Ego Machine

Ego Machine is a science fiction short story by Henry Kuttner, first published in May 1952 in Space Science Fiction magazine. The plot follows celebrated playwright Nicholas Martin, who finds himself bound by a Hollywood contract to a self-absorbed director, Raoul St. Cyr, who alters his thoughtful play into an absurd production featuring dancing mermaids. As the story unfolds, a robot from the future unexpectedly offers Nicholas a chance to reclaim his artistic vision and freedom.