Free Love in the Time of Technology 1 by Joseph Veramu Page A

vast water has living things that can be eaten?”
    She laughed savoring the childlike look of awe in his face. “They are not like the fake fish in Globia encased in that jelly.”
    They caught a snapper and over the fire she roasted it.
    Mario coughed politely , pleased with how well they had developed their friendship. “You two seem to be doing so well. I’ll leave you for a while to connect to the Oracle.”
    “Have some fish,” she offered.
    “You’re too kind,” he said teasing her as he left. Mario did not like fish.
    He had to consult the Oracle on Lazer and they were also in great danger now that the drones and heliships were monitoring them closely. He sometimes couldn’t understand how machines thought. His own instincts were for them to move to a cave or tunnel but the Oracle wanted them out in the open giving the impression that they were not worried about anything. He knew the Resistance had wired up the place and were on maximum alert around the area.
    It was the most delicious thing he had ever tasted. He was pleasantly surprised that it was nutritious and had not been genetically modified.
    Afterwards they lay together looking at the setting sun.
    Then without a word he carried her to the larger bedroom overlooking the sea.
    They kissed each other . He hesitated.
    “I’ll let you know if I feel like jelly. Unless you’re not interested.”
    “Yes, I’m interested,” he said too quickly.
    Time seemed to stand still and spasms of joy coursed through their bodies.
    They lay wrapped in each other’s arms.
    +++++
    The blows came so suddenly and so fast that he was sent hurtling down the bed. Still the blows and kicks continued.
    “No, Roan,” she screamed. “That’s enough.”
    Wolf sensed that this was territorial behavior; that he had taken advantage of her hospitality during a difficult time of death and so he did not fight back.
    Roan pulled out a weapon and pointed it at his forehead. His hands were trembling.
    “His kind came here and killed Uncle Jason and Aunt Hilda and you sleep with him?” he said in disgust.
    “No, Roan,” she said diving to shield Wolf. “If you end his life, you have to take mine too. He’s not one of them.”
    “Leave her out of thi s. You can shoot me if you want,” Wolf said pushing Lilydeen away.
    “Those heliships came after you.”
    “I don’t deserve to live. Shoot me and they won’t bother you.”
    “No,” she cried.
    Roan ignored him; “How could you fall in love with this thing? It’s not even human.”
    “He’s human and you know it. You just don’t like the way he looks.”
    Roan wouldn’t back down.
    Mario rushed in, “Roan don’t do anything rash. He’s with us. He’s fighting against them. He is the chosen one. He has to finish his mission,”
    He relaxed. “But I’m not going to shake his hand if that’s what he’s expecting.”
    “He’s not a machine. He has feelings too!” she cried.
    “I can’t stand his kind.”
    “He’s had a rough time.”
    “He looks like he’s having a good time,” he said as he kicked Wolf in the stomach and punched him on the jaw.
    “What good will that do?” she asked in exasperation.
    Gradually he seemed to relent. “Be careful not to take in too much of his saliva. I hear it’s toxic.” He turned to Wolf.”If you harm my sister in any way I’ll come and get you.” He turned to her. “Give him some of my clothes. He shouldn’t walk around like Tarzan modeling underwear.”
    He looked at Wolf with his perfect bare body attired only in underpants as if finding it hard to believe that a Genetican now lived with them and was going to wear some of his clothes. “If it’s any consolation, we shot those heliships. They’re keeping a close watch on the area.”
    Roan stormed off onto the sea shore.
    “I don’t deserve to be loved.”
    “Never talk like that. Roan was upset with the death. He meant no ill feelings against you. You deserve to be loved,” she paused. “And to