Monday, June 27, 2016

Last One Out, by K.B. Rylander

[F&SF]
★★★★☆ Recommended

(Post Apocalypse) Filip is an advanced AI, and his job is taking care of Ella, who may be the last person left on Earth. (5,480 words; Time: 18m)

Recommended By: πŸ‘RSR+1 πŸ‘STomaino+1 (Q&A)


"Last One Out," by (edited by C.C. Finlay), appeared in issue 07-08|16, published on by .

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Review: 2016.605 (A Word for Authors)

Pro: Despite the odds, Filip actually succeeds in making Ella happy. She won't see the children grow up, but she might see them born, and she can die hopeful.

Fil and Zoe are fairly realistic AIs in the sense that they have no motivations of their own; they're simply following their programming. Fil's two breakthroughs both result from remarks Ella makes to him; he doesn't do anything creative at all.

Con: It's a little hard to believe that it took 14 years for any of this to happen. Also, there are usually at least some people who are very isolated; you'd think some of those would have survived.

Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 07-08|16)
K.B. Rylander Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline

Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.

2 comments (may contain spoilers):

  1. I loved it. As someone who was a youth wilderness survival instructor and a Sci-fi nerd this was a fun little story of hope!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool. Just reading through back issues of F&SF or is this available for free online now?

      Delete