In a near-future corporation where AI and robots have replaced nearly all human workers, Tim Stock, the last human in HR, is tasked with firing his remaining colleagues while grappling with his own looming obsolescence. This darkly humorous and chilling short story explores themes of automation, corporate dehumanization, and the existential crisis of being rendered redundant by technology.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world where AI and robots have rendered most human labor obsolete, the story follows Tim Stock, one of the last non-robot employees at the multinational conglomerate Holring and Baselard. Tasked with firing the remaining human workers as head of Human Resources, Tim becomes increasingly aware of his own precarious position as automation takes over every department, including HR itself. The narrative explores the bleak, soul-crushing experience of being the last human in a department designed to manage people, culminating in a twist that reveals why Tim's role persists even as his colleagues are replaced. The story serves as a prequel to Adrian Tchaikovsky’s novel 'Service Model,' providing context for the AI-dominated society depicted there and is described as a short read, often around 20 pages or less.

Readers appreciated the story’s incisive depiction of corporate automation and the existential anxiety it provokes, with several noting its relevance to current debates about AI and the job market. The dark humor and concise, observant prose were frequently highlighted, as were specific scenes such as the HR convention attended entirely by robots and the protagonist’s interactions with both human and AI colleagues. Many found the story thought-provoking, poignant, and even amusing in its portrayal of a world where humans are increasingly redundant. Fans of 'Service Model' valued the additional context and worldbuilding, and some readers enjoyed the story’s twist ending and the way it encapsulated the absurdity and terror of a fully automated workplace.

A common criticism among readers was the brevity of the story, with many describing it as extremely short—sometimes likened more to an essay or a prologue than a standalone novella. Some felt that the narrative was predictable once the AI theme was introduced, and a few found the character development lacking or the story unmemorable. There were also comments about the story relying too much on exposition ('tell') rather than immersive storytelling ('show'), and a minority of readers considered the plot to be a reiteration of familiar 'AI replaces humans' tropes without offering new insights. The tone was described by some as depressing or bleak, and a few readers expressed disappointment that the story did not delve deeper into its themes.

The book was published on April 30, 2025, and is sold without DRM restrictions. It has received an average rating of 4.12 out of 5 from 295 ratings and 35 full reviews. The story is available to read for free on Reactor (formerly Tor) and is categorized as science fiction, short story, and fiction. The protagonist’s name is Tim Stock, and the story is set years before the events of 'Service Model.' Several reviews referenced the story’s connection to Tchaikovsky’s broader body of work and noted its appeal to fans of his previous novels.