Once the replicators became available to everyone, the world''s oligarchs put up a lofty fight, but the outcome was inevitable …


    Daryl Switzer, a surviving ''energy CEO,'' bunkered on his private island with everything he ever needed, including hoarding much of the globe''s ''resource’—a material required to energize replicators.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    "Forcefield, intact?"


    "Yes, Mr. Switzer. Our replicator''s dome is virtually impenetrable."


    "What''s that, over there?"


    "Scanning, sir. It looks like a waterspout forming, but we''ll be safe."


    The dome shook and rumbled; then the unexpected happened—a replicator''s nanite swarm breathed sentience into the forcefield itself.


    Daryl''s fate was sealed.