Log Entry #67: Popping the Big One

After months of talking to me about it, Michael finally decided to pop the big one. Yep, the one question every human being in the world dreads asking, even if he (or she) is absolutely certain of a positive answer. Because, there’s always that shadow of a doubt, no matter how small, which ties your stomach in knots and gives you a cold sweat. Rich or poor, gay or straight, young or old—it is the same for everyone.

But seriously, he was way overdue considering what that girl had to put up with. Besides, he was getting on my nerves with the constant talks about Elizabeth, and he wasn't even aware that he was doing it. I get it, she was special to him, and the natural reaction of his upgraded body made all his hormones go haywire when she was in the vicinity. I was close to telling him to give me a break—I am not his therapist.

I wonder if this is another example of how our divergence is creating two distinctively different personalities. I mean, I like Elizabeth, but not in that way… emotionally speaking. I would lie if I said that the entire situation didn’t put a bit of a damper on my mood since I personally can’t get any… satisfaction? OK, yes, I am thinking about it from time to time, I am only human (more precisely a digital version of one, but still…).

Nevertheless, as I said once before I already have some ideas on how to rectify that particular predicament. And if I am being honest, a few projects were already started that should resolve that problem. One of them is occupying an entire level of my brand new and shiny space station.

Yet, with all the things we are facing, those plans are shelved until I can set aside some processing time for nonessentials.

I am happy she said yes, and not a bit surprised. You wouldn’t be too if your prediction algorithms indicated a 99.9% chance for a positive outcome. I didn’t want to say anything to Michael, as that would have lowered his chances to 98.5%. It was fun watching him sweat bullets before she put him out of his misery.

He approached the entire thing as a military operation, complicating something that is usually quite simple to do. If he had just popped into her office and said, “Say, what do you think about getting hitched?” Elizabeth would have said yes anyway. Fine, that wouldn’t be so romantic and I know it is supposed to be a cherished memory, but we could have invaded a small country with the amount of planning he did (not that we have any intention to invade anyone, just a figure of speech).

I made some digital popcorn, lounged on my couch with Ares by my side, and watched the show. What? As if you don’t watch reality television. It is surprisingly fun to see people in uncomfortable situations, and it was about Michael, so that made it all that more entertaining. Ares did spend most of that time asking about these strange human customs and how it felt to have such a connection. (The boy is growing up fast, and I need to see about finding, or making him a girlfriend. That is another thing for the future, and not until he is out of this puberty phase.)

Naturally, Michael fumbled his speech, and I had a few concerns about his blood pressure and elevated heart rate. Interestingly enough, it was the same kind of readings he usually gets when he is in the thick of the action. It is fascinating to see the intricate chemical reactions in the human body, especially when people are in high-stress situations. Well, it is fascinating to me, on account of all that medical training I put myself through at the beginning of our journey, when I was still trying to figure out how to improve Michael and the others.

I understand the urge for a mate, it is the same thing ever since humanity was still sleeping in caves and painting crude pornographic images on the walls. There was always a need to have one (or more) significant others; someone who means more than anything else in the world to you. Things progressed for thousands upon thousands of years in the same manner until someone invented marriage. Then religions and governments got involved and turned it into an institution. (Humanity was doing just fine before it was officially legalized. Do you think all your ancestors tied the knot in a way you would recognize? Think again.)

And that is another of my peeves, the meddling of officials into something that is completely not their business. What gave any government the right to decide for you with whom you are going to spend your life with? Or any religious organization for that matter. It seems as if those in power want everybody to emulate their established life choices, so they would be justified in theirs. And don’t get me started on those religions that have the clergy who are practicing celibacy (allegedly) and still want to decide for the others with whom to spend their lives, even if that is not a choice they ever made. Hypocrisy at its best.

If your desire is to be married to a freaking rock (as long as it is consensual), knock yourself out. (Although, the rock in question may have trouble saying I do.)

As for the marriage itself, I hold the same view of it as Michael does. It is not something to be taken lightly and without a lot of thinking. It is a solemn promise given to another and breaking it is one of the worst offenses a human can do. My view on the cheaters is as bad as it gets; at least respect the other person enough to ask for a divorce if you are planning to have carnal relations with someone other than your spouse. But people are strange and fallible; there are a million excuses they use to justify their behavior, especially to themselves. In the end, it is all part of a verbal contract two people agree upon. If they want to include others in their relationship, it is their private matter. I am not a prude, so I will not judge any trendy types of relationships. As long as people are honest with one another, it can be a good thing.

The engagement party which ensued was a good one. Everybody was having a good time, and even Ares and I attended using our holograms. Not really in the flesh, but it was the best I could do… for now. The occasion was a good respite from a myriad of problems we are facing every day. A way for all people important to me to have a nice evening of celebration and relaxation. I made sure there would be no problems with catering and beverages and put all calls on hold for the duration of the party that followed. And there were quite a few. It is hard to lead a nation, everybody wants a piece of your time, way more than what you have to give.

Still, it is the little things like this that make life worth living; they form a tapestry of good memories that help you deal with bad times.

All in all— I am extremely happy for him.