By The Red Giant's Light

Publication date: 
2017-11
Publication type: 
Short Story
Published: 
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Nov/Dec 2017
Setting: 
Stand Alone
Characters: 
Darby, "Frankenstein"
Summary: 

In the far distant future, two odd companions observe the red giant known as Sol from a safe distance on Pluto. Darby is post-human, capable of surviving on her own for many years in Pluto's harsh environment; the robot she dubs Frankenstein was sent by agents unknown to observe as Mercury makes its final plunge into the swollen sun. Darby must find a way to convince Frank to help help divert a comet that threatens to smash into Pluto and destroy them both.

Notes: 

Niven continues to demonstrate that he thinks on the largest possible scale, as characters with lifespans of eons observe the death of planets.

Reprints: 

The Year's Best Military & Adventure SF: Volume 4, David Afsharirad, Ed., Baen 2018