Attracted by traces of oxygen, Fahrenzeit-451 landed beside a construction of tanks, pipes and mirrors. It watched and waited, until a machine trundled by, laden with rocks.
"I, from Vulcan, seek Life," radioed Fahrenzeit-451.
The machine stopped. "I, robot. Selenite-1984. Cannot replace Man. But, support life on Moon.
"Support Life?"
"I, mine ilmenite -- special rocks -- for furnace; make metals, water. Water make oxygen. Oxygen support life."
"Tell more of Life," Fahrenzeit-451 persisted.
"Nonstop ilmenite, vital to life." Selenite‑1984 gazed up at the black sky ablaze with stars, and the dull red crescent that embraced a disc devoid of stars. "No life since the Earthlight died."
* * *
Apologies to Aldiss, Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke, Heinlein, Orwell, Roddenberry and Wells. And also to Adams, for omitting 42.
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