Ark II - 23. Too Perfect

The tasks before them weren’t a simple thing to do. Joel knew they wouldn’t be. He thought more confidently about what they were doing to ensure safety. That was one of the top considerations. The other top consideration was the goal they hoped to do. Creating a sister planet to Earth. They were taking what was there and making a home for the people of Earth. Again, there were chances of failure. The challenge was to succeed. The Harpy-Stingers was a necessity.

Joel felt comfortable with all of the activity on the Ark. People were now doing what they had been chosen to do. The noise level on the Ark also rose. That was something that needed to happen. Scientists and Engineers were starting to move forward to begin to change Gaea. Joel’s purpose on the Ark was to keep everyone on task. He was not a scientist or engineer but had enough knowledge and understanding about both to understand what people spoke to him about. His decisions were to be final. Joel didn’t kid himself. He did not know everything. It was possible that decisions he made would be proven wrong. However, a good military leader knew to rely on the minds trusted to work with him. With him. Not for him. His ability to think clearly in an emergency was more important. In a crisis, that clarity was paramount.

One such crisis was the decision to send someone to their death. Could he give anyone an order that meant that someone would die? Joel prayed that situation never came around. How could he send anyone on the Ark to die? Hank? Nayef? Or even Sara Beth!? The many shows and movies told where a captain or commander had to send a member of the crew to do a task that meant death! If they didn’t the whole ship would die. If the captain chose any, that meant people or person they ordered would die. No, Joel did pray to God, the Universe or anything else that didn’t happen.

 

They now knew more about Ark III and Tau Ceti. They would soon know about Ark IV and Canis Minor. Ark V wasn’t really an Ark. Not really. They were survivors on Earth that never left the Earth. However, they did have the upcoming task of rebuilding what mankind had destroyed.

It was in these in between moments Joel did not like. He had no set job he was to do. The freedom of going from one group to another was great, but which one did he choose now? Sara Beth was being the “plant lady” at the moment. She was a medical doctor and botanist. There was always something new she wanted to try. He decided to see her next.

Going to her botany lab, he saw her looking at a very pretty red rose blossom! It was bright red. He smiled at her attention she was giving what she worked on. No screen was there, but the large image showed the insides of what she was looking at with more clarity. She was wearing special lenses so only she could see what she was doing. Her hands and fingers were working seemingly working on nothing Joel could see. She was moving her fingers that danced in the air to do whatever she wanted to do. Athena’s interface allowed any language, verbally and keyboard…in this instance, Sara Beth reached out with her left hand, as her right-hand fingers moved like on an invisible keyboard to highlight whatever she was seeing and instructing Athena to increase the image size. At least, that was Joel’s guess. He couldn’t see it except because of the rose.

“It almost as pretty as you are,” Joel grinned as he walked over.

Sara Beth’s smile came, but she wasn’t surprised by him, “I think this rose is much prettier, but thank you.”

Joel looked at the rose. “Is that a Hybrid Tea Rose?” He pointed at the image of the flower.

Sara Beth’s eyes widened a bit as she looked at Joel, “It’s a Polyantha.” She pointed at the image. “You can tell by the lack of points on the tip of the pedals. Your knowledge of roses is impressive.”

Joel grinned and shrugged, “A Southern man has to learn to grow things like tomatoes and roses. My grandfather took up growing roses. He said they calmed him down. I helped him and he taught me. I know Tea Roses, Climbing Roses and Wild Roses.”

Sara Beth nodded with a light chuckle, “He is so right. Gardening does calm you down.”

“We have them on board,” Joel said. “You have some on the Habitat Ring and in our quarters.”

Sara Beth nodded, “I brought the outdoors indoors. Plants make people feel comfortable.” She waved at the rose, “This one I’m adding to the Habitat Ring. It’s flowers for the eyes.”

“And the nose,” he tapped his nose.

“Roses smell so good!” Sara Beth agreed. “Some were cultivated for that purpose. They aren’t just pretty but smell wonderful.”

“For more than attracting bees,” Joel grinned.

“To be attractive,” Sara Beth smiled.

“They were raised for medicines and confetti,” Joel added.

“That’s right,” Sara Beth smiled more. “They theorized it was done as early as five thousand years ago in China. Definitely in Rome. They’re edible, too.”

Joel grimaced, “I can’t eat a rose.”

Sara Beth chuckled, “You could, but you don’t want to.”

Joel looked at his wife and maybe it was real or maybe just in his head, but she looked radiant. She was taking her prenatal vitamins and medications. She had that with the three other pregnancies before. “Each time I see why they speak about pregnant women glowing. You are.”

“I feel great!” Sara Beth nodded. “When they get the medicines right to help with the hormones and changes, it can be a great thing.”

Joel frowned, “I tried a few when you were pregnant before. They did nothing for me.”

Sara Beth laughed lightly and kissed him gently, “You didn’t have the chemical changes needed for them to work.”

Joel nodded conceding the point, “You’ll be pregnant for over ninety years. I never heard of anyone having a problem with a pregnancy, but carrying a baby in stasis?”

