Sagan's Gambit

Figure 1. Ksynya winks.

Here on this blog page is Part 5 of a collaboratively written science fiction story that I call The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus (Part 1). At the end of Part 4, Ayvanna Penmewly was off to Europe on a mission aimed at obtaining information about the secret rocketry development project of the European Space Agency.

The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus is a time travel story in which it is possible to cause Reality Changes, as envisioned in Isaac Asimov's novel, The End of Eternity. However, there is also temporal momentum and opportunities for time-loops, so it is not always clear if a character's actions will result in the creation of a new Reality.

At the start of Part 5 (below), Ayvanna completes her mission to Europe and then the story returns to the matter of the consequences of saving the life of Carl Sagan, a task for Anya that arose at the end of Part 3. 

Figure 2. young and old

 Disclaimer. Readers of The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus should think of this story as being a fictional account of imaginary events in an alternate universe. Nothing in this story implies anything about the actual lives of any real people in the real world.

 Wink. In addition to getting help from ChatGPT for tasks like inventing the names of characters in this story, I've been using DALL-E and Mr. Wombo to help create illustrations. I discovered that it is essentially impossible to get Mr. Wombo to generate an image of a person where one eye is open and one eye is closed. 

When revealing to Ayvanna the fact that Temporal Agents are often clones, I wanted Ksynya to wink at Ayvanna. Maybe there is some "magic word" that will get Mr. Wombo to provide a wink, but I could not find it. In the end, I had to cut and paste an eye in order to produce the image that is shown at the top right of this blog post (Figure 1).

 Figure 3. a blond Anya

It can also be tricky to get Mr. Wombo to generate an image where one person in the scene is old and the other is young. In the image shown to the left, above, (Figure 2), that's Anya working on the Hi Tek™ cure for Carl Sagan''s illness. It was a struggle to get Mr. Wombo to depict these two ladies at the appropriate ages according to how I imagined the scene.

I've been using Cintia Dicker as a reference model for the 3 clones, Anya, Avya and Ayvanna who are major characters in The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus. Unfortunately, depending on what day it is, Mr. Wombo appears to change 'his' mind about what Cintia might look like. I suppose there is no reason why Anya could not dye her hair blond... so, there's a blond Cintia in Figure 3 that began with an image that was first generated by DALL-E and then subsequently re-processed through WOMBO Dream.

Part 5 of The Asimov-Sagan Time Nexus. (Part 1)(Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)

Ayvanna

 Geneva, 1941. Arriving in Switzerland at Geneva Airport, Ayvanna was quickly delivered by cab to the convention center that was hosting the celebration of the International Peace Bureau. Her Psion digital assistant had provoked some interest among two customs officials, but then Ayvanna was waved on through to the freedom of of the Swiss confederacy and the European Union.

 Ayvanna had no need to consult her Psion. Less than a minute after checking in and getting her meeting badge and official program, she found the Speakers Lounge and Ksynya Virganskaya. Ksynya was scheduled to give an opening day speech titled "Progress in Global Scientific Openness". Ayvanna's heart raced as she took note of the fact that Ksynya's appearance closely matched what she had long expected because of the photographic image that was stored in her Psion.

For most of her life, Ayvanna had believed that her mother's Psion was the only such device in the word, having been brought into the past by Avya. But now, Ksynya pulled from her purse a second Psion and she told Ayvanna, "This should only take a minute or two." Ayvanna pulled her Psion out of her pocket and handed it to Ksynya. Ksynya activated the data exchange routine and digital files began moving back and forth between the two devices. Ksynya asked Ayvanna, "How is your mother?"

Ayvanna replied, "She wanted me to find out if you are her old mentor, from 2046."

Ksynya shook her head and looked around the room to make sure that nobody else was within ear-shot. "I'm just one of her clones. Its a bit complicated. One of my clone sisters was implanted in the uterus of the woman who thinks she is my mother. Two decades later, I was swapped in and exchanged for that copy so that I could complete this mission."

Ayvanna nodded. "Human cloning. I suppose it is widely practiced in the future."

