Deep Black Road: The Head of the Snake

Chapter 46

Ricky, in a borrowed pair of cotton overalls, and Suzanne, wearing a homemade dress, stood in front of Bill's cabin.

"Thanks for lending us these clothes," Ricky said.

"You're welcome, Ricky," Bill said from the rough bench where he sat. "Now, you said you had something you wanted to talk to me about."

"Yeah. We were wondering if you could, you know, marry me and Suzanne."

Bill frowned. "Hmm. Robots getting married? The question's never come up before. Why do you want to do it, if I may ask?"

"To make a permanent commitment to each other. Marriage is how it's usually done, isn't it?"

"That's true, but it's also done with the idea of a man and a woman having a family."

"We know we can't have kids," Suzanne said, "but we'd both really like to have them if we could."

Bill pulled at his beard. "I wish I didn't have to say this, but I can't do it. I've helped most of the couples in this community to marry; but they're fully human; and God's clearly blessed such unions. And don't forget you're only male and female in appearance-there's no reality to it. Of course you're perfectly free to live together; but that's not a marriage."

"I'm sure sorry," said Ricky, "but I understand. Thanks anyway."

"Yeah, thanks," Suzanne said, resting her glowing hand on Ricky's shoulder. "There's no point us staying here anymore," she said to him through the connection. "Let's get back to the safety of the moon."

He laid his hand on hers and replied, "Sure. We'll go get Philip right after I hand out the moon rocks and we give back the clothes. Then we should take off so we don't put these guys in any more danger."

#

"I don't want to go," Philip said over the connection. "For one thing, I don't feel comfortable being the odd guy out with you two-it'd be different if I had my own partner-and for another, I want to experience Earth as my new self."

"You know the risks," Ricky said.

"Of course, probably better than you do; so don't go worrying about me. I know how to look out for myself."

"Sure. Just choose your trouble carefully."

"I will. And I hope you two can find something interesting to do up there."

"So do we."

"This isn't good-bye, you know," said Suzanne. "We'll be back sometime; or you'll come to visit."

"Hey, it's not like I can forget my adoptive parents. Of course I'll visit, especially if I feel you're not entirely happy as 'lunatics'."

"And we'll come running if you get in over your head again."

"Please! I said I'd be careful."

Philip let go and started walking towards the village. "See you soon," he radioed back to them, and disappeared among the trees.

"There," said Suzanne. "It's time to go."

"Sure."

Holding glowing hands, they bladed off to find a place well away from the farm where they could safely launch into orbit.

#

"Hey, you," five-year-old Josh said first thing in the morning to Philip, as he stood waiting to see Bill.

"Yeah?" Philip answered.

"Where's Robot Boy? I saw him talking with Mr. Alexander."

"Ricky went to the moon with Suzanne."