Oneness

"Oneness" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story is set in a future where Earth is governed by an organization called the Machine, which has maintained strict control over its population for a century and a half. The novella explores themes of power, morality, and the struggle for freedom as it follows a character named Rainbolt, a member of the Mars Convicts who seeks to introduce the revolutionary principles of Oneness to Earth. In the narrative, Rainbolt is captured during an interrogation by the Machine's directors, who are desperate to learn the secrets of a new stardrive developed by the Mars Convicts after they escaped from penal settlements on Mars. Through a combination of drugging, hypnosis, and nerve stimulation, the Machine tries to extract valuable information from him. However, Rainbolt possesses an extraordinary ability to connect with others through his philosophy of Oneness, leading to shared experiences among the machine's top officials. As Rainbolt advocates for change, it becomes evident that the Machine, despite its rigid structure, is beginning to face a transformation as the influence of Oneness takes hold. Ultimately, the novella poses questions about free will and the nature of control, as Rainbolt unwittingly reshapes attitudes within the Machine, paving the way for a new era of governance on Earth.