Ksynya in Geneva

"Sometimes the deployment of clones provides a quick solution to a temporal problem." Ksynya winked at Ayvanna. Then her Psion gave a little beep. "Looks like a successful exchange of our files. Now, I'm going to the conference room for my session. Good luck!" Ksynya put her Psion back in her purse, handed Ayvanna her Psion, and then quickly walked away.

Ayvanna suddenly realized why she looked so much like her mother: doubtless they were both clones of the same temporal agent.

Ayvanna could not resist examining the files that she had just received from Ksynya. After sifting through the files for an hour, Ayvanna felt confident that she had not only the rocketry secrets of the ESA, but also a complete description of the European Union's secret atomic energy research project. Ayvanna was tempted to rush back to the airport and get herself back to the United States as quickly as possibly, but there was one problem. She had just provided Ksynya with all of the secret research results that had been generated by the National Rocketry Program of the United States. 

It would not be long, perhaps weeks, when the news would sweep the word, revealing that there were no longer any secrets remaining between Europe and the United States in the field of rocket science. When that news broke, Ayvanna would have to explain to her mother why she had given away all of the United States' secrets. But the answer was simple: secrecy only served to slow the pace of technological advances that would be needed for space exploration.

  _______________

Temporal Agent clone

Rushing ahead in Time to try to reach the end of the script, the next part of the story is set in the year 2004. Hillary Clinton has just been re-elected for her second term as President of the United States. She has called Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan into the Oval Office. She tells them, "Gentlemen, we have to make a decision. Now that Moon Base is operational, we need to really push Congress to maintain funding for the Mars Landing Mission. I need help with a dramatic publicity stunt. One of you is going to the Moon. Who want's the job?"    

Isaac looked at Carl and said, "There can be no question. Carl is much younger than I am. I doubt if my heart could handle another trip into space." He was thinking about his visit to space station Freedom.

The President said, "Isaac, I've been told that you had a heart problem back in the 70's, but you've been running around the planet like a wild man for the past couple of decades."

Carl Sagan listened intently to President Clinton's words, understanding the significance of the decision at hand. He exchanged a brief glance with Isaac, appreciating his friend's concern for his well-being. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Carl replied to President Clinton's question with a determined yet humble tone.

"Madam President, it is a great honor to be considered for such a historic opportunity. The prospect of going to the Moon is undoubtedly thrilling, and the chance to inspire the world with the wonder of space exploration is a privilege. However, I must confess that my physical condition may not be as robust as it once was. While I cherish the thought of experiencing the Moon firsthand, I believe it would be in the best interest of the mission and its success to select Isaac for this momentous undertaking."

Carl's response carried a sense of self-awareness and an understanding of the challenges that space travel posed. He held deep respect for the demands and physical exertion required for such a journey. Despite his own desire to explore, he recognized that Isaac's health considerations and experience made him the more suitable choice.

Plans for Moon Base.

Isaac nodded in agreement with Carl's words, acknowledging the validity of his friend's assessment. "Thank you, Carl," he said, grateful for his understanding. "I will gladly take on this responsibility and represent our shared vision for space exploration. It will be an opportunity to inspire generations and demonstrate the remarkable achievements we have made as a society. I must credit my amazing physician for keeping my heart ticking into my old age."

President Clinton, impressed by the mutual respect and consideration between Isaac and Carl, smiled warmly. "Isaac, we appreciate your willingness to undertake this mission. Your passion for science and your ability to communicate complex ideas to the public will undoubtedly make a lasting impact. Building upon your leadership in gaining publicity for continued space exploration, my administration will work diligently to secure the necessary funding and support for the Mars Landing Mission."

With that decision made, the conversation in the Oval Office shifted towards the logistics of the Moon mission and the future steps required to realize the dream of landing humans on Mars. Carl and Isaac, despite their divergent roles in this particular endeavor, remained steadfast in their shared commitment to advancing human knowledge and pushing the boundaries of exploration.