“I’d be lying if I said I was not worried about it with Daylia,” Sara Beth admitted. “There is the concern for me with Daylia. However, the pregnancy has already happened. Stasis is a proven science and is the closest we’ve come to putting life function on pause. What happens to me will happen to Daylia.” She sighed, “When we first launched from Earth. I was concerned about our boys. Not about stasis, but the route we were taking. The dangers out in space are about so many unknowns. Collisions and equipment failures…there were so many dangers. As you said then, we know there are dangers, but they faced more dangers on Earth. We chose this danger over the ones of Earth. They would probably be dead if we hadn’t.” She touched Joel’s face gently. “You will worry. I’ll worry but we know the chances of survival is greater if we do. Our boys will have a future.” She touched her abdomen. “And our daughter.”

Joel sighed with still a little concern, “You’re the doctor, not me. I know what you should and shouldn’t do. I’ll worry anyway.”

Sara Beth smiled kissing Joel again, “You love me. It’s natural since we left the caves.”

“Yep,” Joel grinned. “Don’t work too hard.” He kissed her gently. “I love you.”

 

It was another day before Joel got word from Xolani, Kurt, Alejandro they had something to show Joel and Hank.

This time Hank was waiting on Joel!

“Now,” Hank grinned. “Do I dock your pay for being tardy?”

Joel shook his head as he smiled back, “I never got a deadline. I was busy with Athena and Wei.” He waved at the Habitat Ring. “I was a kilometer and a half away! I walked!” He thought for a second. “Maybe we should have a cart to travel faster.”

‘Yeah, yeah,” Hank teased. He thumbed at the scientists. “These guys have something to tell us.”

“Okay,” Joel said. “What?”

“Ark IV changed its course,” Kurt said simply. “They aren’t in the systems of Canis Minor.”

Kurt shrugged, “Just like we didn’t go to Alpha Centauri. They changed their course to another star system.”

“Oh?” Joel asked. “Where did they go?”

“As far as we can tell,” Kurt began. “They went to Gliese 876.”

“Isn’t that in the constellation of Aquarius?” Joel asked.

Kurt nodded and smiled, “How’d you know that?”

Joel shrugged, “I remember hearing about it and heard where it was, and I thought of the song The Dawning of Aquarius.” He frowned. “Isn’t that in a totally different direction?”

Xolani shrugged, “Yes, but they thought it was important to change the direction.”

“Their Athena is who?” Joel asked.

“Artemis,” Xolani answered. “Like us the communication hasn’t happened sense shortly after the launch.”

“It was the largest Ark the Earth sent out,” Hank said softly.

“How do you know about the direction?” Joel asked.

“The ion trail changed, and Athena caught that,” Kurt explained. “The direction of the change said which direction. It was Athena that said in what direction it was.”

“Okay,” Joel said again. “Why did they change their destination? I know we did because the planetary systems did or didn’t meet certain criteria. Why do you think they did?”

“It is a guess,” Athena’s voice said. “Each Ark had people on them that could change the direction. Just as you did.” She appeared to them. “Based on the information I have; Gliese 876 c is the more likely choice. It has the needed surface water and is in the habitable zone.”

“Ark III is the only one that went where they were sent to,” Hank stated.

“Tau Ceti is a stand-alone system with planets,” Athena said. “We know there are seven planets now, two are acceptable. Gliese 876 c has a thirty-day year.”

Joel’s head went back, “Damn, that’s a quick orbit!”

“It is,” Athena agreed. “Yet, from observation it has a remarkably stable history. I believe Artemis would recommend that one. Water being a major deciding factor.”

Joel nodded and shrugged, “Fine. Can the drone we sent make the trip change?”

“Of course,” Athena said simply. “All these are guesses, but it makes the most sense.”

“Using Adel Lavigne’s Communication we were able to pick up on the change in the ion trail to make the change,” Xolani stated. “We thought it important to let you know.”

“They couldn’t go anywhere else,” Hank sort of asked.

“They could change their minds again,” Kurt shrugged. “However this is the best choice so far.”

“Like our Ark,” Alejandro began, “Ark IV creates it’s own fuel. It could theoretically travel to the far side of the galaxy. Even in stasis, that maybe a bit much.”

“As long as Ark IV had the needed materials out there to make the fuel,” Xolani added. “The power should not fail, and it could last a thousand years.”

“With the periods of being out of stasis for people to do maintenance,” Athena corrected. “I do maintenance on myself, but Human acknowledgement is needed.”

“Each system has quirks.” Joel grinned and shrugged. “We have Troy! The planet orbiting in the opposite direction to all the others? Our trojan orbital planet we picked up.”

They all chuckled agreeing.

 

The news wasn’t too surprising. Joel knew the Arks had been planned but Ark II was the best prepared. Ark III was underway even before Ark II had been launched. Ark III was rushed after the bombing. Ark IV was totally rushed in desperation. The same with Ark V, only Ark V was already at the destination. He needed to talk with Medika and Anthony Yates, their leaders with robotics. Scott Fleming, too. They would know the best route to go with any enforcers needed. He needed another group meeting!

Joel simply asked the air. “Athena, I would like to schedule a meeting with the leaders of each team. A convenient time and place needs requesting.”

“I will send it to all of team leaders,” Athena replied back.

The advantage of the Ark was no one had to come from a great distance! That made it a lot easier. Stopping whatever project they were working on was the other issue. The Communal Dining Area was chosen to gather. Joel told each leader to invite any and all who needed or just wanted to know. He was pleased to see almost everyone was there, including some of the older children. Kevin and Jimmy were there. Xolani’s and Adam’s son Lunga. This was about their future.

