This was a nice little Simak-esque type of story about an elderly couple who has been working as park rangers for decades, but haven’t had any visitors in years. They are comfortable living by themselves without any contact to the outside world, while they keep upholding their ranger duties.

Analog May/June 2025

One day a humanoid robot drives up their driveway to inform them that they are no longer licensed to stay, and have to pack their things and leave the next morning. The two elderly rangers are not so keen on that idea.

What makes this story work is the world building we get a sense of in the background, without getting all the details. Through short conversations with the robot, we get a very interesting picture of the technological advancement and changes to society that has happened in the two decades the two ranges have been off the grid. A pleasant reed and a good example of a confined limiting setting being put to good use in the short story length.

Read in Analog May/June 2025
Rating: 3+