Building Harlequin's Moon by Larry Niven and Brenda Cooper

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"Building Harlequin's Moon" is a science fiction novel by Larry Niven and Brenda Cooper, published in 2005. The story is set in a distant future where humanity is fleeing a Solar System overrun by rogue AIs and nanotechnology. The novel follows the crew of the starship John Glenn, which is en route to terraform the planet Ymir but becomes stranded in a different solar system. The crew must then terraform a moon, Selene, around the gas giant Harlequin to create a temporary home and produce antimatter needed to continue their journey. The novel explores themes of survival, morality, and the complexities of human relationships in a harsh environment. The characters, including Gabriel, the head terraformer, and Rachel, a moon-born leader, navigate societal hierarchies and technological challenges. The book delves into the long-term consequences of terraforming and the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in creating a new society. Through its blend of hard science fiction and character-driven drama, "Building Harlequin's Moon" offers a compelling narrative about humanity's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.