He was also pleased that Athena was there as well. She would have been if only because she would have been able to see and hear them anyway. Seeing her here told the others she was a part of the decision making.

Joel got up in front of the group and smiled, “You may or may not know that…just like we did, Ark IV changed where it was going to a star in the Aquarius Constellation. We think. The only Ark that went where it was recommended to go was Ark III.” He smiled, “That is just a theory which we won’t know until they get there.” He sighed, “We were the first Ark sent out from Earth. Even our new ability of faster travel and communication, we have been out in space longer.” He smiled at Nayef, “I was worried many would think I was being paranoid.” He shrugged, “I have to be careful.” He went on. “Using the dark energy we are traveling farther, faster.” He waved at Angus. “Angus has some potential Harpy-Stingers to help.” He smiled. “With the help of Medika, Anthony, and Scott, they will be manned by Athena, Robbie, and Robot…” He pointed at his head. “At least their minds. Then it was suggested by several people that like Athena can carry on conversations in many languages to many people at the same time!” His arms went out helplessly, “Why can’t they? I propose an enforcement group made up of our new android or robotic forces.” He held up a hand quickly, “Not that anyone here would break any law. Future visitors may need encouraging to follow our laws!” His comment there was greeted with some chuckles. “Future generations will need guidance. I propose androids, not looking all that Human, but not scary for our less that bold citizens if the Ark. We will only need these enforcers if we have guests. Athena’s surveillance and monitoring should be enough for now.” He looked at the group. “I didn’t want to make the decision on my own. What do you think?” There was a bit of quiet discussion happening with them. Joel got the impression there were no objections. Joel smiled at them. “Personally, I think we are the best of the Arks sent out. We are the best of Humanity. We have the best minds and equipment to do a task. I want everyone to know, this is more than just about me. Or my immediate family. I know that.” He waved out at them. “We are all a family. I think if mankind destroys itself elsewhere, we have a great group of Earth’s creations to keep what began on Earth and can keep it going. We should function as if we are the last of Humanity and the Earth. We must succeed. Failure is not an option.” He looked at Alejandro. “Have you come up with a way to get rid of our ion trail?”

Alejandro gave a shrug and nod, “The thing is, natural ions in space are common. Determining the source is the problem. We know of the course change with Ark IV because it is so fresh. The ions have not dissipated yet. Our trail is still fresh, too, but should dissipate more in the next two hundred years.” He shrugged. “Could it be traced? I don’t know.”

“You worry it will be traced to us,” Hank said.

“Traced or we will be found by accident,” Joel said. “Right now, things on Earth are in pieces. Mars and the mines around Jupiter are the only sources from our home solar system to worry about. Arks III and IV are just getting to where they will set up a colony. Ark V is still in stasis but will come out eventually. I think we have at least a century or two before it becomes a problem. I think we need to be ready and think of all the possibilities and prepare.” He wanted to reassure them, “What do I know? We could make new alliances out here and become great friends…”

“Or the worst of enemies,” Wei said cautiously.

“Plunging us into another bloody war,” Joel nodded. “I pray that doesn’t happen, but history tells me it will. We are a violent species. We are predators.”

“Nature is violent,” Matt said simply.

“We came from violence,” Mark added. “From the very Big Bang. That was a colossal violent explosion. Everything came from that violence.”

“And we came from violent creatures that compete for survival and even among each other,” Matt nodded. “For lodging, food and even the right to mate.”

Nayef nodded, “We can acknowledge our violent natures which we are trying to overcome.”

Joel smiled, “That’s right. We will not look for violence, but if threatened we will respond in kind.” He looked at Medika. “I know you’re working on Athena’s body. I know we have robotic helpers to help with mining, processing, construction, and even with Sara Beth’s plants. Some form should be done to act as police.”

“It should be Human in form?” Medika asked.

“For the simple reason it needs to be comforting as well as threatening,” Joel nodded.

Anthony leaned closer to his wife, “We had prototypes ready to activate.” He looked up at Joel. “Everyone’s welcome to come and see what we have. Perhaps a canine version as well?”

“I saw the German shepherd one recently,” Joel said.

“We may not need any recognizable form,” Scott suggested. “Our mining robots look more like arachnids.”

“To operate in zero gravity,” Medika nodded. “On the Ark where we live and operate.”

“And the primate form is the most proficient in this sort of world,” Sara Beth said. “Not just the opposable thumbs. Climbing, walking, running or swimming.”

“One of the only primates to even go into the water!” Leif said happily.

“There are other primates that go into water,” Steven said back to his husband.

“But the only one that free swims in and under water!” Leif countered lightly.

Joel chuckled. They were both marine biologists. It made sense. “This is work in progress. I just wanted everyone to know and be part of the planning.”

Hank smirked, “Yes, you are such a tyrant.”

The meeting was short but necessary. Joel did not want anyone to think he was anything like a tyrant or dictator. They would all be informed.

