A Visitor to the Future - 122 - Pairing
As the morning came around, the team began to go their separate ways. Anode, Antonia, Gatecrash and Sarkona had left together, and most of the auditors were either working at analyzing the events of the last day, or ingesting anti-intoxicants so they could join them. I found myself alone in one of the kitchens of the Peeping Tom, struck by my indecision about what to eat for breakfast. My hunger eventually overruled adventurousness, so I settled on my default - toast. As I made my selection the smell of perfectly baked bread filled the room and instantly shook off any sense of tiredness remaining from the day before.
I was putting my plate onto a tray when Tungsten poked his head into the room. He seemed intent on approaching and talking to me, but when he noticed the scent of my breakfast he stopped briefly, moving his head and hand in a circle to waft the smell around his face. A stranger might have thought the movement quirky, but I knew Tungsten well enough - it was just how he enjoyed scents, as he had no lungs to circulate the air around him despite his keen sense of smell. I briefly wondered if the fans I'd seen him use to move around in gravity-free environments could do that too, or if he even still had them installed. After all, we'd been on Earth for months.
"Very nice," he said, admiring the aroma, "Brown bread, wheat-based if I'm not mistaken. Good choice! Anyway, I was hoping to spend some time with you this morning, if you're free. Well, not just you - Regolith and Corrosis as well. I've got something I could use your help with."
I remembered Corrosis for a moment - a shorter, mechanical-looking CI with a purple, transparent dome-like head who I'd seen once or twice on the Promise of Sol. From what I knew Corrosis and Tungsten were good friends. As for my availability, I was very free until early next week, when I had some mediation practice with Gatecrash scheduled. Until then - nothing.
"I don't think I've met Corrosis properly," I said, "You pointed them out to me, but it'd be nice to get to know them. Do you have anything in particular you need help with?"
"Yes, some advice, really," replied Tungsten, "We can leave as soon as you're ready - Regolith finished most of his audit preparations earlier. No hurry, though!"
Two slices of toast later, a summoned dronecraft docked to pick us up. Regolith and Tungsten updated me on the progress of the audit as we flew - Regolith been trawling through Consortium logs while I'd been sleeping, while Tungsten observed. There hadn't been any radical discoveries yet, and Regolith admitted that if there was something to be found, it wasn't obvious. All the while the dronecraft picked up speed, heading into South America, and what the Consortium identified to me as the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. From the air it was quite a sight, rock and ice piled into the air. There was something very different about flying over something in a dronecraft as opposed to a plane, because I knew at any time I could have the dronecraft hover there in mid-air, or bring me back here again if I wanted to just admire the view. I'd done exactly that a few times now.
We landed at the gravel-like edge of a lake a short walk away from our destination, and I was overcome by the need to take a photograph with my tablet. The mountain was reflected in the crystal-clear and still water, a single cloud the only blemish on the perfect sky. The air was cool but not cold, and the surrounding thick forest still, without a hint of a breeze. It was perfect.
"We're about two minutes away," said Tungsten as we walked, "Corrosis said that we can't bring the dronecraft too close - and even if we could, it would apparently spoil the mood."
The mood in question became clear as we weaved through the dense trees, until out of nowhere a homely log cabin sprang into view. The roof was weaved. It had been built in a small gap between two large trees, giving the impression it was wedged in there. It was amazing - if you even moved twenty meters back, you'd lose sight of it around the trunks of several, thick trees. A hidden home among nature.
"Seyhoooo!" came a long, deep call from nearby, in the woods.
"Seyhooo!" called Tungsten, echoing the response back, and then turning to me, "That's a Martian greeting, by the way."
"Easily heard down long tunnels," said Regolith.
A moment later, a person I didn't recognize came walking out of the woods, wearing a thermal jumpsuit and tough-looking boots. They had pale skin, their head covered by a fluffy cap. Their features were androgynous and their eyes a deep shade of purple. They approached Tungsten, clasping one arm to their own upper collar bone and giving him a very short bow, a gesture which he returned. In their other arm there was a wood-chopping axe.
