So… when the world of the Fermi Resolution ended, what did happen on the moon?
Heinlein Station
American Administrative Zone
Luna
2103 AD
Europe was still burning.
At least, Tobias assumed the roiling, red-black clouds swirling over most of the continent represented out-of-control fires. The alternatives literally did not bear thinking about, considering that the last three people to get a closer look through the telescopes had all gone irretrievably mad. He felt there were quite enough horrible suggestions of meaningful shapes in those clouds, even with the naked eye. He didn’t need to see more closely for himself.
In contrast, the fires over Africa and South America had by now burned off, with only patches here and there of strangeness. Tobias knew that Asia was like Europe, and Australia and Antarctica more like Africa. And North America was… dark. For the last four months, two weeks, and five days. Not that he was counting.
No need to, Commander Mather, came a whisper in the back of Tobias’ mind. I can count such things for you.
Tobias gave the faint grimace he used instead of smiling. “Sounds like a waste of taxpayer money, Asenath. Shouldn’t you be off tracking trans-lunar shipping, or something?”
Asenath — short for the Advanced Smart-Encoded Naval Autonomous Tracking Hub — emitted the faint susurrus of static that she now used instead of laughter. Find me some and I will look at it, Commander. Until then, my programming dictates that I must not be idle. Counting the days for you poor, doomed meatba— humans is as good as any other task.
“Ouch,” Tobias said as he pushed himself off of the lunar rock he had been using as a backrest. “Tell me what you really think of us, why don’t you?”
The AI’s response was immediate: I am terrified that you will all die and I will be helpless to stop it.