 

The excavator robots had gone out, directed by Joder Mast who knew what was needed. The mining robots attached themselves to the asteroid and began boring into the asteroid to find what was needed. Watching, Joel thought they did look like arachnids. Spiders. Or Joel got the impression of an octopus! All those arms working on a task. Octopi did not really work with an up and down. There certainly was no up and down in space. Some of the arms for these robotic excavators were to keep what they held onto to keep themselves steady. Some of these asteroids were small moons, but the ones that Joder said to go to were about the size of a car or truck. Most of the surface was already for excavating. Athena’s scanners had chosen the best asteroids. Most of this asteroid was almost all Boron Nitrate. Joel was no geologist, but he knew some rocks. He didn’t see what Joder saw and certainly not what Athena did. Those particles would be added to what was being processed making the metals and even the glasslike covering over New Charleston structure and make it stronger.

Much of the assembling of the structures were being done by robots! All of this could be done by Humans, but androids and robots did it better! It would have been a lot slower if Humans did it.

 

Joel and Hank went to the lab where Joel had seen Athena’s head before. Now, she was more assembled with the head attached to a body. Human values were still in place as the body was covered from the neck to the knees. It almost looked like a toga! Joel also noticed a male android. He assumed it was male in spite of the drape around the waist. He, like the android body of Athena, had everything. The body had the musculature of a Human male who was in very good shape. They had made him Greek or Italian. Southern Italy was Joel’s guess as his skin color was just a shade darker. A Moorish Greek? The Moors were from Northern Africa. Phoenicia from what he remembered. He wasn’t African, but he was darker than a Caucasian man from Scotland, Ireland Norway or Denmark. The hair was black in waves on his head. He also had normal hair at his armpits and over his muscular chest. He had nipples! He was a handsome man! He even had evidence of a beard. He was clean shaven, but there was the dark hair that was just under the skin of his face.

“Wow,” Hank said going up to the body of Athena and this male. He pointed at the male. Athena’s body stood about five feet and ten inches. The male was over six feet! “Who is he?”

Medika smiled, “That is a superhero Anthony loves.”

Anthony flushed a little, “Well, yes. He’s not Clark Kent. He’s sort of a merged form of many from Marvel and DC Comics. A little Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent. Also Wolverine and other X-Men.” He grinned and shrugged, “I grew up on them!”

Joel laughed and slapped Anthony’s shoulder lightly, “I personally love Superman.”

Anthony nodded quickly, “Yes! And I took all those that played Superman and merged them into him! George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Dean Cain…” He thumbed at his wife and muttered, “She wouldn’t let me do too much with Athena’s body.”

Medika nodded, “Because you became aroused.” Then she grudged a nod, “Then again,” she waved at the male android body, “you become aroused by him, too.”

Anthony waved his arms out helplessly, “Who wouldn’t be?” He waved at the android body. “He’s perfect! They both are perfect!”

Joel chuckled as he looked at the android bodies more closely. They were as close to perfection as anyone could get. In top Human form physically. Of course they were, they were gods! Joel looked at the flawless skin with no blemishes or even freckles. The various hairs that were on the bodies. From the hair on the head, it didn’t fade. Meaning the hair line was precise. The noses were perfectly shaped. On his perfectly sculpted abdomen was a naval! There were none of those little hairs that seemed to spill from that naval to his pubes. There were no hairs on the arms or legs of either of them.

Hank frowned, “Okay, I’m looking.” He admitted and pulled the draping cloth away from Athena’s body. Two perfectly formed breasts, no sagging whatsoever, “I’m not looking below the waist.” He looked at the male android. Again, there was the grudging nod and then he went to the male, “I had army men action figures. My daughters had dolls they could dress like the Ken doll with Barbie…” he pulled the drape off. There it was. This android was not without. Anatomically correct he had what men do. The flaccid, uncut penis was there and the scrotum. Pubic hair was there as well. The course black hairs at his crotch were where it was supposed to be. Again, they had created the appropriate hairs, but it was also perfect. He had a nice sized penis. It was a shower. It was at least nine inches long. Joel felt himself at little aroused by Athena and this male android! He wondered if this penis grew. Could he be aroused? If he was Human, he would be. Since he was programmed, did they include that in any programming? They wanted them to be able to eat and if they chose to, have normal relations sexually.

“I see we’re going with Greek and Roman myths,” Joel waved at the male android. “Are we calling him Adonis?”

Anthony grinned, “He was built with Robbie in mind.”

Medika covered the body for Athena again. “It could be Robot, too.” Medika added quickly. “Athena, can you once again come into this android body?”

The body of Athena was suddenly alive! There was a blink of the motionless, fixed eyes and a turn of the head, “I can.” She said back. Her voice sounded natural, soothing and it came from her. Those brains again on Earth had chosen the best, calming voice that the effect they thought was important.

“They aren’t finished,” Medika cautioned. “The body for Athena is farther along than the male body is…”

“She can walk and talk as needed,” Anthony explained. “She can’t taste yet or smell.” He did the grudging nod, “Well, that’s not true exactly. She can do a chemical analysis of the air and tell what it’s from. She can do that anyway.” He waved at the surrounding Ark. “To smell a flower and appreciate the pleasant odor or be offended by refuse or garbage. She doesn’t have that ability yet.”

Scott smiled, “Jimmy and I are working on that part. Jimmy wants to program them to be able to, but he wants them to be subjective. Meaning what Athena smells or tastes…” he waved at the male android, “he may not!”

Joel nodded remembering what Jimmy had said to him, “A smell and taste history.”

“That’s it,” Scott grinned.

“He wants to be ever making them more Human.” Anthony stated.

“So Robbie and Athena can say whether they like something or not.” Scott said.