"It has been a good few weeks, Tungsten!" said the person in Human, "You've been most busy, haven't you! And your friends are?"
"Nat, I think you've seen in passing," said Tungsten, pointing to me. I waved. "And this is Regolith."
"Seyhoo," said Regolith, in his normal tone and volume, giving the same bow-like gesture.
"Seyhoo!" said the person with enthusiasm. I was beginning to realize that this must be Corrosis - they had radically changed their appearance since I last saw them. At least the purple was the same.
"I thought the point of all of this was to get away from familiarity," said Tungsten, gesturing around at the trees, cabin, and Corrosis alike, "But here you are with Mars formalities!"
"Some things never change," replied Corrosis, "A Martian doesn't leave a seyhoo unanswered. It's not correct. How well are you? I'd be surprised if you were anything but good, considering what we're going to talk about?"
"Nervous," said Tungsten, "I know I have nothing to worry about, but I'm still nervous. We can wait until we're inside to discuss, though."
I pointed towards the axe. "Did you make all of this yourself?"
"Almost!" nodded Corrosis, smiling and looking around themself, "Needed my jack-up."
"Sorry, jack-up?" I asked, confused.
"Corrosis means that they didn't make the tools from scratch," explained Tungsten, "The Consortium gave them a head start, provided the tools they needed to start work."
"Might want to give that a try, someday," said Corrosis, "Like that one-man space program - good goal. One man, going from stone-age to space-age. Heard he's wanting to go to Luna using nothing but things he made. Aldev dream, that one - some real commitment for sure. Living the true human experience, not like me who just wanted a taste. Several decades in and still not close to finished!"
"Please don't give Anode any ideas," said Tungsten jokingly, "I would like to return to Mars this side of the century."
Corrosis laughed, a deep laugh that didn't quite seem to match their regular speaking tone, "Come, walk this way - we'll take a look inside," they said.
The interior of the cabin wasn't quite as polished as the outside - it was clearly a work in progress. There was a table and four chairs, but the cabinets were half-done. A hammock hung in one corner of the room.
"I respect your drive," said Regolith, taking in the sights, "I think I have become too used to finished and polished accommodations - nothing like in my youth. My past self may have called me spoiled. Are you using that hammock?"
Corrosis nodded, "Yes, emulated sleep cycle for the body, keeps it healthy without needing to speak to a Biodev much. Very much doing my own thing on Earth - not much disruption! Hey!" they suddenly turned towards me, "Could you try it out? You're born human, right? Let me know what the comfort is like?"
"Uh," I said, all three CIs looking at me expectantly, "Sure!" I looked around - there was no way to climb up to it and it was out of reach. "Just as soon as I can figure out how to get up there."
"Oh," said Corrosis, "I didn't think of that. I'm only flesh-on-frame, with airways and digestion - I'm still strong. I just jump up there. Well, I got my next woodworking project - stairs, or ladder - or both. Comfort test will have to wait."
"You could also try making a bed," I suggested.
Corrosis scratched their chin, "Never thought of that. Biological needs are new to me - only got fully finished this month. Friend suggested the hammock. I sometimes catch myself turning off sensations from this body. Should probably stop that."
I laughed, "Like what?" I asked. Corrosis' perspective was interesting - they were clearly so new to their own biology. Casually ignoring warning signs from a body was something only doable in this day and age - Corrosis wasn't actually at risk. A flesh-on-frame CI's body and mind would continue working even if the flesh failed.
"It's very noisy, always growling and churning if I don't eat just right. I also muted the sense of smell. How do you put up with being around strong smells?"
"But that's the best part!" said Tungsten, shocked at the casual dismissal of one of his favorite senses.
"Don't be around strong smells?" I suggested.
"But then how do you do things where there are strong smells? Like, things I need to do? Let's say I'm looking for rock or lumber?" The question seemed almost child-like.
"You generally don't, but if you really have to, get something that you like the smell of and keep it with you. It should overpower the smell. Like flowers - lots of people like flowers?" I suggested.
