Termination Shock

by Neal Stephenson

So by the time Rufus finally got to the front door of the building where Dr. Rutledge worked, he was thoroughly confused. Did these kids hate humans because they were an invasive species that should be eradicated? Or did they love humans and not want them to become extinct?

The drone was being controlled by swarm software, based on the murmurations of starlings. T.R.—presumably

“It’s an asset, you’re saying. The sheer incompetence of the United States.” “People have come to rely on it.” “It’s true.” “The crazy place where people can do crazy things!”

Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. I been holed up in this place long enough.”