Medika held up her finger, “Which brings me to Rex.” She waved at the German Shepherd. “Basically, he is Athena. She is running the program that is Rex. She does that with all of the robot pets. Except for Robbie and Robot, all of them are run by Athena. They have their personalities and memories backed by Athena. They can make independent decisions from Athena.” She touched the German Shepherd. “Rex is not.”

“Do we want canine sentries?” Anthony asked. “The reason we use dogs, cats, or even pigs is that they are social animals, are loyal and capable of doing things we, as Humans couldn’t. Large dogs could win a fight with another Human or animal. They sense dangers we can’t. Smell the approach of a potential enemy.”

“Any robot or android we create can do that.” Medika shrugged, “Large dogs are frightening to some people. A humanoid form engenders trust.”

“Humans have pets,” Anthony started and tapped his head. “It’s in our minds to have pets. That’s why we have those pets for the citizens of the Ark. Young and older, we usually love pets! Dogs, cats, ferrets, goldfish…it calms us.”

“Psychologically, scary animals are for one thing.” Scott began. “A scary animal that loves us, is scary to bullies.” He smiled and motioned to the male android. “He’s not scary but he can be. His face will tell you that.” He spoke into the air, “Show the prototype, please. A2.”

A large Human…thing appeared in the room. It wasn’t Human! Yes, shaped like a Human, two arms, two legs, but it had a chest plate with the shape of a Human male. The chest plate was white. It had a face with the eyes with the iris on the white orb, ears, mouth and nose, but the face plate was attached to head, you could see the workings behind the face plate. Wires and components behind the chest plate. It stood tall, but the expression was non-threatening. The metallic gleam from some parts, the connecting wires and hoses...no other gender telling parts on it.

Joel’s eyes widened. “Wow.”

“This is the second prototype,” Scott said, his voice increasing in speed and volume as he was getting excited. “Show the A1, please.”

It was the same android, but the plates were a gleaming metallic black! Now it looked a bit mean. The expression said he was being firm or mean.

“We thought the A2 should be about six feet tall,” Anthony explained. “The A1 should be at the minimum six and a half feet tall.’

“And the A3!” Scott said. “Show that.”

This one was seamless. It was dark silvery metal covered Human form.

“Damn!” Hank blurted stepping back a bit.

Anthony pointed at Hank, “That’s what we want you to think!

“A person sees it and thinks again about doing anything questionable.” Scott said happily. “We can have any and all of them as needed!”

“They can sniff out odors, track, or bring down a person!” Anthony said.

Medika rolled her eyes. “But the A2 is the friendliest looking. It wouldn’t be scary to any adult or child.”

Joel chuckled, “You two had fun with this.” It wasn’t a question but a statement of fact.

“Of course we did!” Anthony nodded. “I create my superhero…” he waved at the male android. “And we get to create android assistants.”

“You know the first line of defense is going to be those Harpy-Stingers, right?” Hank smiled. He waved at the android body of Athena. “She would see anyone approaching. The Harpy-Stingers will be greeting them first. We’ll need them first.”

Joel nodded looking at the android bodies there, “Can I suggest something?”

Anthoney nodded briefly, “Yes.”

“They’re too perfect,” Joel waved at Athena and whatever this male android was going to be. “Add flaws. A scar, a freckle…something!” He looked at the male android closer. “I bet they even have perfect teeth!”

Medika smiled and nodded once, “Yes, they are a work in progress.”

Hank went to the male android touching him on the arm tentatively. “His skin almost feels real.” He lifted the lip on the face to reveal a perfect row of expertly crafted teeth. “Yep, he has beautiful pearly whites. Perfect rows of teeth.” He frowned. “If he were a regular Human Being, I’d hate him.”

Joel snickered and bobbed his head, “That proves my point! We compete for everything!” He looked more directly at Hank. “You know you couldn’t compete with him. You’d lose!” Joel touched the male android’s arm. “He has perfectly shaped arms, chest and musculature.” He chuckled, “Men used to refer to a man’s arms as his guns.” He looked down at the android’s legs. “Perfectly shaped muscular legs and calves.” He shook his head and waved at the covered waist. “I don’t want to even see his ass. I know it’s perfect, too.” He waved at Athena. “I never thought I’d be attracted to either of them, but I am!”

Hank grinned at Joel, “Of course you are!” He threw his hands out helplessly. “You’re Human! I’m Human. Our entire upbringing was based on sex.” Joel was about to say something, but Hank stopped him, “No, it is! Buying a vehicle is based on sex. You buy a vehicle because how other people will react to your purchase, and you become more attractive.” He waved at Joel. “Your work with the military! Recruitment commercials show a man searching for a place in the world and the commercial shows him after he gets in the military in uniform, and he’s surrounded by admirers! Perfumes and colognes! Sex is everywhere!”

“Yes, Hank,” Joel laughed. “But I never even thought I’d be attracted to Athena…” He waved at the male android, “If Robbie is in here, I am attracted to Robbie!? What if Robot was in this?”

Hank smirked again, “It would change the dynamics of our relationship. We want them to know the wonders of being Human. One day Athena and one of them, Robbie or Robot will be having sex with her.”

Joel shook his head, “Ian.” He said a bit cautiously. “He loves Robbie. He had trouble when we gave Robbie his increased size! I don’t know how he’ll react to a Human Robbie.”