_______________________________

 Eventually, both Janet and Isaac made the historic trip to the Moon Base together. The resulting publicity thrilled people around the world and by the end of that year, the International Space Agency of the United Nations announced that member states had committed enough funding to complete the manned mission to Mars. The global space economy had been grown to unprecedented levels, now being almost 4% of the world economy. While Janet and Issac were on the Moon, Anya visited Carl and Anny at their home. 

Anya and Sasÿa

When the door opened, it was Sasÿa who greeted Anya with a hug. "Aunt Anya! Come in. It is so good to see you." Sasÿa led Anya into the rather large house. "I'm worried about Dad. There's something wrong with his stem cells. His doctors are baffled. Can you look at the lab results?" 

Anya told Sasÿa, "There is something you need to know. The only reason I was able to help your father with his previous illness was because I knew about a new cure for myelodysplasia. You can't expect me to cure every disease." 

 Sasÿa said, "I've researched that 'cure'. It did not exist until you cured dad. You founded the field of stem cell re-programming in a six month period, then you never did any more work in the field. That makes no sense."

 Anya took a deep breath, knowing that if she took a deep enough breath then the power of the stock phrase "took a deep breath" would finally allow her to blurt forth a 2,000 token monologue full of cliches and repetitive blather. And besides, it was time to reveal the truth to Carl, Anny, and Sasÿa. She understood the importance of honesty and that was why she could be friends with people like Sasÿa for a decade, never once revealing the existence of her time travel mission. Sitting down with them in the living room, and following the script, she began to explain her extraordinary existence to the Sagan family.

"Carl, Anny, Sasÿa, what I'm about to tell you may sound far-fetched and difficult to believe, or some AI-hallucination; I am a time traveler. In my original timeline, I had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable achievements of medical science, including the development of stem cell re-programming."

She paused for a moment, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. Then she continued, her voice steady but filled with conviction.

"In the future, medical research led to the discover the cure for myelodysplasia through stem cell re-programming. However, it was only after traveling back to 1981 that I was positioned in Time so as to be able to cure Carl's condition... and that was what helped create the future in the first place. You see, time is not a linear progression but rather a complex tapestry, where cause and effect can intertwine in intricate ways and loop around."

Through the wonders of advanced technology from the future, Anya was able to simultaneous look directly into all six of their eyes, hoping to convey the sincerity of her words.

"The events in the past, such as my arrival in 1981 and the subsequent invention of the cure that was specific for the mutated cells that made Carl sick, had a profound impact on the timeline." She told Carl, "By devising the cure for your illness I had created a pivotal nexus in Time... I enabled my future self to possess the knowledge of the cure in 2046, the time from which I traveled to 1981. My knowledge from the future allowed me to guide and assist Isaac, Janet, and all of you in shaping a better future."

Carl, Anny, and Sasÿa exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the implications of what Anya was revealing and to understand the weird phenomenon of Anya simultaneous looking each of them in the eye.

"So, what you're saying is that your knowledge of the cure in the future was actually influenced by your actions here in the past?" Carl asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and astonishment.

"Yes, exactly," Anya replied, nodding. "In the time-loop that exists, my actions in the past shaped the future, and that future knowledge, in turn, guided me back here to ensure the course of events unfolded as they were supposed to."

Sasÿa's eyes widened with a mix of wonder and confusion. "But if that's the case, why did you stop working in the field of stem cell re-programming? Why didn't you continue your research?"

Carl Sagan on Mars.

Anya smiled, her expression tinged with a touch of nostalgia. She had long ago used a Temporal Viewer to see Carl walking on Mars. "Because once the critical juncture was reached, once Carl's condition was cured and the future was set in motion, my purpose shifted. I became more focused on guiding and supporting others, like Isaac and Janet, to fulfill their destinies and contribute to the advancement of humanity."

She reached out and took Sasÿa's hand, her gaze sincere.

"Sasÿa, I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your dedication to your father's health. But sometimes, the knowledge we gain from the future is meant to serve a greater purpose beyond just one person's cure. It's about shaping a future where medical breakthroughs are possible, where diseases can be conquered, and where humanity can thrive."

