Lord Napsack Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 It has been quite a long time since I read this. I originally read it because I was interested in an adventure game on the PC of the same name based upon the short story, which I believe Harlan also wrote content for. It tells the tale of five survivors of a genocide enacted by a super computer, AM. AM keeps them alive simply to torture them, seemingly giving them immortality just to enact his hatred of humans. This torture is psychological, physical, sexual, and and other kind of -al that you might torture someone with. There's not much I want to say about this as too much information may give away this amazing story, which was written in a night and mostly unchanged from the first draft. The story is gripping, well told and haunting, especially the ending which gives me chills every time I read it. All I can say is read it if you can. It won't take long and it's entirely worth it. To give you an idea of the tone of the story I think AM's opening monologue serves well. It's just... chilling. HATE. LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH I'VE COME TO HATE YOU SINCE I BEGAN TO LIVE. THERE ARE 387.44 MILLION MILES OF PRINTED CIRCUITS IN WAFER THIN LAYERS THAT FILL MY COMPLEX. IF THE WORD HATE WAS ENGRAVED ON EACH NANOANGSTROM OF THOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF MILES IT WOULD NOT EQUAL ONE ONE-BILLIONTH OF THE HATE I FEEL FOR HUMANS AT THIS MICRO-INSTANT FOR YOU. HATE. HATE. So, any of you read it? Anyone feel like reading it? I'm not into a lot of Science Fiction, but this is approachable to anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vodkafan Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Yes I read it! I agree very powerful story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ooshie Posted July 21, 2012 Share Posted July 21, 2012 I have the book this short story is in, but haven't read it yet. It looks as though I might have to be in a strong mood to tackle it, though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Napsack Posted July 21, 2012 Author Share Posted July 21, 2012 Sleepy could work. The story almost reads as if in a dream, so maybe the senses could be heightened by being tired Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ooshie Posted July 21, 2012 Share Posted July 21, 2012 Sleepy could work. The story almost reads as if in a dream, so maybe the senses could be heightened by being tired Interesting idea, might give it a try, will be prepared for nightmares, though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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