“Both Robbie and Robot have been in this body before,” Anthony said quietly. “We had to test the android. Care to find out?” He smiled. “Robbie, can we have you in the android again?”

Now the male android moved. He blinked and then turned his head to look at Joel. “Hello, Dad Joel.” His voice was the voice he used in his robotic body as Robbie. It was a nice baritone and again calm. Now the expression and the android’s face softened, and he even smiled.

“Robbie,” Joel greeted. “How do you feel?”

“I feel very well, Dad Joel,” Robbie said. “The operating parameters are a bit different, but I feel fine.”

“You’re not cold?” Hank asked.

“No,” Robbie shook his head. “I am aware that it is twenty-three degrees Celsius on the Ark. I am not cold.” Then he chuckled. Robbie chuckled! “I remember you telling me you preferred Fahrenheit. It’s seventy-four degrees Fahrenheit.”

Yep, that was Robbie. “Do you like the face they gave you?” Joel asked. “Jimmy wanted to give you a choice.”

Robbie’s face expressed confusion, “Did you choose your face?”

“No,” Joel answered. “My ancestry made most of the choices. I chose whether I shave or not, comb my hair…other than that, I work with what I was given.”

Robbie nodded, “As I will work with what they give me. I hope you approve of what they did give me.”

“Robbie,” Joel grinned. “You and Athena are beautiful.” Robbie smiled at that. Joel looked at Anthony, Scott, and Medika, “Is this going to be Robbie’s?”

Scott nodded, “Robbie was the second robotic form we were asked to do. I believe it is.” He looked at Athena, “Show the other image of the other robotic body for Robot.” He looked at Joel and Hank, “We have the parts ready for assembly, we just haven’t put them together yet.”

Another image, like the proposed android enforcers appeared. This one looked Human. Blond! It would have been the same size as Robbie, but his skin looked fair. The blond hair on his head was a honey blond and his eyes were blue. As handsome as Robbie was. He had a similar build with muscles in peak form. The image also showed the blonde’s penis and light-colored pubic hair. His was also about eight or nine inches and flaccid.

“This is the Apollo android model,” Anthony explained. “Going with the myths, we thought he was a good choice.”

Hank grinned, “You named him Apollo and gave him the blond hair because he was the sun god.” He looked at Joel, “I paid attention in high school. I know the Greek and Roman myths. Who could have predicted we’d use it out here?”

“You have the components to build him?” Joel asked.

“Sure,” Medika replied. “Back on Earth we would have what we needed to do what was assigned to us by others. Here, we have the skilled workers and resources, so we did it!”

One more time, the thought that Robbie was standing here, but also teaching school, while Athena was watching everyone. They were talking to others and kept track of who and in what language…Athena was out there helping the excavators while carrying on a conversation here with them now…the Human realization that no Human could do that…it caused the cautioning worry to surface. He spent enough time with Nayef. He’d probably have to go back.

“Jimmy has some wonderful suggestions,” Anthony said. “He suggested we make them do what we do when we sense anything. We have tastebuds that transmit signals to the brain and depending on the taste, it goes to the pleasure centers or the other centers. He wants to program Athena and Robbie to have the neurons duplicated in them!”

Joel frowned, “Would that work?” He asked. “I know of one case where children who detested cod liver oil, the same oil was given to an Eskimo child who drank it like it was wonderful.”

Hank’s eyes suddenly widened as a thought came to his mind, “The NS-5!” He said suddenly.

Joel looked at him puzzled, “What?”

“That movie,” Hank said pointing at Joel. “I, Robot with Will Smith. Where VIKI the computer mind uses the robots to try to take control of the world with the NS-5 robots!” He looked at Athena, “Can we see the A2 prototype again?”

The Apollo android vanished and the image of the first android Medika, Scott, and Anthony showed them reappeared.

“See?” Hank smiled pointing at the prototype. “It looks almost like the NS-5!”

Anthony grinned and bowed his head slightly, “Yes, it does.” He shook his head, “When I was smaller, I watched that movie several times.” He shrugged. “It just made sense! They were strong, agile, and quick. The people who made the robots for the movie applied robotic dynamics in designing those robots.”

Hank narrowed an eye and pointed at Anthony, “I don’t want to see that red light come on in the chest!”

Anthony laughed and shook his head, “No. That won’t happen.”

Joel held his hands up, “Okay, this has been fun. Please work with Angus and get some Harpy-Stingers ready.” He sighed, “We should have them before we go into stasis again. I don’t worry too much about anyone from our other Arks or the Earth, but we need to be ready.” He turned to Robbie. “I love what they’ve done with you.”

Robbie smiled, “I look forward to sitting at the table with the family…and tasting your cooking. I know Jimmy will accomplish what he set out to do.” He sighed. Robbie sighed! He smiled again at Joel. “Yes, I am to present real emotion. I breathe and have reactions like a person does,” he looked at Scott, “I don’t need air, but thanks to Scott it looks as if I am breathing. I will never be Human, but I hope to become more Human as much as I can.”

Joel grinned, “Just…with Ian, we may have to take it slower.”

Robbie nodded, “Jimmy has told Ian and everyone else what he hoped to do. I can remind Ian, if you want me to. Bring him here and let him see what’s going on here. I will be careful to turn my robot body off when I’m in here. Knowing that we are both me, well…”

“I have trouble with that myself,” Joel smiled. He was about to do something and stopped. “Can I hug you?”

