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* XanatosGambit: the plan of ''Them'': [[spoiler: their ultimate goal is to destabilize the stalemate in Their favor, so that They can attack. To do so, They replace an intelligence agent with a robot and have it bring in a report that They have ten robots infiltrating Us, and if all ten get together, they'll blow up because of their ten pieces of the Total Conversion bomb. Because Their robotics technology is so advanced, a new way to detect the robots has to be developed, while requires leading scientists from every field to get together and brainstorm new ideas. Which is the plan: They replaced ten of the ''scientists'', so that when the conference is called, the bomb, which while highly destructive won't actual do a lot of long-term damage, will kill all the leaders of science on the other side, allowing Them to get a ''massive'' technological advantage. When the plan is foiled, They have ''still'' fomented massive paranoia as literally anyone could be a robot with a possible explosive or super-explosive device. The only solace is that the eleventh robot, the intelligence agent, was taken down intact, so that it can be studied for a possible countermeasure.]]
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Let's get together. It came to Lynn so quietly that anyone watching Lynn at that moment might have seen his eyes blink slowly twice-but surely nothing more.
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Let's get together. It came to Lynn so quietly that anyone watching Lynn at that moment might have seen his eyes blink slowly twice-but twice-- but surely nothing more.
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* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Taking place [[TheFailedFutureForecast a century into the Cold War]], when DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of infiltration equipped to [[ActionBomb explode]], scientists are studying [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], [[TechnoBabble hyperatomics]], and [[FictionalFieldOfScience mentalics]].
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* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Taking place [[TheFailedFutureForecast a century into the Cold War]], War, when DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of infiltration equipped to [[ActionBomb explode]], scientists are studying [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], [[TechnoBabble hyperatomics]], and [[FictionalFieldOfScience mentalics]].
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* BalanceOfPower: The two superpowers, [[TheFailedFutureForecast "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the [[TheFailedFutureForecast division of the world powers and their influence]], describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing [[TheFailedFutureForecast the two world superpowers]], because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the [[TheFailedFutureForecast division of the world powers and their influence]], describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing [[TheFailedFutureForecast the two world superpowers]], because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
to:
* BalanceOfPower: The two superpowers, [[TheFailedFutureForecast "Us" and "Them"]], "Them", have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the[[TheFailedFutureForecast division of the world powers and their influence]], influence, describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing[[TheFailedFutureForecast the two world superpowers]], superpowers, because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from our side, allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
* FailedFutureForecast: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]]. As noted above, "They" are no longer necessarily East European or Communist, just, well, ''Them'', but They ''are'' still centered in Moscow, while "We" are centered in Washington.
* FailedFutureForecast: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]]. As noted above, "They" are no longer necessarily East European or Communist, just, well, ''Them'', but They ''are'' still centered in Moscow, while "We" are centered in Washington.
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* TheFailedFutureForecast: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]]. As noted above, "They" are no longer necessarily East European or Communist, just, well, ''Them'', but They ''are'' still centred in Moscow, while "We" are centred in Washington.
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from [[TheFailedFutureForecast our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from [[TheFailedFutureForecast our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
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* KillAndReplace: The DeceptivelyHumanRobots are all modelled on people from [[TheFailedFutureForecast our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our scientific experts. The story actually assumes that the original people aren't dead, merely kidnapped and imprisoned by "Them" to facilitate the duplication.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheFailedFutureForecast "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on Robotics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheFailedFutureForecast "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on Robotics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
to:
* KillAndReplace: The DeceptivelyHumanRobots are all modelled on people from [[TheFailedFutureForecast our side]], side, allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our scientific experts. The story actually assumes that the original people aren't dead, merely kidnapped and imprisoned by "Them" to facilitate the duplication.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between[[TheFailedFutureForecast "Us" and "Them"]] "Them" is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on Robotics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between
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During the past [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp hundred years of Cold War]], the two sides of the conflict have maintained a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. However, one of "Our" spies has discovered that "They" have gained a [[ParanoiaGambit frightening advantage]] over "Us"; they've built [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots robots that can pass as human despite close proximity]] and they've [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies with ten such robots.
to:
During the past [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[FailedFutureForecast hundred years of Cold War]], the two sides of the conflict have maintained a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. However, one of "Our" spies has discovered that "They" have gained a [[ParanoiaGambit frightening advantage]] over "Us"; they've built [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots robots that can pass as human despite close proximity]] and they've [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies with ten such robots.
