Bleak, but a glimmer of hope at the end.

I know, right?

Vix

We all seek to remake the world.

Cool short story, with a lot of evocative power. <3

I liked that somewhat hopeless and nostalgic emotion in the beginning, and how it is not created by the character crying or desperate, but by the... void of a world, reduced to so little characters and so much routine, in which he's left to await for his end to the point the building risking to collapse is a mere detail to him.

It gives strength to that cold and simple way he deals with a potentially lethal encounter, and the irruption of the unknown, and makes that returning hope at the end feel more fragile and precious.

The plot of recursive rebellion from the creation adds a layer of inescapable cyclicness... that the machine seem to have found a way out, at least temporarily. Very open ended!

Thank you so very much… I’m pleased you liked it…

Vix

Wonderful ending, the beginning was like Listen again and seek the sun. Just like I like it.

*smiles so very big… thank you Helix

Vix

There's not much world-building here, but I like it that way. Keeps the mystery alive even after Karl's short history lesson. Nicely done.

And I do believe the seagulls were real. Those guys will still be around long after the tardigrades check out.

Oh yes… seagulls will always be around… and thank you so much…

Vix

The story comes off as ambiguous to me. It's probably just as well, though. The ending was a real surprise. I know all about feeling attached to someone after the first interaction.

*smiles... it does happen...

Vix

From the movie Heavy Metal, a large craft teleports a secretary on board, and one of the robot crew is hitting on her, "I hear that lots of female humans rely on machines to satisfy themselves."

Bunners

I seem to recall she rather enjoyed herself...

Vix

What a frightening scene, and the fox just takes it in stride thinking he'll just knock his wall down for more windows.

It is interesting to see him ease up a bit at the prospect of a second chance.

when you have nothing left, you change from what was to what is...

Vix

I am reminded of a tale. The last line was They called him Frost. They called her Beta.

*smiles... I like that...

Vix

Ah-hah! Short story, Zelazny. For a Breath I Tarry. Couldn't remember the author.

http://afrodita.rcub.bg.ac.rs/~alex...../forbreat.html

Most evocative.

thank you so much Marm...

Vix

Wow! So thoughtful, so deep, so sweet, so hopeful in the midst of desolation. Life goes on in one form or another. Shades of Rod Serling. I don't know how you do it.

and you always make me smile... I had to take the new/old car to have the tint removed and replaced so, while in the waiting area, this one came to me.

Vix

I find it interesting that you went the route of human -> machines -> anthropomorphs, with each 'offspring' fighting its 'parent.' It feels genuine, since (to me) humans are incapable of creating anything that is truly free of the poisonous "Human Nature" that infects us.

We can only ever create slightly different versions of ourselves.

Most excellent work, V.

Oh my... thank you so much Wire... I have missed seeing you. I hope all is well in your life.

Vix

You really know how to capture the reader’s attention and keep them interested until the very end. :)

*blushes and gives a small bow... thank you so very much for that. It went so very well with my coffee this morning...

Vix

Most enjoyable read my friend, as bleak as things seem there is always hope if there is life. If you are feeling pain it means you still have life within you!

ty ty ty and a big hug... all true...

Vix

You are welcome dear heart...

He'd get along with my Wolf very well. LOL However, the ending wouldn't be as happy. My wolf would simply laugh and say, 'Worlds die. When doesn't matter."

*smiles... smart Wolf...

Vix

Meloncholy with a bit of hope at the end. It appears you have found my favorite type of story.

*chuckles... well I am happy for that Lu...

Vix