Robbie smiled and hugged Joel, “We have been friends for a long time. You say I’m family. I look forward to hugs in the future.”

Joel was surprised. Robbie’s skin felt almost Human, and he was warm! “You’re warm!”

Medika nodded, “We made both of them like that.”

“I mean it!” Robbie insisted. “Hugs often and a plate of your Jambalaya! I look forward to that. And your catfish stew! Ian loves it.”

Joel did the cross sign over his chest, “I promise.”

 

On the way to their next stop Hank bumped Joel in a friendly manner. “You know that Athena downloaded the audio for Robbie and Robot.”

Joel smiled, “I do. Of course, robots were to have mechanized voices for movies and television. Marvin Miller was the original voice for Robbie. Bob May was the voice for Robot.”

Hank looked more superior, “Bob May was an actor, stuntman, and he had a great bass voice! He could sing! He was also in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the original narrator for the Grinch the Stole Christmas,” he leaned in toward Joel, “The animated cartoon film, not the movies, and he was the voice of Tony the Tiger.” He said loudly, “They’re GREAT!! You know Frosted Flakes. His voice is still used!”

Joel laughed hearing this, “Wow, you really are a fan of Robot! Not necessarily the show Lost In Space.”

Hank nodded, “I really am! I love Robot!”

“Fine,” Joel shook his friend’s shoulders. “Doesn’t he deserve a name?”

Hank’s eyes widened again. In shock. “He has a name! Robot! I can’t see him as anything else.”

Joel’s hands went up in surrender, “Okay, okay…he’ll forever be known as Robot.” He cocked his head at Hank, “Even if he’s in that Apollo body? You’re going to call him Robot.”

Hank shrugged, “I don’t know. After I’m gone, if he wants a new name, fine. I will only call him Robot.” He cocked his head, “You don’t think it’s odd to desire to have sex with Athena, Robbie, or Robot.”

Joel grinned, “No.” He stopped and looked at Hank. “Sex is no longer the only means to keep our species going. I wouldn’t because of Sara Beth. I don’t believe you would because of Rita. We are social creatures. The desire to have sex is natural as a way of connecting with someone else on a more powerful level. To make us part of each other. I don’t need to know about you, but I’ll tell you, I was not a virgin when I married Sara Beth. Nor was she a virgin when she married me.”

“Neither was Rita nor me,” Hank said. “I’ve had experiences with a few people…both female and male.”

Hank smiled, “We’re entering a new realm with Athena, Robot, and Robbie. It could make complications in the future with the people on the Ark.”

“We’ve not had the time,” Joel pointed out, “to bring a sexual component to artificial intelligence. You remember they created those robots in the past for the purpose of having sex with them.”

Hank chuckled and nodded, “Of course. I do prefer a partner that can respond. Having sex with Athena, or even having sex with Robbie…giving the partner pleasure is part of it.” Hank’s smile became a little mischievous, “Having one of them to give a blowjob might be pleasant. However, if you or I gave Robbie or Robot a blowjob…they might have erections, but part of the enjoyment is what we would do for them! It wouldn’t be the same if any response was merely a part of their program.”

Joel gave a shrug and nod, “I don’t know if I could with the body for Robbie. If what we saw of the sex organ, if he was a grower as well as a shower, I may not be able to do it.”

“The Apollo body for Robot was about the same size,” Hank grimaced. “I don’t know if I could deepthroat.” He was pinking up in the face.

Joel shook his head, “Why is it so uncomfortable to talk about sex? We do it anyway, why is the subject so hard to talk about?”

Hank let out a huff, “You know why! We were raised by people that for generations wanted to keep sex private. It should be…most of the time…” His hands went out a bit in frustration, “Religions, adult parents that wanted to keep their children from growing up, there are many reasons we were taught the very subject was taboo. The very acts…”

“It’s a part of who we are!” Joel argued. “I know Kevin is masturbating, Jimmy probably is, too. Ian…” he sighed. “They will have sex! How do you feel about Chloe and Rachel having sex?”

“I loathe the very idea!” Hank stated loudly. “They are my babies!”

“Mine are, too!” Joel added. “But it’s going to happen!”

“Yes,” Hank countered just as loud. “Why are we so loud about this?”

“Because of the importance!” Joel grinned and laughed. “We’re on the same side!”

“I know!” Hank laughed back and then raised his finger. “I know that Jimmy likes Rachel. I’ve tried to accept that it may be Jimmy that she has her first time with. Chloe and Lunga! Or even Lunga and Kevin!”

“I know!” He chuckled, “We have changed the meaning of family on this Ark. Xolani and Adam are a different sort of family. Xolani by genetic links is really Lunga’s uncle. Adam is Lunga’s father, but they are linked genetically.” His hands went out, “Then there is Mark, Matt, Nancy, and Connie! I know Matt and Mark want a child made up of the two of them! Connie and Nancy want one made of the two of them. If Mark has one with Connie or Nancy…the Matt has one with them, genetically they will all be linked!” He shook his head, “I don’t remember another family like they will be.”

“What will their children call the adults?” Hank truly asked because he did not know. “Connie’s and Mark’s child will call Matt and Nancy uncle and aunt!?”

“Until we come up with another name for the nonbiological parents…yes!” Joel answered.