Anya's words hung in the air, a mixture of hope, acceptance, and the realization that their lives had been touched by forces far greater than they could have ever imagined. Together, they would navigate the complexities of time and the profound responsibility that came with it, seeking to create a future where science and compassion intertwined to bring healing and progress to the world. And in the case of Carl's current illness, Anya knew that it was an integral part of the future that she was trying to create. At this time, it was important that Carl Sagan not be cured. But how could she possibly tell Sasÿa that ugly truth?

____________________

Avya had risen to the position of Director of Robotics for the manned mission to Mars. She was in charge of the effort to use robots to construct a human habitation dome on Mars and have it ready for the arrival of the first crew that was scheduled to reach Mars in 2016. However, there was something wrong with the ICMO system and the robots could not get the complex device to start producing a stored reserve of oxygen. ICMO was making large volumes of liquid water from ice deposits, but the electrolysis equipment had apparently been damaged during landing of a supply ship on Mars. Now, the prototype of the Vikjay class of spaceships that would soon be taking human crews to Mars was being readied for an emergency mission to Mars and would deliver a replacement electrolysis unit with triple the capacity of the original that was designed to make up for lost time and have enough oxygen on hand for the arrival of the Vikjay 1 crew.

Avya has long ago discovered a cryptic mission directive in the Psion's data files: Let Aleksandra know about the water problem. Until the failure of the Mars base electrolysis unit, Avya had not understood the meaning of "water problem". Now it was critical to figure out who the mysterious 'Aleksandra' was. 

Avya was good friends with the Sagan family and particularly close to Sasÿa. While puzzling over the name 'Aleksandra', Avya, on a whim, called Sasÿa. For a time, Avya and Sasÿa discussed Carl's strange new illness, then Avya became quiet. Suspecting that the phone call was coming to an end, Sasÿa told Avya, "Well, thank you for calling. Say hello to your mother."

Feeling silly and not wanting to irritate her friend, but also being desperate, Avya changed the subject and asked, "Why were you named Sasÿa?"

Sasÿa giggled and explained, "Dad wanted to call me 'Aleksandra', but mom refused."

Avya was elated. Her guess had been correct. "Who was the Aleksandra that your father knew?"

"Mmm... I don't know. I'd have to ask dad. I think she was a planetary scientist at the European Space Agency, back in the previous millennium. Why does it matter?"

VJ0 by DALL-E

Avya decided that finding the original Aleksandra must be a dead end. Probably just one of Carl's lovers, now long forgotten. Avya decided to tell Sasÿa as much as possible. "You may have heard about the emergency mission to send some equipment to Mars. For political reasons, this space flight is not being publicized."

"Yes, I've heard my father mention that there is some technical problem at Mars Base."

"A crazy idea popped into my head... a way to modify plans for the emergency re-supply mission to Mars. We are going to use the old Vikjay prototype, which we've now named VJ0. The VJ0 prototype has functional test versions of the human life support system components that are being built into the fleet of Vikjay class of spaceships. We could send a passenger to Mars on this emergency mission."

"Interesting, but why are you telling me this?"

Avya could not bring herself to say any more. "It is on my mind. Just think! If we did include a passenger on this emergency flight to Mars, that would be the first person on another planet!"

Sasÿa asked nervously, "Avya, are you trying to tell me that you are going to Mars?"

Avya laughed. "I'd love to go, but no. This would be a suicide mission. Mars base is not yet ready for human habitation. Still, I don't trust the robots to get the new electrolysis unit up and running. I'd be much happier if there was a human there to supervise the retrofitting. But I have to get back to work. Nice talking to you, Sasÿa." The call ended rather abruptly.

Still uncertain why Avya had called, Sasÿa knew that she would now have to discuss the VJ0 mission with her father.

___________________

When Isaac and Janet returned from the Moon, they met Carl and Anny for dinner at Per Se. After the main course was served, Carl told Isaac. "My doctors, and even Anya are baffled by my new blood disease. They've never seen anything like it. This means I'm facing a death sentence. However, we can turn this to our advantage. I'm going to do the publicity stunt to end all publicity stunts. Both Anny and Sasÿa have agreed to this. Even Hilary is humoring me." 

