"Prey"

I've just been reading an excellent book by Michael Crichton called "Prey" Using technologies of computer programming, nanotechnology and molecular biolgy, scientists made tiny nano-units capable of co-operating together to form a camera for military use. Because the swarm was unstable in high winds, the scientists programmed into them the ability to evolve and to learn - also to sustain themselves with solar power and reproduce. They hoped they would randomly evolve to solve the wind problem.

Well, you can guess what happened. A typical Fankenstein scenario. Man creates monster (with good intentions and for the greater good), monster runs amok and man can no longer controll him. In this case the units started flocking together and attacking and killing animals and ultimately humans. This was how they reproduced.

The rogue swarms wanted to get back into the facility (because that's how they were programmed - to be of use to man.) However, if they got in, everything would be destroyed.

It reminded me a lot of the salvation story. God made man for Himself and our souls can only find rest in Him because we were programmed that way. However, something went wrong. Sin came into the world and was inheritable (let's call it a faulty DNA code.) This caused man to act in ways that are destructive, antisocial and even evil. These particular acts are not sin, the faulty code causing this behaviour is (Like the swarm who was now trying to kill the humans)

With the faulty code it is impossible for man to get into heaven. The rogue units have to be destroyed. In the story that is exactly what happens in the end - thermite and explosive gases ensure that the nano-units are totally destroyed.

An excellent book and very well written. I wish I could write like that.