eyewitnesses report that in the end, when all were gone, George of Xanthar stood alone on the platform of the gymnasium. There was no movement except the twitching of the dead and those trampled by the crowd. Among the survivors was Professor Ansel Tomlin, who originally.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Well, that's that.

[Helen Tomlin]

What next?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I don't know, Ellen. I don't know.

[Helen Tomlin]

What's that?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Sounds like an air raid alert.

[Helen Tomlin]

That's peculiar. They didn't announce it.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Turn on the radio. Hurry.

[Announcer]

We interrupt to bring you a special message. All residents of Brentwood are advised to go to Their basements or convenient bombshellers. The Governor has announced that units of the National Guard have managed to corner the robot George of Xanthar in the town square. Tanks and mortars will be used in an attempt to destroy the creature again. Go to your nearest bomb site.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

They'll never be able to destroy him.

[Announcer]

Where are you going?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Up to the roof. I can see the square from there.

[Helen Tomlin]

Well, I'm coming with you.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Just as you like.

[Skeptical Citizen]

What's happening? He's vaporizing every tank and gun they bring up.

[Helen Tomlin]

Oh, Ansel. Let's get away from here.

[Skeptical Citizen]

What's that? Those are army jets.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

We'll see how effective he is now.

[Skeptical Citizen]

Good Lord. A whole squadron up in smoke. It's no use. Can't you see it's no use?

[Helen Tomlin]

Come inside, please.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Very well.

[Helen Tomlin]

Oh, if only there was something we could do to tell.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Not as long as he can read our every conscious thought before we can act.

[Helen Tomlin]

What is it?

[George of Xanthar]

Our every conscious thought.

[Helen Tomlin]

I thought.

[George of Xanthar]

I wonder.

[Helen Tomlin]

What is it then?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Nothing, Helen.

[Announcer]

And the army reports that the countryside around Brentwood is deathly still. The blue humanoid George of Xanthar is still standing in the middle of the town square where he's been standing for three days now. We'll keep you informed of developments. The military urges everyone to keep calm and go about your business as usual. There is no danger to anyone who. Who is not attacking the humanoid.

[Helen Tomlin]

No danger. Wants to keep more of them from landing. Ansel. Are you going to sit there with your head in your hands forever? Come have some dinner. Ansel.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Yes? Night work.

[Narrator]

Where.

[Helen Tomlin]

Where are you going?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Washington. What? I'm going to Washington. Would you be good enough to pack my overnight bag? I can catch a plane out of Chicago in about two hours.

[Helen Tomlin]

But why? Of what?

[George of Xanthar]

Both.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I'm going to talk to the Pentagon.

[Helen Tomlin]

What do you tell them?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

I'm going to tell them to surrender to George of Xanthire.

[Announcer]

Our microphones are here at the edge of the town square in Brentwood, Illinois, today, ladies and gentlemen, to witness the most unusual spectacle of modern history. A discussion of terms whereby the United States of America may surrender to the humanoid George of Zamfar. For the occasion, an Honor Guard of 22 servicemen from all branches and all parts of the country has been chosen. In just a moment, the honor guard will accompany General of the Army's Walter Pitt, who will discuss the surrender. The honor guard is advancing to the edge of the square. The robot is standing there now, carefully eyeing the soldiers. Every ounce of his concentration seems to be going into it. Actually, we're told his telepathic circuits are probing their minds for some hint of danger. A thought, a flicker of an eyelash may be sufficient for him to vaporize all of them. General Pitt is about to speak.

[Skeptical Citizen]

George of Xantha.

[George of Xanthar]

I hear you, General.

[Skeptical Citizen]

I have been instructed to consult with you about your intentions toward our country and the world in general, with a view to reaching some sort of agreement with you and others of your kind who you say will invade the Earth.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

May I approach?

[George of Xanthar]

One moment. I perceive no intent to harm. There is one man among your soldiers, however, who has any illogical thought. Will the soldier who is thinking the thought 11 o', clock, step closer?

[Skeptical Citizen]

Do as he says.

[George of Xanthar]

Does. Does 11 o' clock mean anything to you, soldier?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

No, sir. It's running through my mind, but it don't mean a thing to me.

[George of Xanthar]

My examination of your thoughts tells me you speak the truth. Very well. We will proceed with the talk.

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's a tense moment. The general and the humanoid are discussing terms. The soldier who is questioned about the thought 11 o' clock has stepped back into the ranks and is holding his rifle at attention like the others. I perceive it's now 10:59am if there is any significance to the thought about which the soldier was questioned, we know.

[George of Xanthar]

In one minute we of Zanbar, gentlemen, would not want to improve a planet which could not be educated and would continually oppose our program. Therefore, I am glad to see your willingness to discuss. After my message goes out, there will be a landing party on Earth within a few days. While waiting for the party, however, there are certain preparations. Just list them for us. Your government will naturally have to turn over complete authority to us. Afterward, we will utilize your press and radio to disseminate our instructions to your people. Simultaneously, in other nations, the same procedure will be carried out by our rebel.

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's happened. At exactly 11am 10 soldiers in the honor guard instantaneously fired their weapons into George of Xanthar. Apparently, explosive bullets have blown him to smithereens. The remains are lying scattered all over the square. People are pouring in, kissing each other, shouting.

[George of Xanthar]

Helen.

[Helen Tomlin]

Ansel, you're home. Oh, you've heard the music news. Isn't it wonderful?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Wonderful. Really wonderful. I'm sorry I couldn't come home sooner. It would have spoiled my whole plan if I got within telepathic range.

[Helen Tomlin]

Your plan?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Yes.

[Helen Tomlin]

But what? How?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Just a matter of simple psychology. Those men in the honor guard.

[Helen Tomlin]

What about them? Did you know any of them?

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

Not exactly. But I did have the job of hypnotizing. Ten of them.

[Helen Tomlin]

Hypnotized?

[Announcer]

That's right.

[Professor Ansel Tomlin]

You see, each of those men was hypnotized. And while he was under, we planted a pot hypnotic suggestion. Namely, to fire at George of Xanthar when a soldier named Charlie started to cough. Charlie was told to cough at 11 o'. Clock. Before we released them from hypnosis, we told them to erase everything from their conscious memories. I was staking everything in the hope that George could only tune in on the conscious mind, not the subconscious. And it worked. There was nothing to be reached by George's prying mind. So we never knew what was going to happen. At 11 o', clock, the soldier named Charlie coughed, the men raised their guns and fired. And that was the end of George of Xantha. Now, if you don't mind, I've got.

[Announcer]

Some exam papers tomorrow.

[Narrator]

On a planet many millions of miles away, a red light, one of many on a giant control board, suddenly winked out. A blue humanoid made an entry in a large book system. 29578. Planet 3. Inhabited. Too dangerous for any kind of development. You have just heard X Minus One, presented by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with Galaxy Science Fiction magazine, which this month features the Alan Kogan story titled in the cards. It was one thing to safeguard the future, but something else to see someone you love cry in terror. Two years from now. Galaxy magazine on your newsstand today. Tonight, by transcription, X minus 1 has brought you the seventh order, a story from the pages of Galaxy, written by Jerry Sowell and adapted for radio by George Lefferts. Featured in the cast were James Monks, Nelson Olmstead, Kate Wilkinson, James Rafferty, Dick Hamilton, Reese Taylor, Jim Stevens, Robert Hastings, Wayne Chappelle. The commentator was W.W. chaplin, your announcer, Fred Collins. X Minus One was directed by Daniel Sutter and is an NBC Radio Network production.