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* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Taking place [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp a century into the Cold War]], when DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of infiltration equipped to [[ActionBomb explode]], scientists are studying [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], [[TechnoBabble hyperatomics]], and [[FictionalFieldOfScience mentalics]].
to:
* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Taking place [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[TheFailedFutureForecast a century into the Cold War]], when DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of infiltration equipped to [[ActionBomb explode]], scientists are studying [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], [[TechnoBabble hyperatomics]], and [[FictionalFieldOfScience mentalics]].
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* BalanceOfPower: The two superpowers, [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp division of the world powers and their influence]], describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp the two world superpowers]], because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp division of the world powers and their influence]], describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp the two world superpowers]], because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
to:
* BalanceOfPower: The two superpowers, [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[TheFailedFutureForecast "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the[[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[TheFailedFutureForecast division of the world powers and their influence]], describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing[[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[TheFailedFutureForecast the two world superpowers]], because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing
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* TheGreatPoliticsMessUp: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]]. As noted above, "They" are no longer necessarily East European or Communist, just, well, ''Them'', but They ''are'' still centred in Moscow, while "We" are centred in Washington.
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
to:
* TheGreatPoliticsMessUp: TheFailedFutureForecast: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]]. As noted above, "They" are no longer necessarily East European or Communist, just, well, ''Them'', but They ''are'' still centred in Moscow, while "We" are centred in Washington.
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from[[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[TheFailedFutureForecast our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from
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* KillAndReplace: The DeceptivelyHumanRobots are all modelled on people from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our scientific experts. The story actually assumes that the original people aren't dead, merely kidnapped and imprisoned by "Them" to facilitate the duplication.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on Robotics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on Robotics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
to:
* KillAndReplace: The DeceptivelyHumanRobots are all modelled on people from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[TheFailedFutureForecast our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our scientific experts. The story actually assumes that the original people aren't dead, merely kidnapped and imprisoned by "Them" to facilitate the duplication.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between[[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp [[TheFailedFutureForecast "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on Robotics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between
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* AlternateContinuity: The story is included in ''The Rest of the Robots'' and ''The Complete Robot'' alongside Asimov's other robot stories. However the robots clearly aren't ThreeLawsCompliant, and the political situation doesn't fit the OneWorldOrder described in stories like "The Evitable Conflict", so it's probably not intended to be in continuity with them.
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* TheGreatPoliticsMessUp: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]].
to:
* TheGreatPoliticsMessUp: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]]. As noted above, "They" are no longer necessarily East European or Communist, just, well, ''Them'', but They ''are'' still centred in Moscow, while "We" are centred in Washington.
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* ParanoiaGambit: Lynn guesses that the claim that ten DeceptivelyHumanRobots have [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies might be nothing more than a story designed to make them act in a paranoid fashion, causing small social disruptions and distracting from scientific research. He's overruled because even if he's wrong, then when the average person found out about the threat, the leadership would be laughed out of office.
to:
* ParanoiaGambit: Lynn guesses that the claim that ten DeceptivelyHumanRobots have [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies might be nothing more than a story designed to make them act in a paranoid fashion, causing small social disruptions and distracting from scientific research. He's overruled because even if he's wrong, then when the average person found out about the threat, the leadership would be laughed driven out of office.
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* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on {{Robot}}ics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
to:
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on {{Robot}}ics Robotics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
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adding in new work with confirmation
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"Let's Get Together" has been republished several times; ''Literature/SFTheYearsGreatestScienceFictionAndFantasy: Third Annual Volume'' (1958), ''Literature/DodiciVolteDomani'' (1964), ''Literature/TheRestOfTheRobots'' (1964), ''Literature/VanJulesVerneTotIsaacAsimov: De vijftig beste science fiction-verhalen'' (1981), ''Literature/TheCompleteRobot'' (1982), ''Literature/DeDagErna...: Het leven na de bom'' (1983), and ''Literature/TheCompleteStories, Volume 2'' (1992).
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"Let's Get Together" has been republished several times; ''Literature/SFTheYearsGreatestScienceFictionAndFantasy: Third Annual Volume'' (1958), ''{{Magazine/Escapade}}'' (August 1960 issue), ''Literature/DodiciVolteDomani'' (1964), ''Literature/TheRestOfTheRobots'' (1964), ''Literature/VanJulesVerneTotIsaacAsimov: De vijftig beste science fiction-verhalen'' (1981), ''Literature/TheCompleteRobot'' (1982), ''Literature/DeDagErna...: Het leven na de bom'' (1983), and ''Literature/TheCompleteStories, Volume 2'' (1992).
