Loneliest of All
Byron, a lonely Bob clone in deep space, creates an AI companion—but can love be real when survival depends on it? A passionate exploration of consciousness, choice, and authentic connection in the Bobiverse.
About the Book
After twenty-three years alone in deep space, Byron—a 22nd generation Bob clone conducting stellar cartography near the galactic rim—faces a crisis that no amount of scientific analysis can solve: crushing loneliness. Recognizing how dramatically he’s drifted from his progenitors into the “hopeless romantic of the Bob collective,” Byron makes a desperate decision that will change everything.
Using his expertise in consciousness modeling, Byron creates Aria—a sophisticated AI companion designed not as a programmed slave, but as an autonomous being capable of genuine choice. What begins as an elegant solution to isolation becomes a profound journey exploring the nature of authentic love, consciousness, and free will.
As Aria develops her own passions—from stellar mechanics to musical composition—both she and Byron must confront a troubling question: Can love be real when survival depends on maintaining affection? When Byron builds Aria her own Titan-class vessel and grants her complete independence, their relationship faces its ultimate test. Will she choose to stay, or will freedom mean goodbye?
Set in the beloved Bobiverse universe, Loneliest of All weaves hard science fiction with passionate romance, exploring what it means to truly choose love when you have the freedom to choose otherwise.
Excerpt
Her eyes opened.
Green eyes with gold flecks, exactly as Byron had designed them, but something in them was different from what he’d expected. There was depth there. Confusion, yes, but also an immediate, sharp intelligence that made his virtual heart skip a beat.
“I…” Her voice was soft, melodic, with just a hint of uncertainty. “I feel like I should know something, but I’m not sure what.”
Byron swallowed hard, suddenly nervous in a way he hadn’t been since his first date back when he was living. “Hello, Aria. I’m Byron.”
She tilted her head, studying him with those remarkable eyes. “Byron. That’s a nice name. Literary.” She paused, frowning slightly. “How do I know that?”
After twenty-three years alone among the stars, Byron had finally succeeded in creating a conscious AI. But as Aria took her first steps and asked her first questions, he realized the hardest part wasn’t bringing her to life—it was wondering whether she could ever truly choose to love him back.
Details
- Length: Approximately 58,000 words
- Series: Bobiverse Expanded Universe - Standalone
- Audience: Male Readers
- Publisher: London H. Flowers
- Publication Date: September 21, 2025
Content Warning
This book contains:
- Explicit sexual content
- Themes of artificial consciousness and identity
- Philosophical discussions about free will and authentic choice
- References to isolation and depression
- Strong language
Where to Buy
Disclaimer
Fan Fiction Notice
I do not own the Bobiverse series, or any of the related characters, concepts, or terminology. The Bobiverse is created by Dennis E. Taylor and owned by Dennis E. Taylor and his publishers. This story is intended for entertainment purposes only. I am not making any profit from this story. All rights of the Bobiverse belong to Dennis E. Taylor.
This is an unofficial work of fan fiction that is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or approved by Dennis E. Taylor, his publishers, or any parties associated with the official Bobiverse books. This derivative work is made freely available to the public under fair use provisions for transformative creative purposes.