02498cam a22003493u 4500 29750 UtSlPG 20260610133658.0 m cr n 260607r2009||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Bixby, Jerome, 1923-1998 Zen Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2009 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Galaxy Science Fiction October 1952. Release date is 2009-08-21 Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net "Zen" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a distant future where a team of scientists explores the asteroid Vesta, seeking signs of life and remnants of extraterrestrial civilizations. The story delves into themes of intelligence, isolation, and the longing for companionship, centering around a unique encounter between humans and a remarkable alien species known as the Zen. The protagonist, David Koontz, a paleontologist, discovers a singular Zen creature, the last of its kind, living in solitude after the destruction of its home planet, Sorn. Their poignant interaction reveals the Zen's struggle with loneliness and survival, as she yearns for companionship after three thousand years of isolation. Koontz learns about her incredible resilience and intelligence but is faced with her desperate request for death, unable to end her own suffering. Eventually, the arrival of another Zen offers a glimmer of hope for their species’ continuity. As the story unfolds, it not only highlights the intrinsic value of life but also raises questions about the responsibilities of advanced civilizations toward one another. The resolution of the tale leads to a surprising resurgence of the Zen population, emphasizing the unpredictability and beauty of life amidst adversity. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Ashman, William Produced from Galaxy Science Fiction October 1952. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29750 70598 70598