Chapter 5 Romance is in the Solar System

An excerpt from The Starlover Series Book 1: Project Earth

Fred still worked on his spaceship, but he noticed one of the earth nymphs was hanging around his brother. He watched them from a distance. It made him sad even though he could still find plenty of women to spend time with. It was just Raelina. Yet, there was something about her that even Fred couldn’t deny.

He wasn’t sure if he should feel jealous or happy for his brother. He sighed. He watched them more and realized that he might have to leave her alone. He went to visit Dr. Asimov’s house. The older man wasn’t home, but Hal was.

“Come in, Fred. Dr. Asimov is busy with the earth nymphs right now. Is there something I can help you with?”

“Yeah, can I look over those diagrams for an android again?”

“Sure. They’re right here.” Hal handed over the information. “Do you have any questions about androids?”

“Yeah, I do. Dr. Asimov suggested that I build a robot to help me run the ship. I think it’s a good idea.”

“I noticed you’ve made a lot of progress with your ship lately. How close are you to completion?”

“I don’t know. The four drives are installed. So is the computer. But I need to add some living space to it. I’ve been having a little trouble with that lately.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with something sooner or later.”

“Well, perhaps I have an idea. I was looking into having a decent kitchen and living room. A bathroom of course. A medical bay and a couple of bedrooms. In case I have guests.”

“That sounds pretty comfortable for a bachelor.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. But I may need to robot to help with upkeep. Like cleaning or other things that I may forget to do as far as maintenance goes.”

“Dr. Asimov mentioned there would be a lot to do on a spaceship by yourself. But with a robot, it shouldn’t be so bad. I’m sure you will be fine if you build one.”

“Yeah.” Fred studied the diagrams. “I like this design, but where am I going to get all these parts?”

“I’d be happy to help.”

“Really? Won’t you get in trouble?”

“No. I’m allowed to get my hands on those items.”

Fred smiled. “Good. But I don’t want a male android. I want a female.”

“That can be arranged. If you look here and here, you’ll see there is a design for a female.”

“Oh, yes. Very good. Can we change the coloring of her hair and skin?”

“Sure. What colors do you want?”

“Green for both. And green eyes.”

Hal blinked. Made no comment as to whom Fred could be thinking about. “Let me make those notes.” He made the adjustments. “There. How’s she look to you?”

“Beautiful.”

“Good. She will be highly intelligent. If you don’t treat her well, she won’t let you get away with it.”

Fred laughed. “Good. I like them feisty. It will make the dullness of space travel go by faster.”

Hal smiled. He helped Fred to finalized the plans for the new android. Neither told anyone that they were collecting parts and building one. Fred was the one who decided her name would be Starfire. Hal made a note of the name. From then on they just mentioned the name and nothing more.

The earth nymphs knew Fred was up to something a bit more than just the spaceship. But no one questioned him. They found it more fun to watch him building and designing than asking him questions. It was obvious to everyone that Fred enjoyed working on his spaceship. But there were some who were beginning to wonder if it could fly.

Would it work when the time came? There was only one way for Fred to find out. But it wasn’t time for that yet.

Fred left the house to return to his spaceship. He had the notes about the android on his tablet computer. He checked the ship’s computer and uploaded the notes.

“Hey, you busy?”

Fred turned to see Raelina. “No.”

“Good because I wanted to talk to you before you hear it from someone else.”

“Hear what?”

“About Dave and me.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“Oh. Okay.”

He sighed.

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to break your heart. I don’t want to take your brother from you either.”

“But you prefer him to me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“He’s faithful and he’ll settle down.”

“Oh. Then you should be with him.”

“Fred, don’t be sad.”

“Raelina, you’ve made your choice. I am happy for you and Dave.”

“But you’re sad. You’re heart is breaking. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. Enjoy my brother. He will give you what you prefer better than I ever could.”

“Would you break all ties with your brother?”

“No. Did he ask you to marry him?”

“No.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Okay, I just wanted to make sure you’d be alright with Dave and me.”

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“Okay.” She turned and walked away.

He watched her go. He sighed. He had no idea what he would say to his brother if she was brought up in conversation. Fred set his tablet down. He sat down on the floor. He let his head fall to his lap. He didn’t stop the tears from falling. His body shook. He held on to himself. No one saw him. He was hidden by his ship.

It wasn’t too long after that when Dave gave him the news. Dave and Raelina had just gotten engaged. They weren’t waiting very long. Just a little wedding and they both wanted Fred to be there. Fred agreed to be at their wedding. But his sadness grew for a time.