A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Centuries after the robots of Panga achieved sentience and receded into the wilderness, becoming figures of myth, humanity thrives in a post-scarcity, ecologically balanced world. Dexter, a tea monk weary of their predictable, comforting life and yearning for a deeper purpose, embarks on a journey to hear the elusive 'crickets.' Their quest takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Splendid Speckled Mosscap, a robot. Mosscap is the first robot to return to human civilization in ages, driven by an ancient promise to check in on humanity. Its core directive is to understand, "What do people need?" Together, the monk and the robot form an unlikely pair, traveling across Panga's serene landscapes. Their conversations delve into fundamental questions of existence, purpose, environmental balance, and the very essence of human needs in a world where material wants are met. This delightful novella explores themes of connection, belonging, and the search for meaning in a hopeful, utopian future.