The Ambassador

** "The Ambassador" by Sam Merwin, Jr. is a science fiction story set in a future dominated by computer decision-making, focusing on the experiences of Zalen Lindsay, the newly appointed Martian Ambassador to the United Worlds Congress. Facing a room of representatives visually marked by their Earthly origins, Lindsay immediately stirs controversy with a daring speech criticizing Earth's over-reliance on artificial intelligence, particularly regarding the forced acceptance of goods, and he asserts Mars's independence. Following his address, he contends with political unrest and threats. He then finds himself questioning the motives and underlying tensions that define the relationship between Earth and Mars. Adding a layer of complexity to the narrative is Nina, his secretary, whose role extends beyond mere assistance amidst the political turmoil and a budding romantic tension. Here, questions of autonomy, trust, and the future of human-computer interaction become central. **