“Good!” the creature echoed. “Doctor Nelson will be along in a minute. Feel like breakfast?”All symbols were in Smith’s vocabulary but he had trouble believing that he had heard rightly. He knew that he was food, but he did not “feel like” food. Nor had he any warning that he might be selected for such honor.”

American science fiction author, engineer, and naval officer

Robert A. Heinlein was an American science fiction author, engineer, and naval officer. He is known as a major figure in twentieth-century science fiction, and is sometimes called the “dean of science fiction writers.” He was among the first writers to stress scientific accuracy in fiction, helping shape hard science fiction. His fiction and nonfiction often praise competence, encourage critical thinking, and place characters in situations that test conventional social values. His influence remains visible in the genre and in wider culture.