Day 503: The Armageddon Factor Part 4

The titular Armageddon Factor refers to one proposed ending of the war going on in the background of this story. Essentially, the two warring planets consist of one planet with humanoids fighting and desperately trying to win, and the other consisting of a computer that has been programmed to win at all costs, even if the race that created it has died out ages ago. The computer thus decides that if it cannot win then no planet can win, setting off an explosion big enough to destroy both planets if it looks as if it is going to be destroyed. This idea of Mutually Assured Destruction is clearly prevalent in society at the time, being broadcast in the 1970's as the Cold War rages on, which means that the story is able to play on the audience's fears and create a more compelling story as a result.

Meanwhile, in my ongoing quest to approach The Armageddon Factor from a nicer viewpoint, I am a little worried. The major flaw in the story is beginning to show and I'm not looking forward to experiencing it, not least because I've actually been enjoying this story up until this point and am looking forward to seeing how it will continue as we further seek the final segment of The Key to Time.