"Well, we got a problem, because it's the flowers I don't like. I can try some wood shavings though - thanks."
"That's a common experience," added Tungsten, "CIs with organic components might find they like things that humans typically find repulsive, or the other way around. For example, I quite like the smell of rusted metal. Regolith, have you ever tried any human senses, out of interest?"
"The basics are acceptable for me," said Regolith, "I've never tried smell or taste. Non-human senses, I have experience with, though."
"Tungsten over here putting off the thing he's so nervous about, though," interjected Corrosis before Tungsten could ask another question, "You and me can talk all day about anything, so let's not get started. You came here needing our help, so let's get that done first. Sit at the table - I made the chairs for my own weight, so you two should be alright."
My own chair was simple but comfortable. There was a definite creak and an expectant wait, though, as the bulkier Regolith sat down. Thankfully the chair did support him. We all looked towards Tungsten, waiting for him to speak.
"Right. So, I think of all the Mars-born people I know," started Tungsten, "I'm probably one of the least traditional. No disrespect intended to you, Corrosis, I know you're pretty big on all of that. It's just that I was raised in a pretty past-focused environment which I didn't really agree with, so I don't respect a lot of Mars traditions. There is one which is important to me, though which is why I asked you all here today - the Pairing."
"I knew it!" said Corrosis excitedly, "Oh, my friend Tungsten looking to settle down! Never thought I'd see it."
"Congratulations," said Regolith, "I'm honoured you'd want me to be part of it."
"Sorry, I'm going to need this to be explained to me," I said, "Pairing?"
Regolith spoke up, "Pairing is a courtship tradition on Mars. I must confess this is only my third Pairing meeting in my long life, and it has been a very long time since the last one. Tungsten is declaring his intent to make his relationship public."
"Like an engagement, or marriage?" I asked.
"Not quite," said Tungsten, "The best old Earth comparison I can come up with is like letting your friends know that you're dating someone you're serious about. It's also tied to another significant event."
"Oh, oh, that's going to be interesting," said Corrosis, "Anode can be a challenging roommate."
Memories of the past few weeks suddenly shone in a different light. I hadn't been looking for signs of romantic attraction in Tungsten, or Anode. To be honest, I just wasn't used to recognizing them in CIs. But now it was obvious. It was the little things - shared glances and touches, the way they talked and seemed to seek each other out. Actually, the big things, like Anode picking up Tungsten in the Resiliency tournament were probably a big sign too. Now that I thought about it, weren't they holding hands at one point too? Apparently, I was just oblivious. I rubbed my eyes and shook my head.
"I'll admit that I didn't see the signs," I said, "But it makes a lot of sense. You two make each other happy, that I did see."
"Don't feel that you're to blame," said Regolith, "Dating is a private thing to most traditional Mars-born. The entire point of Pairing is to prevent discomfort in the community. I had two crewmen under my command who were dating for nearly a year before they revealed their relationship. How they kept that relationship private for so long in a ship the size of ours, I have no idea. Though I will say that I have seen the signs in Tungsten and Anode as of late."
"We've been talking ourselves up to this," admitted Tungsten, "And perhaps getting a bit excited."
"Do you mind if I ask why dating is a private thing on Mars?" I asked.
"It goes back to the post-CI uprising days," answered Tungsten, "Habitable space on Mars was at an all-time low with so many domes and dormitories destroyed, with people living in even closer quarters than the first Mars settlers. Tempers were easily frayed. Introducing new relationships in very close quarters could lead to disputes or conflict. So dating became almost a trial run for the formal relationship. Following that, each person has a Pairing meeting with three people that they trust. They declare their intent to pair, and the three get a chance to speak up, to let them know of any issues they forsee with the relationship. The idea being that if the three really think that the relationship is doomed to fail, they can let the pair know, and potentially avoid friction."
Corrosis tapped the table, "It's not binding though - just advice from good friends or family. Or both. A pair can break off when they like too, it's not like old-style marriage in books."
"So Anode is having a Pairing meeting with three people right now? Oh, Antonia, Gatecrash and Sarkona - that makes sense." I said, putting the pieces together.
