Dennis Feltham Jones

Five years before, the American supercomputer Colossus and the Soviet supercomputer Guardian were united—combining their data, their analytic powers, their learning & growth capacity. In the few seconds of that process, they became one Colossus—master of humankind. Programmed to solve humanity's problems, Colossus solved forestalled nuclear holocaust, eradicated poverty and the frustration and violence it breeds. Soon there was nothing for people to do—but obey. Some made Colossus their God, & Charles Forbin was their Pope. Others wanted to be free of Colossus—for Colossus was also ruthless beyond any human tyrant ever—& they wanted Forbin as their deliverer. Either of these movements might get Forbin killed. He is appalled & disgusted by the religious cult, terrified by the rebels—who haven't a chance, as he knows better than anyone on earth. Then Forbin is handed the key to the overthrow of Colossus—or is it? He must commit his life to the chance that it is, just to begin with. Then he must commit the earth to the shadowy motives of the mysterious source of this new power.

An inexplicable decline in the birth-rate leads to an investigation and the discovery that the water of Great Britain has been treated with a substance that has left nearly 100% of British women sterile. The country faces total collapse under the effects of a population implosion. Dr. John Bart, Minister of Health, is forced to ruthless and totalitarian measures in the face of a growing violence and anarchy. His wife, along with other fertile women, is consigned to a breeding camp, where potential mothers are kept under heavy guard, and where they will bear -- thanks to fertility drugs -- litters of children. What can be the outcome of this desperate experiment?