Entry 39

“An android world?” I asked with a frown.

“Some androids choose to go there in the end,” Blaue commented with a serious face. “Prejudices run deep in the universe. On their planet they don’t have to deal with that. Everyone is equal there.”

“Separate but not equal,” John responded, causing Blaue to frown and Ven to glance at him. Clearly neither of them understood the reference.

“In Earth history, there was a time in the country of America where people with darker tinted skin were not allowed to go to school with or eat at the same places as people with lighter tinted skin,” John explained. “The rational was that they would have separate but equal facilities. But separate never means equal. If you treat a people like a second class citizen then their facilities will be second class as well. It was called segregation.”

“What does skin coloration matter?” Ven asked with a frown. “That is idiotic.”

“And some think circuitry or nerves, what does it matter?” Blaue responded with a pointed glance in Ven’s direction.

“It makes a world of difference, Blaue,” Ven answered sharply. “I wish you would stop confusing our new guest who is new to such ideas.” He motioned to me, and I scowled.

“You’re not confusing me, and don’t talk about me like I’m not here,” I scowled at him.

“Ven often forgets anyone but himself exists,” Blaue said turning to me with a smile. “I’m sure you must be tired. Perhaps it would be best if you go to bed?”

“It has been a long day,” I admitted. I had eaten all of the food Ven had given me, and now that my stomach was full I was beginning to feel a bit drowsy.

“I think bed would be best,” John agreed with Blaue. “We can then discuss our future tomorrow after we are well rested and have had time to dwell on things.”

“Well, you know where your rooms are,” Ven said. “Come back here if you get hungry or just want to go somewhere other than your room. Don’t wander around the ship.” I nodded for at the moment I had no intention of wandering around the ship. I was tired. I had started the day thinking I was on Earth with my family and now I was in a strange spaceship. It had been a long day.

“I’ll open the rooms for you,” Blaue said, rising to her feet, but Ven motioned for her to stop.

“Stay here, Blaue. We need to talk,” Ven said. Blaue sighed but took her seat again.

“I can still open the rooms for you,” Blaue reminded me. “I’ll sense when you’re near your room and let you in.”

“Thank you, Blaue,” I said, getting to my feet. John got to his feet and moved quickly to my side. “For everything. Thank you too, Ven. I’m glad I’m still not in that zoo. Thanking you for letting me take John with us.”

“I’m just doing my job, Carlee,” Ven responded. “This isn’t about you personally. It’s about the mission. The Society can’t simply abduct people from their planets and tear them from their lives. It’s not right.” I simply nodded, not wanting to rise in response to another one of Ven’s passionate speeches. I was tired. I wanted to go to bed.

John escorted me from the mess and to my room. The wall opened before me, just as Blaue had promised, revealing the purple room.

“Thank you, Carlee,” John said as he hugged my goodnight. “Thank you for convincing that man not to leave me behind.”

“I could never leave you behind,” I responded, hugging him tightly. “You’re all I have, John. I don’t care if you’re an android.”

“I’m glad,” John answered, releasing me. “Now go to bed. We’ll talk about everything in the morning.”

“Night, John,” I said stepping into my room.

“I love you, Carlee. Goodnight,” John called after me.

“I love you too,” I answered, just before the wall closed. Then I was alone, but it was alright. I knew John was just a room away, like he had been all my life.

Moments later, I was warm under the blankets in the bunk, fast asleep.