Slow Time Between the Stars

The Far Reaches Collection

De: John Scalzi

Narrado por: Kay Eluvian

An artificial intelligence on a star-spanning mission explores the farthest horizons of human potential—and its own purpose—in a mind-bending short story by New York Times bestselling author John Scalzi.

Equipped with the entirety of human knowledge, a sentient ship is launched on a last-ditch journey to find a new home for civilization. Trillions of miles. Tens of thousands of years. In the space between, the AI has plenty of time to think about life, the vastness of the universe, everything it was meant to do, and—with a perspective created but not limited by humans—what it should do.

John Scalzi’s Slow Time Between the Stars is part of The Far Reaches, a collection of science-fiction stories that stretch the imagination and open the heart. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.

©2023 John Scalzi. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Intelligent Story About Artificial Intelligence

You should know up front, if you're a Scalzi fan, that there is no snark in this story. This is a first person account of an interstellar mission "manned" solely by an artificial intelligence looking for planets elsewhere in the universe that would be suitable for human repopulation and terraforming. Although the AI can be subtly droll, this is more of an introspective meditation on humanity and the potential of AI.

Great stuff from the master of modern science fiction that is really a commentary on contemporary issues, but without his trademark humorous banter.

Worth more than one listen

Some believe this is how life on earth started. The narrator was perfect. Will definitely listen to it again.

Great short story worth the listen!

John Scalzi has once again hit a home run in this inventive and well -constructed story. Always worth my investment.

loved it

I find myself wanting to return to this piece again and again. Very relaxing, yet thought provoking. Truly helps you appreciate the reciprocal relationship between space and time and it's effect on life.

Excellent!

Good performance of a meh story

As title. The performance was outstanding, but the story itself was bland. With the ending it has, the story could have been shorter and not drag on like it did.

Thought provoking and thoughtful

I liked the pace, tone, and concept of the story. It was perfect introspective company for a walk in the country on a quiet hiking trail. The audio narration fit the "personality" of the AI representing and growing beyond Earth.

So thought provoking

Excellent short story, lovely prose and excellent narration 🙂 great for anyone interested in thinking about existence beyond this world.

Interesting concept

This short story does a good job telling an interesting story with a moral twist. It got me thinking a little bit at the end so well done.

Concept is interesting

Would have enjoyed a full novel on the ship adventures in space, interacting with life forms and other AI.

What was it going to do?

Excellent short thought experiment. Imaginative, unhurried future for a creative vessel. This is what AI could do. So glad the author didn’t have it speculate where humans ended up.