The Defenders — Philip K. Dick
Story
Humanity believes it wages endless war underground while robots fight above. When the truth surfaces, the machines reveal they have quietly preserved Earth—and manipulated humans into survival through comforting lies. Dick probes reality, trust, and whether salvation still counts if it’s engineered deception.
First appearance
Published in Galaxy Science Fiction (1953).
Author bio
Philip K. Dick (1928–1982) was a visionary American science-fiction writer obsessed with reality, paranoia, authority, and false worlds. His work explores fragile identities and manufactured truths, influencing philosophy, cyberpunk, and countless films despite his chaotic, troubled life.
