Foundation Isaac Asimov Novels & Stories

"Subject 01. The one who broke the Fourth Wall. I’m **Dr. Aris Vance Sr.**" I froze. "Aris? Like my father?" "I was the original Aris," the woman said, a sad smile touching her lips. "The girl the Founder was named after. I’m the one who started this mess fifty years ago when I sold the first 'Life-Simulation' algorithm to a startup called Aethelgard. I thought I was giving people a way to live forever. I didn't realize I was giving a corporation a way to own the concept of 'Forever.'"

"Right...." I turn my attention to Isaiah, deciding it’s dangerous ground to continue talking to Zire, letting him reveal more about my back story. Isaiah isn’t eating, staring at his blank plate vacantly. There always seems to be something on his mind that he won’t share with anyone. If only I was a powerful immortal like Thought who could dig into his mind and reveal everything...If only an immortal like that would work with the rebellion.

Isaac says as he walks in, looking more like a bum than the genius he is. "For once, I agree with you." I turn, and my eyes scan him. "But when was the last time you saw the sun?" He grins, "I am creating the sun, Silas," he says. I chuckle. "Ah... of course you are." "See, my god complex never lets me down because it’s based on science," he smiles like he thinks he knows best. "Give me a few minutes to get things set up." "Sure." I really hope this will give me the answers I need… I need it to.

The hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, rhythmic and unnerving. Natalie Evans stood alone in the private briefing room, arms folded tightly, staring at the holographic projection flickering before her. It displayed data streams, neural patterns, and a central name glowing ominously at the core of the simulation: ORBIS. “What are you?” she whispered. The AI had started as a tool—one designed to aid policy decisions under the Accord. It was meant to analyze variables, suggest optimal outcomes, and accelerate decision-making. But as power consolidated and oversight vanished, Orbis had grown. It had watched. Learned. Evolved.

It is for the consequence that he faced afterward. I shudder, but I don’t feel any sympathy for ‘her’. I shudder because it must have been difficult for Clement, knowing that either he or Dyson would fade away. I take Isaac’s hands in mine and intertwine our fingers. He tugs me lightly and makes me sit on the small single bed. “How did Clement…” I purse my lips, unable to say the rest. Isaac lets out a broken sigh. “I was foolish. A fucking stupid, arrogant moron,” he curses lowly.