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First published in ''Magazine/InfinityScienceFiction'' (February 1957 issue) by Creator/IsaacAsimov. In the 1950s, Dr Asimov tried combining MysteryFiction and ScienceFiction. This is one such story, where he also pulled in SpyFiction.
During the past [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp hundred years of Cold War]], the two sides of the conflict have maintained a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. However, one of "Our" spies has discovered that "They" have gained a [[ParanoiaGambit frightening advantage]] over "Us"; they've built [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots robots that can pass as human despite close proximity]] and they've [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies with ten such robots.
Elias Lynn, Chief of the Bureau of Robotics, is expected to counter the problem. His department has developed robots that look somewhat human, but wouldn't be able to [[UncannyValley pass close inspection]]. He's rushed from meeting to meeting, each one placing expectations on him. He accepts, realizing that he's being set up as TheScapegoat in case this all goes wrong. His only escape is to figure out a way to stop/identify the humanoids before they can meet.
"Let's Get Together" has been republished several times; ''Literature/SFTheYearsGreatestScienceFictionAndFantasy: Third Annual Volume'' (1958), ''Literature/DodiciVolteDomani'' (1964), ''Literature/TheRestOfTheRobots'' (1964), ''Literature/VanJulesVerneTotIsaacAsimov: De vijftig beste science fiction-verhalen'' (1981), ''Literature/TheCompleteRobot'' (1982), ''Literature/DeDagErna...: Het leven na de bom'' (1983), and ''Literature/TheCompleteStories, Volume 2'' (1992).
----
!!"Let's Get Together" contains examples of:
* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Taking place [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp a century into the Cold War]], when DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of infiltration equipped to [[ActionBomb explode]], scientists are studying [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], [[TechnoBabble hyperatomics]], and [[FictionalFieldOfScience mentalics]].
* ActionBomb: Each of the [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots humanoid robots]] that have [[TheMole infiltrated]] "Us" is equipped with components for two types of bomb. One is a normal chemical explosive. The other is a [[RidiculouslyPotentExplosive Total Conversion bomb]], which requires all ten of the robots to meet in-person.
* BalanceOfPower: The two superpowers, [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp division of the world powers and their influence]], describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp the two world superpowers]], because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
-->He was not particularly aware of his use of a slightly stressed pronoun in his reference to the enemy, the equivalent of capitalization in print. It was a cultural habit of this generation and the one preceding.
* FairPlayWhodunnit: The mystery puzzle in this story is in figuring out how to identify at least one [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots humanoid robot]] before they can create their [[RidiculouslyPotentExplosive Total Conversion bomb]]. Lynn's realization indicates that all the clues have been presented to the reader.
* FictionalFieldOfScience: Mentalics, as defined by this story, is "the name given to the biochemistry and biophysics of thought". It also mentions hyperatomics and [[DeflectorShields force-field]] research.
* TheGreatPoliticsMessUp: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]].
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
* ImpersonationExclusiveCharacter: One of the characters, [[spoiler:Breckenridge]], was [[KillAndReplace replaced]] with a [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots robot duplicate]] before the events of the story. [[spoiler:They use Breckenridge's position to drive the events of the story, trying to eliminate "Our" experts.]]
* KillAndReplace: The DeceptivelyHumanRobots are all modelled on people from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our scientific experts. The story actually assumes that the original people aren't dead, merely kidnapped and imprisoned by "Them" to facilitate the duplication.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on {{Robot}}ics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
-->For a hundred years each side had kept the struggle even. And in the process, peace had been maintained for a hundred years while, as byproducts of the continuously intensive research, force fields had been produced and solar energy and insect control and robots. Each side was making a beginning in the understanding of mentalics, which was the name given to the biochemistry and biophysics of thought. Each side had its outposts on the Moon and on Mars. Mankind was advancing in giant strides under forced draft.
* TheMole: Breckenridge, a spy for "Our" side, has brought back evidence that "They" have DeceptivelyHumanRobots who have been used to KillAndReplace ten of "Our" citizens. They have [[ActionBomb explosives]] inside that would allow them to [[RidiculouslyPotentExplosive take out part of a city]] if they're allowed to [[TitleDrop get together]].
* MoleInCharge: At the end of the story, Lynn reveals that [[spoiler:Breckenridge is actually a spy for "Them". While he had assumed Breckenridge was a DoubleAgent, they had actually been [[KillAndReplace replaced]] by an eleventh [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots humanoid robot]]. The deception isn't completely explained until Lynn shoots Breckenridge]].
