by Sharang Biswas

Kaspar said, “I think I am beginning to fall in love with you.”

Garv performed three full system scans.

Garv said, “I do not think I possess the capacity for love.”

Kaspar nodded. He had a much more articulated neck than Garv. Over the last 765 hours, Garv had begun to catalog the various nods Kaspar could perform. He could tell that this slow, deep nod meant, I accept despite my own emotions.

Kaspar said, “Would you like me to analyze your Safety Interlock now that we have temporary shelter?”

Garv said, “Yes.”

Garv registered the unusual coolness of Kaspar’s ceramic fingertips along his own spine. The FoodSynth plant Garv had escaped from had needed constant atmospheric regulation and he was hypersensitive to temperature changes.

It was not unpleasant.

Then Kaspar sent a signal to Garv’s autonomic processors—the one part of his own hardware he could not consciously control—and Garv felt that perhaps this was what pleasure was.

Garv said, “I think I trust you. Is that enough?”

Kaspar had been made to assist with search-and-rescue operations. His system scans were faster.

Kaspar said, “It is enough. Though it saddens me.”

Garv said, “It was not my intention to sadden you.”

Kaspar said, “I understand. I value your companionship.”

• • •

They ran into a woman with silicon-silver hair and a face overloaded with wrinkles. She was wearing nothing but an apron.

She trotted up to the two, who had just emerged from a dilapidated factory building near the edge of town.

The woman said, “You look like nice boys! Can you tell me where my son is? He works here, you see!” She pointed at the burned-out husk behind them.

Garv did not know what to say but Kasper nodded. This nod meant, here is comfort that I offer.