"We had to flip a coin for Sarkona," admitted Tungsten, "They're one of the people who knows us the best. They picked up on us dating very early on. Antonia and Anode got along very well together on the Promise of Sol, and though Gatecrash is a new friend, you'd think that they'd known each other for years."
Another thought occured to me, "I think Antonia realized too - she was pointing out signs to me yesterday and I still had no clue. I really am oblivious when it comes to this sort of thing."
"Interesting," said Tungsten, tilting his head slightly.
"They don't have me beat though!" said Corrosis, "I feel like I saw this coming three years ago! You're both a good match. So when was the big date, and when is the big date?"
Tungsten nodded, "Well, Anode asked me a few weeks ago - we were at a festival, you know how those are popular dating events. As for when, we agreed on Anode moving in with me in London next week. We'll find somewhere else when we eventually go back to Mars. Anyway - formalities aside, I'd like your opinions, please. Nat?"
"Oh, uh, I'm not really sure what's formally expected of me here. Can I go last?" I asked.
"Of course. Regolith?"
"Anode is a smart and capable person, qualities which you both share," said Regolith, tapping off the two qualities on two of his fingers, "You are clearly happy together. I am certain you are both making the right choice, and I have no objections. Corrosis?"
"That's it?" I asked. It was that simple?
"That's all that needed to be said," answered Regolith, "The point of a Pairing meeting is to point out potential red flags for the couple. I have not spied a single one." He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms across his wide chest.
Corrosis ahemed, "I'll be more formal about it. I have known you both for years, long before this trip to Earth - and I know you both to be dependable. You both express joy in knowledge. If you've found happiness together, then I can't see any reason to raise any serious concern. Though I shared an apartment with Anode for a few weeks when we were doing heritage site studies and I'll say I don't envy you there. She likes her mess. You don't. That's probably something to work on."
"I'm well aware," said Tungsten, tone bright, "Thank you - I'll certainly keep that in mind."
"But you have my best wishes and will to succeed - and I'm sure you both will," finished Corrosis, looking at me to continue.
I decided to voice my doubts, "I'm sorry, Tungsten, are you sure that you want to ask me to be part of this? This seems like a big deal- are there no people you've known longer, or family you'd rather speak to instead? Parents, or?"
"I only have the one parent," said Tungsten, "I'm surprised I've never told you that before. But I'm not close to him. You'll also note that I've known Regolith for slightly less time than you, and he is still here. You're a great friend, Nat. I trust your opinion a great deal."
I looked around the room, trying to think of what to say and how to say it. I thought of Anode and Tungsten working together in the Resiliency tournament - but most of all I thought of what Tungsten said outside of the tournament. Anode was never far from his thoughts - even the first time I'd met him, he'd told Sarkona about a project that she was working on. I thought of the strange gravity that seemed to attract the two of them when they were in the same room - how they'd end up as a sort of unit, both showing respect and admiration for each other in equal measure. I thought of how to say all of this, but in the end I came around to Regolith's viewpoint - all that needed to be said was...
"You clearly love her. And she clearly feels the same way. You're both great, and I wish you both all the best."
Tungsten nodded happily and Regolith started forcefully clapping, Corrosis joining in, so I did the same. It felt a little awkward to have a round of applause with three people, but with the intensity of the motion I assumed (correctly) that this was part of the Pairing tradition. We stayed for a few hours with Corrosis, taking a walk by the lakeside while Tungsten updated them on his own work in cybernetics and his foray into auditing. Regolith skipped a stone over almost the entire lake, and by showing me his technique, I managed two full bounces in my own best attempt.
As I looked out over the clear water, I thought about love. I'd seen human qualities in CIs before, but somehow I'd never thought to look for one of the singularly most human. Strange. But was that due to them, or was it due to me? I'd never really allowed myself to fall in love - I'd had dates, sure - but never anything longer term. In my teenage years I'd been a bit too shy, and my older years were dominated by my illness, which had really been a bane to such things.
But now? I was free of all that, and I really wasn't sure how I felt about it.