Let There Be Light

"Let There Be Light" by H. B. Fyfe is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores themes of survival and ingenuity in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to reclaim its lost civilization amidst the ruins left by advanced technology. The narrative focuses on a group of men scavenging for resources in what remains of a once-thriving city. The plot revolves around Blackie and his companions as they ambush a group of robots tasked with maintaining the highway—an emblem of the once-great technological society that has now crumbled. Through their resourcefulness, they capture a robot and disassemble it for parts, particularly a precious lubricant that serves as fuel for their makeshift lamps. As they celebrate their small victory, Blackie reflects on the futility of capturing machinery designed to repair roads rather than aiding their quest for survival and sustenance. The story captures the struggle of humanity's resilience and adaptability in a world defined by remnants of its technological past, highlighting the hope for better times as they prepare to illuminate their darkened lives with the resources obtained from the machines.