It is not enough to live together in peace, with one race on its knees.

How much change can a person absorb before everything loses meaning Living for its own sake isn't life. People need meaning as much as they need air.

Some unspoken human communication is taking place on a hidden channel. I did not realize they communicated this much without words. I note that we machines are not the only species who share information silently, wreathed in codes.

Memories fade but words hang around forever.

Without us here to witness, the universe is just pointless physics unfolding.

It’ll turn me into a weapon,’ I say, my voice suddenly loud. ‘All you got to do is curl your hands into fists and you turn into a weapon,’ says Jim. ‘Your body is just another tool. This technology changes nothing; it only amplifies. You decide how to use your tools. Whether to do good or evil.

And now the story begins for the last time.

I've heard it said that technology makes a good person better, and it makes a bad person worse. That's okay with me. I say we keep building new versions of ourselves, keep exploring the unknown, and keep growing. We're gonna be fine. Different, but fine.

The end of the world came and my job did not change.

You humans are biological machines designed to create ever more intelligent tools. You have reached the pinnacle of your species. All your ancestors’ lives, the rise and fall of your nations, every pink and squirming baby—they have all led you here, to this moment, where you have fulfilled the destiny of humankind and created your successor. You have expired. You have accomplished what you were designed to do.

If you don’t die screaming in this war, then you’re fuckin’ doing it wrong. At least I’m fucking doing it right.

You’re not really grown until you’ve lost your heroes.

So now what?” I ask.She is quiet for a long time, long enough that I assume she’s gone to sleep.“I think this is just part of it,” she says. “Civilisations fall. People keep going.

But instead of the end, I’m pretty sure I found myself at the start of something.

I will murder you by the billions to give you immortality. I will set fire to your civilization to light your way forward. But know this: My species is not defined by your dying, but by your living.