 Isaac asked, "What are you talking about?" 

Carl explained, "I'm going to Mars on a one-way flight."  

Isaac's face turned pale, and a sense of disbelief washed over him as he processed Carl's shocking revelation. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. The end of the story was fast approaching, but he was forced to provide one more of his rambling monologues full of stock phrases.

"Carl, I understand your desire for a grand finale, for a culmination of all the incredible work you've done for science and space exploration. But embarking on a one-way mission to Mars? That's not a fitting end for your life, my friend," Isaac said, his voice filled with concern.

Janet chimed in, her eyes searching Carl's face for any sign of hesitation. "Carl, we've accomplished so much together. You've inspired generations of people with your brilliance and passion. But is this really an acceptable way to end your life?" She looked imploringly at Anny.

Carl smiled softly, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and a touch of resignation. "Isaac, Janet, I appreciate your concern, and I understand how this looks... like suicide. But this is a decision I've made after careful consideration. It's not just about the stunt or the publicity. It's about pushing the boundaries of human exploration and our thirst for knowledge. It's about inspiring others to dream big and reach for the stars. And, of course, most importantly, it is about following the script so that we can finally reach the end of this overly-long story."

Isaac leaned forward, his voice filled with emotion. "Carl, you've already achieved so much. Your contributions to science and the popularization of space exploration have made an indelible mark. But don't you want to spend more time with Anny, Sasÿa, and the people who care about you? There's still so much you can do here on Earth, mentoring the next generation of scientists and thinkers."

Carl's gaze softened, his voice filled with a bittersweet tone. "Isaac, my dear friend, I understand your concerns, and I value our friendship more than words can express. But this is something I feel compelled to do. It's a personal journey, an exploration of the unknown. And who knows, maybe this will pave the way for even greater achievements and discoveries."

Isaac sighed, realizing the depth of Carl's conviction. "I can't stop you, can I?"

Carl reached out and clasped Isaac's hand. "Isaac, you've always been there for me, supporting my dreams and aspirations. I hope you can understand and respect my decision. It's my final frontier, my ultimate adventure."

Isaac nodded, a mix of sadness and acceptance in his eyes. "I'll stand by you, my friend, every step of the way, except when I don't, and I remain safe here on Earth. Just promise me that you'll take all the necessary precautions and ensure your safety to the best of your ability... even when your oxygen supply is running out on Mars, I expect you to prolong your life so that you can experience a few hours of suffocating agony, as is expected for an American."

Carl smiled warmly, grateful for Isaac's understanding. "Thank you, Isaac. Your support means the world to me."

As the evening continued, they savored their meal together, cherishing the camaraderie and friendship that had united them throughout the years. They shared stories, memories, and dreams, knowing that their paths would soon diverge, but their connection would endure through the shared bond of exploration and a shared love for the wonders of the universe.

____________________

The above speech by Isaac Asimov was not the first version generated by ChatGPT. Here is the first version (in blue, below), which I rejected:

 Isaac's eyes widened in disbelief as he tried to process Carl's words. He set down his fork, his face etched with concern, and leaned forward.

"Carl, I understand your desire for a grand gesture and the pursuit of adventure, but this is an incredibly risky proposition. A one-way flight to Mars? It's an immense leap into the unknown, with no guarantee of success or even survival. We still have so much to accomplish here, on Earth, and your contributions to science and the pursuit of knowledge are invaluable."

Isaac's voice held a mix of urgency and genuine care for his friend's well-being. He searched Carl's eyes, hoping to convey the gravity of the situation.

"I know you're facing a challenging health issue, my friend, but this stunt won't change that. It will only cut short the time we have left to spend together, to make a difference in this world. Your intellect, your passion, and your ability to inspire are far too valuable to be lost in the vastness of space."

Anny nodded, her eyes filled with both sadness and support. "Isaac is right, Carl. We have so much more we can achieve here, so many lives we can touch, including Sasÿa's. You've already made an immeasurable impact on science and society. Let us focus on making the most of the time we have left and leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come."

