Star Fields

Chapter No. 31 Contemplation

Chapter No. 31 Contemplation

What is life anyway?

Molly and I settled into a relaxed routine while traveling from Andromeda to the Milky Way galaxy. We planned to spend our days checking out the data that we had collected from the maniac mechanical race and our evenings relaxing while listening to the androids' musical recitals.

I looked at Molly, took a sip of beer, and thought of a better idea. "I think we should do some planning about how we're going to insert these human volunteers onto Earth."

"What do you mean?" she asked, her beautiful eyes broadcasting curiosity.

"Well," I said, rubbing my jaw. "They'll need clothing and tools to start a life on Earth. We should revive more androids and have them create what we need."

"Yes, that sounds like a good plan."

I turned to Alice and Ellen, who were standing nearby. "How many androids are currently activated?"

"Fifty," Alice replied.

"I would like to see fifty more activated. We need to start producing the things the humans will need when we get back to Earth."

"We will do that, Jason," Alice said with a subtle smile.

"What will we have them do after they complete those tasks?" Molly asked.

"I smiled. "I'm putting you in charge of that. Perhaps you could create an orchestra and dance troop with them to entertain us."

She smirked. "What makes you think that I'm capable of doing that?"

"I saw on your dossier that you play the violin and guitar. Obviously, you must know music."

She chuckled. "Knowing music is not necessarily a perquisite to being an orchestra conductor."

I laughed. "True, but in this case it makes you the only candidate for conductor."

She waved a dismissive hand at me. "You nut, you!"

"Give it a try. You'll do alright, especially since these androids are excellent musicians."

"Okay, maybe they know how to play instruments, but what about the dance idea?"

"We are programmed in several forms of dance, Molly," Alice said.

I pointed a finger at her and grinned.

Molly looked at her and then me. "That figures."

I laughed.

Molly sank back in her easy chair. "Seriously, what are we going to do after we get these humans established on Earth?"

I took another good sip of beer. "Well, for one thing we need to hang around and make sure they get well established. I also think that we should finish building Helios Station and see if we could improve the terraforming of Mars."

He eyes brightened. "Wow! That's an ambitious plan."

"Yes, I realize that, but we have the expertise and the womanpower to accomplish most anything."

She smiled. "Yes, I'm glad that you acknowledge that we're running on womanpower!"

I stiffened my jaw. "I believe that it's quite obvious that I am the only male on this female dominated vessel." I relaxed into a grin. "However, I knew a lot of men who would have been ecstatic to be in my situation."

She laughed.

After a few minutes she got up and walked over to a window that was blackened. She turned to look at me. "Why is this window here?"

I got up and walked over to her. "It's a window that looks out over the pool."

Her left eyebrow shot up. "Pool?"

"Yes, there's a swimming pool in there." I waved my hand across a sensor and the window became transparent.

Molly looked at the scene through the window with wide eyes. "What the hell is a swimming pool doing on a space vessel?"

"That's a good question. I would assume that it was Captain Stephen's idea."

"What a waste of precious resources!"

"I agree, but I suppose it doesn't matter now. We have more than enough water and power to allow it to function."

"Have you tried it yet?" she asked, staring at me with accusing eyes.

"No . . . I haven't had time."

"Is it operational?"

I turned to Alice. "I think it is."

"It is fully operational, Molly," Alice said.

"I haven't seen anything that resembles a bathing suit in my wardrobe," Molly said.

I shrugged. "I guess that wasn't part of the plan."

She huffed. "Well then, I suppose I'll just have to skinny dip!"

I laughed.

"We can join you, Molly," Alice said.

We both stared at her with inquisitive eyes. The idea of an android swimming seemed ludicrous.

"We are programmed for aquatic functionality," Alice informed us.

I didn't quite know how to take that, but I knew it must be true, especially for military operations.

The next evening when Molly and I joined for supper, the mood was more subdued.

"I have the new androids helping to make clothing and bedding," Molly said after swallowing a spoonful of my beef stew. "I told them that the humans would need clothing more appropriate for a tropical climate."

"That makes sense. I have engineering working to make simple tools, like shovels, saws, hammers and knives."

"Hopefully, they won't use them to kill one another."

I chuckled. "Yes, that idea did cross my mind."

Molly took a sip of wine and gave me a teasing smirk. "Did you sneak a peek at me through that window when I went swimming?"

I gave her a mock astonished look. "Was I supposed to?"

She waved a dismissive hand at me. "Very funny!"

I smiled. "Actually, I never considered spying on you. You deserve your privacy."

Her face took on a stoic expression before her lips acquired a subtle smile. "Actually, I wouldn't mind if you invaded my privacy."

I wasn't sure how to take that. Was she inviting me or simply teasing me? "That's very generous of you."

She giggled, a reaction that I considered to be playful but not an invitation.

"Not to change the subject, but we must consider how we should educate these humans so that they have a shot at surviving on Earth."

"I'm sure that the androids could help us in that endeavor," Molly said.

I turned to Alice.

"We understand what is needed, Jason. We will help you."

"Thank you."

Again, this was proof that the androids knew in advance what we wanted. Our minds are definitely linked with theirs.