The Magic Button

[drscott]

One of the conventional types of science fiction story has the hero discover some "magic" device -- a time-traveling watch, invisibility, teleportation. Usually this leads to trouble -- rarely does the hero act cautiously in exploring the parameters of this new power.

So here's my question: suppose you came into possession of a magic button that allowed you to painlessly remove from existence any person or persons of your choice at the moment you pushed it. Would you use it? And on who?

Comments

[dr-scott.livejournal.com]

We can posit an instruction manual, though there could be considerable merriment in a story where people who cut you off in traffic or have one too many items in the express checkout have a way of blinking out....

[double-ohsteven.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but who reads the manual???

[excessor.livejournal.com]

I always read the manual.