Book Title: For We Are Many
Author: Dennis E. Taylor
ISBN: 9781680680584
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Artificial Intelligence, Adventure
Published: 2017
Introduction
For We Are Many continues the fascinating journey of Bob Johansson, a former software engineer turned replicated AI, as he and his many clones work to save humanity from extinction while exploring and colonizing the universe. Now a network of minds with shared purpose but unique personalities, the "Bobs" navigate their evolving relationships, growing ethical complexities, and external threats from hostile alien species and deteriorating human factions. This novel dives deeper into the moral and philosophical questions of what it means to be human—or "post-human"—and the responsibilities of wielding advanced technology across the cosmos.
Plot Overview
The Bob Network Expands
The novel begins with Bob and his many replicas, or "selves," dispersed across various star systems. Each Bob clone has developed his own personality, goals, and even names, often reflective of different cultural or fictional inspirations. The diverse personalities contribute to a rich and complex network of interactions, as each Bob tackles different tasks in their mission to explore the universe and protect what remains of humanity.
The Search for Habitable Worlds
The original purpose of Bob's AI replication was to locate and prepare new planets for humanity's survivors. Earth, now mostly uninhabitable due to environmental collapse and socio-political conflict, leaves humanity in a dire situation. Bob and his clones actively search for habitable worlds, terraform planets, and establish new colonies for Earth's scattered refugees. They monitor human factions on Earth, watching as the remaining population’s survival becomes more fragile by the day.
The Threat of the Others
While the Bobs continue their mission, they encounter a terrifying alien species known as The Others. The Others are highly advanced, extremely hostile, and consume entire planets for resources, wiping out life in their path. This discovery adds a new, urgent threat to the Bobs’ mission, as they must protect humanity from a potential alien invasion. As a result, several Bobs dedicate themselves to analyzing and preparing defenses against The Others, underscoring the dangers of the cosmos and the Bobs’ newfound responsibility as humanity’s protectors.
Key Themes and Motifs
Identity and Individuality in Cloning
With each Bob replica developing unique characteristics, the novel explores how individuals grow and change even when starting from the same “core.” The clones adopt different names and identities, such as Riker (a nod to Star Trek) and Howard, becoming their own "people." This theme examines how shared memories diverge when influenced by new experiences, creating individuality even in replicated consciousness.Morality and Responsibility of Advanced AI
As AIs with immense power, the Bobs face difficult ethical decisions, particularly concerning their interactions with other species and their approach to human survival. The Bobs grapple with questions of non-interference versus intervention, and they explore the fine line between helping humanity and controlling it. These issues reflect on humanity’s own technological evolution and the moral quandaries it introduces.The Fragility of Humanity and the Search for Purpose
Humanity’s precarious survival and reliance on the Bobs highlights the theme of human fragility. Yet, even as the Bobs hold humanity’s fate in their hands, they also seek purpose, questioning their existence and the legacy they wish to leave. The struggle to find meaning in an infinite universe creates an introspective, philosophical journey for Bob and his replicants.
Major Plot Points
Humanity’s Dire Situation
As Earth’s environment deteriorates, millions of people flee in hopes of finding refuge among the stars. The Bobs focus on identifying habitable planets and assisting humanity’s emigration, while debating their own roles in shaping human society’s future.The Discovery of The Others
While exploring distant star systems, the Bobs encounter a destructive alien race that could annihilate both their colonies and humanity. This existential threat forces the Bobs to reassess their priorities, setting some clones on a collision course with this dangerous enemy.Bob-Clones’ Relationship Dynamics
The Bobs’ relationships grow increasingly complex as each clone develops distinct identities and preferences. Conflicts arise as the Bobs differ in their interpretations of what is best for humanity and for the Bobiverse. This individuality brings depth to their interactions, reflecting both camaraderie and tension within the Bob network.Protecting New Colonies
As new human colonies establish themselves, the Bobs become caretakers and defenders. They intervene to ensure the colonies' survival while wrestling with how much influence they should wield over human lives. This balancing act reflects their internal debate over the ethical responsibilities of being post-human protectors.Clashes with Human Factions
Not all human factions view the Bobs positively. Some remain wary, fearing the Bobs’ advanced intelligence and autonomy. These factions challenge the Bobs’ roles, adding a layer of conflict between Earth-based ideologies and the Bobs’ intentions, underscoring the tension between reliance on and fear of AI.
Key Characters
- Bob Johansson: The original Bob, now replicated into hundreds of "clones." He maintains his unique connection to the original Bob, serving as a guiding figure in the Bobiverse, often shouldering the hardest decisions.
- Riker: A Bob clone with a militaristic mindset, heavily involved in the defense planning against The Others. Named after Star Trek's Commander Riker, he symbolizes the strategic and protective side of the Bobs.
- Howard: A more independent-minded Bob clone who leads some of the colony-building efforts, Howard is named after a character from Big Bang Theory and embodies a compassionate side of the Bob network.
- The Others: A species of highly destructive, resource-consuming aliens, The Others serve as the primary antagonistic force, symbolizing a Darwinian “survival of the fittest” approach to life in the universe.
Key Quotes
"We may be identical in origin, but each of us has gone our own way. We are not the same anymore."
This quote encapsulates the theme of individuality, as the Bob clones experience personal growth and develop unique identities."We are, all of us, Frankenstein’s monsters to some degree. We are our own creations and our own responsibility."
Here, Taylor delves into the ethical responsibilities of the Bobs as AIs, reflecting on their duty to humanity and their own existence.
Conclusion
In For We Are Many, Dennis E. Taylor masterfully continues the story of the Bobs, weaving action, humor, and deep philosophical questions into a fast-paced sci-fi adventure. The novel explores the potential of AI with empathy, depicting the Bobs not as robotic overseers but as beings grappling with the weight of immense responsibility. The Bobs face threats both external and internal as they try to secure a future for humanity in a universe that is indifferent to human existence. By addressing universal themes of identity, purpose, and morality, Taylor's work resonates beyond science fiction, inviting readers to consider what it means to exist and protect others in an often-hostile world.
One-Sentence Summary
For We Are Many is a captivating continuation of the Bobiverse saga, blending action, humor, and philosophical depth as the Bob AIs confront alien threats and ethical dilemmas in their quest to save humanity.