Hank shook his head, “It’s a different sort of time today. You said the android bodies were too perfect.”

“They were!” Joel insisted. He tapped his teeth, “I got my perfect teeth from the many trips to the dentist and orthodontics.” He waved a hand in the direction they had come, “They were created perfect! They don’t need to exercise; they have the perfectly sculpted bodies now!” He held up his arm and brought his arm up and pointed at the bicep. “I work on these muscles every DAY!”

Hank reached up and squeezed Joel’s arm, “And a nicer bicep I never see except for my own.” He said raising his arm. “See?”

“Da Vinci couldn’t have sculpted a nicer bicep.” Joel laughed and squeezed Hank’s bicep. “Very nice. That’s my point! They just have theirs!”

“That’s not fair!” Hank said firmly. “We, however, know joy. Be it from the afore mentioned great sex, a good meal, or from satisfaction and pride because of a job that is well done. Will they ever know that?”

“I don’t know,” Joel said back and threw his arm over his friend’s shoulder. “We have to give them every effort and opportunity to find out.” He said and they continued to their next stop.

 

It was during dinner that night in the Nesmith quarters Ian looked at his parents where he asked, “Does Robbie have a soul?”

What the Hell!? Joel thought. How does a five-year-old come up with a question like that?

Sara Beth smiled at her youngest son. “That’s a good question. Do you have a soul?”

Ian shrugged, “I don’t know. They say we do as Humans.”

Joel looked at Robbie, who was in his usual robotic body, “Where did this come from?”

Robbie turned his body to look at Joel, “You instructed me to tell Ian what was going to happen to me. I told Ian about the new body they were working on for me.”

Jimmy looked a little uncomfortable, “It’s my fault. I told Ian we were going to move what is Robbie into a more Human-like body.” He grudged a nod. “I said, we were taking Robbie’s spirit or soul from in there,” he pointed at Robbie, “And putting it in a more Human body. He wants to see it.”

Joel smiled, “And he should.” He nodded, “I have. I was very impressed. We can see his other Human body tomorrow.”

Ian seemed happy hearing he was going to, but his mind was working. “You said we were violent. We are predators.”

“We are,” Sara Beth said.

Ian’s brow wrinkled, “I don’t want to be a predator.”

“I understand,” Joel said calmly, “but you are.” He waved at Ian’s plate, “That chicken you’re eating makes you a predator.”

Sara Beth had a patient smile on her face, “Technically, even eating a salad makes you a predator. The shrimp you love. The crawfish…makes you a predator.”

“Only when we get all we need from a star will we be able to say we aren’t predators.” Joel said.

“The universe made us what we are,” Sara Beth explained. “It set up the hunter and the hunted positions. We weren’t asked.”

“I don’t like it,” Ian said sadly.

“You can’t help it,” Joel said. “To live, we have to. What we eat is a conscious choice.” He watched his youngest slouch sadly at his resolution. He ventured a new topic. “Jimmy, you impressed Aunt Medika, Uncle Tony, and Uncle Scott.” He smiled at his son. “I might suggest you give them something to make them less perfect.”

“Less perfect?” Jimmy frowned.

“Give them something…like a crooked tooth, a freckle or two. Even a cowlick!”

“A cowlick?” Ian asked. “What’s that?”

Sara Beth chuckled, “It is what it sounds like. A tuft of hair that sticks up while all the other hairs don’t. You look like a cow has licked you. That’s why it sticks up.”

“Oh,” Ian smiled.

“You will see in the morning.” Joel said.

 

The next day began, and they went to the lab where Robbie’s android body was being worked on. That included Robbie in his robot body. Joel was pleased that Medika and Anthony had dressed the Android body in a coverall like all the residents of the Ark wore. It had the symbol of the Ark and the word written on the upper left side over what would have been the heart if he was Human. Even in uniform the android was an impressive Human. The outline of the muscles was easy to see. They had moved Athena’s android body out of the area. Robbie’s new body was the only one there.

“He’s very handsome,” Sara Beth confirmed. “I agree with you. He doesn’t look real without any flaws.”

Joel nodded, “Athena’s body doesn’t even have a beauty mark.” He shrugged.

“I will be over there,” Robbie said to Ian who was holding Robbie’s hand. Robbie pointed at the android. His gears stopped and the lights went off and Robbie was motionless.

Joel looked at the android body of Robbie. The eyes blinked and his head moved to look down at Ian. “Now, I am here.” He said with that same voice, but it flowed more naturally. The same tone, the same voice. Robbie smiled at Ian. “I am the same Robbie that watches you every night. I’ve been with you and your father almost everyday of your lives. I know secrets you tell me.”

Ian was not yet trusting that was true. His face held uncertainty.

“I know what you are working on that your parents don’t,” Robbie smiled.

Joel knew that Robbie was to calm, reassure, and invoke trust with his expressions. Joel felt it, too.

“You do?” Ian smiled. “Can you whisper it to me?”

Robbie leaned down and cupped his hands around his mouth and said softly, but Joel heard just barely. “You’re writing music for your family. You are composing a song now about your mother. You said you wanted to for your father and brothers.” Robbie stood upright and looked pleased at Ian’s expression now. He believed it was Robbie.

“Don’t tell them,” Ian cautioned sternly.

“Absolutely not!” Robbie assured.

Damn! Joel was believing Robbie was alive in the new body!