In Future, The Sun Turns Deadly And Vaporizes 99% of Humanity in Seconds
The Aftermath of a Solar Flare
Setting the Scene
- A massive solar flare has destroyed Earth's ozone layer, leading to extreme weather and making the planet uninhabitable.
- Life is at risk from ultraviolet rays, forcing survivors to stay in shadows to avoid being scorched.
Finch's Daily Struggles
- Engineer Finch scavenges for supplies with his robot partner Dwey while wearing a protective suit that alerts him to high radiation levels.
- After returning to his underground lab, Finch cleans himself and reveals he is suffering from radiation exposure.
Building a Companion for Survival
Creating Jeff
- Finch works on building a humanoid robot named Jeff, designed to care for his dog Goodyear after he's gone.
- He uploads knowledge into Jeff's database by scanning books, aiming to equip him with essential information.
Robot Capabilities
- Upon activation, Jeff can nod but initially cannot speak; Finch quickly resolves this issue.
- Jeff learns directives including protecting Goodyear and not harming humans, emphasizing the importance of companionship in survival.
Facing an Imminent Superstorm
Urgent Decisions
- A superstorm is forecasted to hit within 24 hours; Finch decides they must leave immediately for safety.
- Despite limited time and resources, he completes Jeff’s body and prepares them for travel westward towards San Francisco.
Journey Begins
- The group sets off in an RV through desolate landscapes reminiscent of better days filled with nature.
Scavenging for Supplies
Learning Together
- During their journey, Finch teaches Jeff how to scavenge effectively as they explore abandoned locations like a movie theater.
Moments of Discovery
- Inside the theater, Jeff sees himself in the mirror for the first time; they find popcorn that pops instantly under sunlight.
Preparing for the Storm
Securing Shelter
- As storms approach rapidly, Finch instructs Jeff on securing their RV against strong winds while managing his own fatigue due to illness.
The Journey of Trust and Survival
Overcoming Obstacles Together
- After a storm, Finch realizes the last wire standing was due to Jeff's strength, but they face a setback with a destroyed tire. They decide to camp for the night.
- The next morning, as they prepare to leave, Jeff expresses curiosity about trust. Finch shares a story from his past job where he earned trust by solving problems independently but credits the team.
- Finch's coughing fits lead them to stop at a restaurant. He enters without his suit and starts coughing blood, indicating his deteriorating health.
Challenges in Communication
- Inside the restaurant, Goodyear refuses to go with Jeff, prompting Finch to bring him inside. Meanwhile, Jeff attempts to learn how to operate the RV but accidentally hits another car.
- Finch scolds Jeff for his recklessness and emphasizes the importance of caring for Goodyear while demonstrating how dangerous sunlight can be for him.
Learning and Growth
- Despite initial clumsiness while driving, Jeff gradually learns how to drive confidently. They stop at night to enjoy the northern lights but discuss dangers of traveling after dark.
- The following day, as Finch struggles with illness, Jeff takes charge and goes scavenging with Dwey at a hospital where they encounter danger.
Facing Danger Head-On
- While searching for supplies upstairs alone, Jeff finds useful items but is unaware of lurking threats. Dwey meets an unfortunate fate when he triggers a bear trap.
- Upon waking up and realizing his robots are missing, Finch suits up despite being weak and rushes out only to find Dwey in distress; he turns off Dwey’s power out of compassion.
Escaping Pursuit
- As they flee from danger in their RV after encountering trouble at the hospital, they notice they're being followed by another vehicle which leads them into a tense situation under an underpass.
- Ignoring warnings about height restrictions on their RV leads to damage during their escape attempt. Tensions rise as they wait for their pursuers to pass by safely.
Reflections on Survival
- After assessing damage from their escape attempt, Finch feels hopeless about reaching San Francisco. In response to Jeff's encouragement, he recounts a traumatic experience that shaped his survival instincts during societal collapse.
- This story reveals deep emotional scars related to loss and fear while highlighting Finch's bond with Goodyear—a symbol of hope amidst despair—after adopting him during chaotic times.
Journey of Discovery and Loss
Finch's Revelation and Trust Issues
- Finch learns a harsh lesson about trust after a significant event, leading him to protect Jeff at all costs.
- The next morning, Jeff discovers that the postcard from San Francisco is signed by his dad, not his uncle, raising questions about their past.
Embracing Life Again
- Upon realizing the UV isn't critical, Finch experiences joy as he steps outside to feel the sun for the first time in a long while.
- Finch shares a poignant story about his father’s absence and how it shaped his life, revealing deep emotional layers.
The Weight of Promises
- Despite excitement over reaching the Golden Gate Bridge soon, Finch reminds Jeff of his impending death and urges him to care for Goodyear.
- A touching moment occurs when Finch teaches Jeff how to play fetch with Goodyear before succumbing to illness.
Mourning and Moving Forward
- After Finch's passing, Jeff honors him with a Viking funeral using his UV suit, marking a significant transition in their journey.
- In San Francisco, Jeff finds solace in memorializing Finch while also discovering messages left by others for loved ones. This inspires him to seek out other survivors.