3

I am trying to identify a story I read decades ago that I visualize this way and often think about when I am cross country running:

There is a machine that I visualize as round, with some way to destroy people (such as injecting them with something) that relentlessly chases the protagonist to run him down.

I seem to associate the name Ruun with the story.

Improve this question
1

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6

This is "The Ruum" by Arthur Porges

Per wikipedia:

"A shape-shifting, indestructible robot—a "Type H-9 Ruum"—is accidentally left behind on earth during the age of the dinosaurs by visiting aliens, and not recovered because their ship is destroyed in a battle. The Ruum's work is collecting different species of animals within a 30 mile radius, weighing 160 pounds (give or take 15 pounds) and preserving them in a state of suspended animation for later retrieval."

A full copy of the text (complete with illustrations) is available here.

enter image description here

You might also be interested to hear that the story had a sequel called "A specimen for the queen".

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.