In 2075 the Moon is no longer a penal colony But it is still a prison Life isn't easy for the political dissidents & convicts who live in the scattered colonies that make up lunar civilisation Everything is regulated strictly efficiently & cheaply by a central supercomputer HOLMES IV When humble technician Mannie O' Kelly-Davis discovers that HOLMES IV has quietly achieved consciousness (and developed a sense of humour) the choice is clear either report the problem to the authorities or become friends & perhaps overthrow the government while they're at it The Moon is a Harsh Mistress has been called Robert A Heinlein's crowning achievement His best-known novels include Starship Troopers Mistress & Stranger in a Strange Land