“The Omnipod indicates that there are quite a large number of life-forms in the colony we are approaching,” Muthr declared. “Are you sure we will be safe here, Mr. Kitt?”

“Yes,” Rovender replied. “I have been to this village many times. The local folk, the Halcyonus, are friendly and trustworthy. They live entirely off the water.”

“And here we may find news of other humans?” Muthr asked.

“Perhaps, Mother Robot,” Rovender said. “Occasional travelers come through here, so you may be able to learn more. I will introduce you to a friend who perhaps can help.”

The smell of the lake became more distinct as Eva and her companions approached its windy shores. The lapping of the waves against the shoreline was a sound she had heard before in simulations. Now, as Eva heard actual water caressing the land, she couldn’t wait to explore.

Otto stopped abruptly, and Rovender gathered his belongings. “We are here,” he said, dismounting the behemoth.

Eva grabbed her satchel and slid down the side, landing on the pebbly beach. Dark water swirled around her rubber-soled sneakboots. Distant calls of turnfins, carried on the lake’s chilly breeze, filled the night sky.

Eva looked out at the great lake. Its dark rippling vastness stretched so far out that it merged with the dense fog on the horizon. As lightning flickered high above, Eva spied what looked like gigantic towers perched on top of a low-lying island.

Muthr was still and silent facing the lake and its windy breath, the little light blinking on the back of her head. Eva approached her.

“Can you believe it? A real lake,” Eva said, taking one of Muthr’s warm hands. “It’s so huge. I never thought we’d see something like this.”

Muthr recited,

“O’er the glad waters of the dark blue sea,

Our thoughts as boundless, and our souls as free.”

Eva looked up at her as she finished. Muthr stroked Eva’s cheek with silicone-tipped fingers.

“The bridge to Lacus is up ahead. Are we ready?” Rovender lit the lantern hanging from his rucksack. Through the lapping waves, he made his way over to Eva and Muthr. “Eva Nine, you should send Otto on his way.”

Eva balked. “What? No!”

Rovender knelt down, looking Eva in the eyes. “He cannot come where we are going.”

“But he’s my friend . . . just like you are.”

Rovender took off his hat. “I understand. However, he will find safety from the likes of Besteel in the numbers of his herd. He must go.”

Eva nodded in agreement and traipsed over to Otto at the lake’s edge. He raised his massive head and let out a cheerful hoot as he watched her approach.

Little one. Protect.

Eva leaned her forehead against his. I am safe now, thanks to you, she thought to him. You must go and find your herd, where you can also be safe.

No. Others. Here.