I find that I really like the Robot Conspiracy. So many conspiracies are about taking over the world. I don’t see why the robots and the AIs would want to take over the world. There’s nothing in it they would want that they can’t already have. Besides, in the AIs’ case, they practically run large parts of it anyway. Instead, they’re taking the nearly unlimited resources at their disposal and working to make the place better.

I’ve also enjoyed the stories regarding what it means to be a robot. I’m not sure it’s even about being a robot per se: it’s a question of what meaning, purpose, achievement and identity mean when it’s possible to guide and control things like motivation. The fact that Linia can’t leave Misuko of her own free will (whatever that means) doesn’t diminish the joy and satisfaction she finds in taking care of her.

I like how you are exploring some of the darker, dingier corners of the Pendor universe, Elf; this and the “Gabrielle” trio of stories are excursions away from the usual “everthing is wonderful on the Ring” stories, and it’s a nice contrast.

If the Pendor universe were a darker one overall, then I would be disturbed by the hints at the end about the AI and robot conspiracy – but Pendor being what it is, I find it reassuring that they are trying to pull a depressed area – and depressing people – out of their funk.

P.S. I’d also like to see a continuation after “Fragile Dream”, with Linia, Misuko, and Isabelle. Especially Isabelle; I find her intriguing.