* OffWithHisHead: When Lynn shoots [[spoiler:Breckenridge]], he hits the neck, causing TheMole's head to roll around on the floor.
* ParanoiaGambit: Lynn guesses that the claim that ten DeceptivelyHumanRobots have [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies might be nothing more than a story designed to make them act in a paranoid fashion, causing small social disruptions and distracting from scientific research. He's overruled because even if he's wrong, then when the average person found out about the threat, the leadership would be laughed out of office.
* RidiculouslyPotentExplosive: Total Conversion, or TC, implies that 100% of some {{Unobtainium}} changes from matter into energy.
* TheScapegoat: While speaking to the American leadership, Lynn realizes that the reason he had been summoned wasn't to discuss what ''could'' be done, but to make certain that when it went wrong, Lynn would be held responsible for it.
-->And yet there was justice in it. It was in robotics that We had fallen short. And Lynn was not Lynn merely. He was Lynn of Robotics and the responsibility had to be his.
* TitleDrop: The title is spoken by Security officer Breckenridge, while planning a science conference focused on figuring out how "We" can counter "Their" DeceptivelyHumanRobots. [[spoiler:It clues Lynn in on the fact that Breckenridge is [[TheMole working for "Them"]].]]
-->It was Breckenridge who, with cool efficiency, was handling the details of preparation. There had been a kind of confidence in the way he said, "Let's get together and we'll lick Them."\\
Let's get together. It came to Lynn so quietly that anyone watching Lynn at that moment might have seen his eyes blink slowly twice-but surely nothing more.
----
During the past [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp hundred years of Cold War]], the two sides of the conflict have maintained a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. However, one of "Our" spies has discovered that "They" have gained a [[ParanoiaGambit frightening advantage]] over "Us"; they've built [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots robots that can pass as human despite close proximity]] and they've [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies with ten such robots.
Elias Lynn, Chief of the Bureau of Robotics, is expected to counter the problem. His department has developed robots that look somewhat human, but wouldn't be able to [[UncannyValley pass close inspection]]. He's rushed from meeting to meeting, each one placing expectations on him. He accepts, realizing that he's being set up as TheScapegoat in case this all goes wrong. His only escape is to figure out a way to stop/identify the humanoids before they can meet.
"Let's Get Together" has been republished several times; ''Literature/SFTheYearsGreatestScienceFictionAndFantasy: Third Annual Volume'' (1958), ''Literature/DodiciVolteDomani'' (1964), ''Literature/TheRestOfTheRobots'' (1964), ''Literature/VanJulesVerneTotIsaacAsimov: De vijftig beste science fiction-verhalen'' (1981), ''Literature/TheCompleteRobot'' (1982), ''Literature/DeDagErna...: Het leven na de bom'' (1983), and ''Literature/TheCompleteStories, Volume 2'' (1992).
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!!"Let's Get Together" contains examples of:
* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Taking place [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp a century into the Cold War]], when DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of infiltration equipped to [[ActionBomb explode]], scientists are studying [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], [[TechnoBabble hyperatomics]], and [[FictionalFieldOfScience mentalics]].
* ActionBomb: Each of the [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots humanoid robots]] that have [[TheMole infiltrated]] "Us" is equipped with components for two types of bomb. One is a normal chemical explosive. The other is a [[RidiculouslyPotentExplosive Total Conversion bomb]], which requires all ten of the robots to meet in-person.
* BalanceOfPower: The two superpowers, [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
* TheBigBoard: Lynn taking a moment to look at a current world map on his wall is used by the narrative to explain the [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp division of the world powers and their influence]], describing how it used to be white for "Us" and red for "Them", but the colours had faded/changed to be a mild green against a light pink. Their [[BalanceOfPower stalemate]] is emphasized by telling the audience that the last exchange of territory was Formosa and East Germany some eighty years ago.
* CapitalLettersAreMagic: The narration points out that characters in this story unconsciously emphasize the "Us" and "Them" terms dividing [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp the two world superpowers]], because saying "East", "Reds", "Soviets", or "Russians" would be misleading/wrong, while "We" and "They" remain accurate.
-->He was not particularly aware of his use of a slightly stressed pronoun in his reference to the enemy, the equivalent of capitalization in print. It was a cultural habit of this generation and the one preceding.
* FairPlayWhodunnit: The mystery puzzle in this story is in figuring out how to identify at least one [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots humanoid robot]] before they can create their [[RidiculouslyPotentExplosive Total Conversion bomb]]. Lynn's realization indicates that all the clues have been presented to the reader.
