You’re suspicious of the Termech. Why would future robots help you defeat their ancestors? You go off in search of a scientist.

You find one cowering in a workshop. You give him the Termech and explain what has happened.

He scans the device to discover that it is a high-frequency emitter that will send a massive waveform burst killing all life on the planet.

So the scientist cuts open the casing with a laser, rewires it and changes the frequency of the emitter.

‘Now it will disable electronics,’ he explains. ‘It will stop the robots, and all other devices too.’ He hands it to you. ‘You should have the honours.’

You stare down at the Termech.

You have the power. You wonder what life will be like without your games console and television and iPod. You hesitate.

A mechanical tentacle smashes through the door. Oh no, that pesky robot squid is back!

Your mind is made up. You activate the Termech.

PING!

It sounds like a microwave oven going off.

The robot squid falls lifeless to the floor. Every electronic device on Earth, from the smallest microchip to the largest computer, simultaneously short-circuits.

The planet is safe – but is now really, really boring!