Transcriber's Note

Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that theU.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

[Pg 1]Conn Maxwell told them: "There are incredible things stillundiscovered; most of the important installations were built induplicate as a precaution against space attack. I know where all ofthem are.

"But I could find nothing, not one single word, about any giantstrategic planning computer called Merlin!"

Nevertheless the leading men of the planet didn't believe him. Theycouldn't, for the search for Merlin had become their abidingobsession. Merlin meant everything to them: power, pleasures, andprofits unlimited.

Conn had known they'd never believe him, and so he had a trick or twoup his space-trained sleeve that might outwit even their fabled CosmicComputer ... if they dared accept his challenge.

[Pg 2]H. BEAM PIPER is rather enigmatic where his personal statistics areconcerned. It may be stated that he lives in Williamsport,Pennsylvania, that he is an expert on the history and use of handweapons, that he has been writing and selling science-fiction for manyyears to the leading magazines, and that he is highly rated amongreaders for his skill and imagination. He has had several novelspublished, including mysteries and juveniles.

His previous appearances in Ace Books include two novels written incollaboration with John J. McGuire: CRISIS IN 2140 (D-227) and APLANET FOR TEXANS (D-299), and a longer entirely self-authored novelSPACE VIKING (F-225).[Pg 3]

THE COSMIC COMPUTER

(Original Title: Junkyard Planet)

H. BEAM PIPER

ACE BOOKS, INC.

1120 Avenue of the Americas

New York, N.Y. 10036[Pg 4]

THE COSMIC COMPUTER (JUNKYARD PLANET)

Copyright ©, 1963, by H. Beam Piper

An Ace Book, by arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons

All Rights Reserved

Printed in U.S.A.[Pg 5]

CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XV
CHAPTER XVI