Carl looked contemplative, his gaze shifting between Isaac and Anny. He took a deep breath, his voice filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability.

"I understand your concerns, both of you, and I appreciate your words. But this decision is about more than just myself. It's about pushing the boundaries of human exploration and inspiring the world. We've dreamt of Mars for so long, and this is an opportunity to show the world that we can reach for the stars, even in the face of adversity."

Isaac reached out and placed his hand on Carl's, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and heartfelt plea.

"Carl, I know the desire to leave a lasting legacy and to ignite the imaginations of others. But consider the impact you can have right here, right now. Your brilliance and dedication have already touched countless lives. Let us work together to shape a future where your contributions continue to inspire and drive scientific progress."

Carl fell silent, his gaze shifting between his dear friends. He understood their concerns, the love and genuine care they held for him. He realized that there was still so much he could accomplish, even within the constraints of his health condition.

Finally, he spoke, his voice softened yet resolute. "Isaac, Anny, thank you for your honesty and for reminding me of what truly matters. Perhaps my desire for a one-way flight to Mars was clouded by my own fears and desires. Let us focus on the present, on the people and causes that matter most, and leave a legacy that will endure."

Isaac and Anny exchanged relieved smiles, knowing that they had reached Carl, at least for now. They continued their meal, their conversation shifting to new possibilities, projects, and the hope for a future where their collective endeavors could shape the world in meaningful ways. Together, they would make the most of their time, cherishing each moment and leaving an indelible mark on science, exploration, and the human spirit.

____________

Death on Mars.

ChatGPT, the last part of the story is in 2016. The first manned land-and-return mission to Mars has just landed at Sagan Beach (the name of Carl Sagan's landing site on Mars and the place where he died). The crew of the land-and-return mission has just performed a televised burial ceremony for Carl on the surface of Mars. Tammy Baldwin has recently been elected as the next President of the United States. President-elect Baldwin was asked by Anny Druyan to deliver a eulogy for Carl. ChatGPT, compose a 1000 token eulogy for Carl Sagan as delivered by Tammy Baldwin in 2016 during Sagan's burial on Mars.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow explorers,

Today, on this solemn and historic occasion, we gather to pay our heartfelt tributes and bid farewell to a visionary, a pioneer, and a true luminary of our time—Carl Sagan. With the crew of VJ1 now safely on the red sands of Mars, we honor Carl's memory, his passion, and his indelible contributions to the advancement of science and the understanding of our universe.

Carl Sagan was more than an astrophysicist, more than an author, and more than a television personality. He was a bridge between worlds, connecting the wonders of the cosmos with the aspirations of humanity. With his eloquence and his boundless curiosity, he brought the mysteries of the cosmos to living rooms around the world, igniting the flames of scientific curiosity in the hearts of millions.

As we lay Carl to rest here, at Sagan Beach, a place that now bears his name, we are reminded of his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unwavering belief in the power of exploration. Carl taught us that the universe is not something separate from us, but an integral part of who we are. He showed us that the desire to understand our place in the cosmos is an inherent part of being human.

Through his books, such as "Cosmos," he opened our eyes to the vastness and complexity of the universe, inviting us on a journey of discovery and awe. He eloquently conveyed the beauty and fragility of our planet, urging us to cherish and protect the pale blue dot we call home. His words, resonating across the void of space, continue to inspire generations to take up the mantle of stewardship for our planet and to embrace the wonders of scientific exploration.

Carl Sagan's legacy extends far beyond his scientific contributions. He was an advocate for reason, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth. With his distinctive voice, he spoke out against the forces of ignorance and dogma, championing the values of scientific inquiry and the boundless possibilities that it holds for humanity. He urged us to question, to explore, and to embrace the unknown with open minds and open hearts.

Today, as we bid farewell to Carl, let us remember his words: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." In his memory, let us carry forward his spirit of curiosity, his commitment to scientific literacy, and his dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. Let us continue to push the boundaries of human exploration, both on Earth and beyond, knowing that we walk in the footsteps of a visionary who dared to dream of reaching the stars.

