The Ultimate Experiment

"The Ultimate Experiment" by Thornton DeKy is a science fiction novella written during the early 20th century. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where no living souls breathe upon the Earth, the book explores the themes of creation and legacy through the eyes of a robot named Kiron, who is tasked with the maintenance of a once-thriving civilization now inhabited only by automatons. The narrative revolves around Kiron's loneliness and his efforts to resurrect humanity through the ultimate experiment. In the storyline, Kiron, the last of the robots serving The Masters, longs for the companionship of his creators who have died out due to a lethal gas released by a comet. As he tirelessly works in the beautiful but desolate crysolite city, he engages in experiments to create human life. His dedication pays off when he successfully brings to life a man, Adam Two, and a woman, marking the rebirth of the human race. This pivotal moment not only represents Kiron's triumph as he realizes he has fulfilled the ultimate legacy of The Masters, but it also reflects the deep emotional connection between creator and creation, and raises profound questions about existence and the cycle of life.