* FictionalFieldOfScience: Mentalics, as defined by this story, is "the name given to the biochemistry and biophysics of thought". It also mentions hyperatomics and [[DeflectorShields force-field]] research.
* TheGreatPoliticsMessUp: There are two superpowers who are usually referred to as "Us" and "Them", who maintain a [[BalanceOfPower delicate stalemate]]. It's supposed to be [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar America against Russia]] despite being set [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture decades into the future]], where DeceptivelyHumanRobots are used as weapons of [[TheMole infiltration]] designed to [[ActionBomb explode]] when they [[TitleDrop get together]].
* DeceptivelyHumanRobots: Evidence has been presented that "They" have human-appearing robots, each one [[KillAndReplace a copy of a person]] from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our society.
* ImpersonationExclusiveCharacter: One of the characters, [[spoiler:Breckenridge]], was [[KillAndReplace replaced]] with a [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots robot duplicate]] before the events of the story. [[spoiler:They use Breckenridge's position to drive the events of the story, trying to eliminate "Our" experts.]]
* KillAndReplace: The DeceptivelyHumanRobots are all modelled on people from [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp our side]], allowing them to [[TheMole infiltrate]] our scientific experts. The story actually assumes that the original people aren't dead, merely kidnapped and imprisoned by "Them" to facilitate the duplication.
* LensmanArmsRace: One of the things that keeps the BalanceOfPower between [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]] is the continual exchange of scientific/engineering advances. Both sides have developed [[FictionalFieldOfScience in several areas beyond modern-day]]; [[DeflectorShields force-fields]], solar power, insect control, mentalics, colonizing the Moon and Mars... However, "They" have been focusing on {{Robot}}ics for the past decade, allowing them to create DeceptivelyHumanRobots while "Our" scientists are far behind.
-->For a hundred years each side had kept the struggle even. And in the process, peace had been maintained for a hundred years while, as byproducts of the continuously intensive research, force fields had been produced and solar energy and insect control and robots. Each side was making a beginning in the understanding of mentalics, which was the name given to the biochemistry and biophysics of thought. Each side had its outposts on the Moon and on Mars. Mankind was advancing in giant strides under forced draft.
* TheMole: Breckenridge, a spy for "Our" side, has brought back evidence that "They" have DeceptivelyHumanRobots who have been used to KillAndReplace ten of "Our" citizens. They have [[ActionBomb explosives]] inside that would allow them to [[RidiculouslyPotentExplosive take out part of a city]] if they're allowed to [[TitleDrop get together]].
* MoleInCharge: At the end of the story, Lynn reveals that [[spoiler:Breckenridge is actually a spy for "Them". While he had assumed Breckenridge was a DoubleAgent, they had actually been [[KillAndReplace replaced]] by an eleventh [[DeceptivelyHumanRobots humanoid robot]]. The deception isn't completely explained until Lynn shoots Breckenridge]].
* OffWithHisHead: When Lynn shoots [[spoiler:Breckenridge]], he hits the neck, causing TheMole's head to roll around on the floor.
* ParanoiaGambit: Lynn guesses that the claim that ten DeceptivelyHumanRobots have [[TheMole infiltrated]] America and her allies might be nothing more than a story designed to make them act in a paranoid fashion, causing small social disruptions and distracting from scientific research. He's overruled because even if he's wrong, then when the average person found out about the threat, the leadership would be laughed out of office.
* RidiculouslyPotentExplosive: Total Conversion, or TC, implies that 100% of some {{Unobtainium}} changes from matter into energy.
* TheScapegoat: While speaking to the American leadership, Lynn realizes that the reason he had been summoned wasn't to discuss what ''could'' be done, but to make certain that when it went wrong, Lynn would be held responsible for it.
-->And yet there was justice in it. It was in robotics that We had fallen short. And Lynn was not Lynn merely. He was Lynn of Robotics and the responsibility had to be his.
* TitleDrop: The title is spoken by Security officer Breckenridge, while planning a science conference focused on figuring out how "We" can counter "Their" DeceptivelyHumanRobots. [[spoiler:It clues Lynn in on the fact that Breckenridge is [[TheMole working for "Them"]].]]
-->It was Breckenridge who, with cool efficiency, was handling the details of preparation. There had been a kind of confidence in the way he said, "Let's get together and we'll lick Them."\\
Let's get together. It came to Lynn so quietly that anyone watching Lynn at that moment might have seen his eyes blink slowly twice-but surely nothing more.
----