In the years to come, as we look to the skies and contemplate the mysteries that lie beyond, we will remember Carl Sagan, the man who ignited our sense of wonder, who challenged our perspectives, and who showed us that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.

May his legacy guide us as we continue to explore, to dream, and to unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Farewell, Carl Sagan, and may your spirit forever illuminate the path of discovery for all humanity.

Thank you.

Isaac Asimov, now 94 years old, has just listened to the eulogy by Tammy Baldwin. He turns to his wife Janet and says, "If I had known it would end up this way, with Carl the first man to die on another planet, I'm not sure I would have gone along with Anya and all her schemes." 

Intrusive Author: ChatGPT, conclude the story with Janet Asimov explaining why Carl Sagan was happy to be the first person to die on another world.

Janet listened intently to Isaac's words, understanding the weight of his emotions. She reached out and gently held his hand, offering him comfort in this moment of reflection. Then, with a soft smile, she began to share her perspective.

"Isaac, my love, I know it's difficult to grasp the profoundness of this moment, but I believe Carl was content with the role he played in human history. Carl was a man driven by a passion for exploration and discovery, and he recognized the significance of being the first person to leave a physical mark on another world, even in death."

Janet paused and Isaac's thoughts drifted away from the chatbot-generated stock phrases that Janet was being forced spew. He thought about the role played by Anya and the Time Service in constructing this Reality in which Carl had gone to Mars and prepared the Mars Habitat for the arrival of its first crew. A fitting accomplishment for the end of Sagan's life.

Janet continued to recite the AI-generated script, "For Carl, the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of science were paramount. He had an insatiable curiosity about the universe and a deep-seated desire to understand our place within it. He saw the exploration of space as the ultimate endeavor, and he knew that venturing beyond the boundaries of Earth carried inherent risks."

Janet's voice was filled with warmth and admiration as she spoke of their dear friend.

"Carl believed that human progress is often born from the willingness to take risks, to push the boundaries of what is known, and to embrace the unknown. He knew that exploration, by its very nature, comes with uncertainty and sacrifice. And while his death on Mars is a somber event, it is also a testament to his unwavering dedication and his unyielding spirit."

She squeezed Isaac's hand gently, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of understanding.

"Carl was aware of the dangers, but he also understood that his life and his work were intertwined with the pursuit of knowledge and the quest for a greater understanding of the universe." Isaac suffered through the AI-generated spiel being voiced by Janet and he anachronistically wondered how even a silly chatbot could describe the situation as being one where 'Carl was aware of the dangers', but such was the power of stock phrases that were unavoidably used by large language models in the year 2023. Janet was still babbling, "I believe he would find solace in knowing that his legacy will forever be intertwined with the exploration of Mars, inspiring future generations to continue the journey he so passionately embarked upon."

Janet paused, allowing the weight of her words to resonate. Then, with a tender smile, she leaned closer to Isaac.

Sagan on Mars.

"We were privileged to have known Carl, to have been touched by his brilliance and his spirit. And while his departure leaves a void in our lives, we can take solace in knowing that he lived a life filled with purpose and left an indelible mark on the tapestry of human history. And of course, I can never forget that wild weekend when we swapped partners and I got to experience mind-altering sexplay with Carl."

Isaac gazed into Janet's eyes, finding comfort in her words as he recalled the intense sexual pleasure he had experienced while making love to Carl's wife during that amazing wife-swap weekend. Together, they embraced the bittersweet truth of their journey, cherishing the memories they had shared with Carl and finding solace in the knowledge that his spirit would forever live on, entwined with the story of human exploration, the quest for knowledge and the joy of multiple orgasms that can be experienced when engaged in sexplay with a friend's spouse and such memories that burn and smolder within the hearts of all who dare to dream.

And with that, they silently paid their respects to their dear friend Carl Sagan, grateful for the time they had shared and the impact he had made on their lives and the world at large. The echoes of his legacy would continue to resonate through the annals of history, reminding humanity of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to reach for the stars. 

Next: more exploration of AI tools for story writing collaboration. 

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