Chapter 8: Prologue...

Proverbs 21: 1-8

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.  A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.  The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.  Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.  The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.  The way of a guilty man is perverse; but as for the pure, his work is right.”

Moose steps out of the grocery store into the perpetual night of the First Last Stop. The air is cool, traffic thick, sidewalks bustling. He steps off the sidewalk into a side alley and pulls his hat brim low. The alley is tight, trash stacked and strewn about. A blue dumpster sits quietly out of the sight of foot traffic. Moose pulls his pack up on his back when he notices a foot.

The foot is mechanical, sticking out from under a pile of broken-down boxes. “What do we have here,” Moose says quietly and rubs his chin. He thinks a moment, then begins to remove the trash. He picks up a box, and another, placing them to the side. Underneath is revealed a bot. An abandoned bot.

Psalm 111: 2

“The Works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them.”

Proverbs 3: 1-10

“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.  Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.  Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first-fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and. Your vats will overflow with new wine.”

“Do you work?” Moose asks the powered-down bot. She is black, sleek, and clearly has not been taken care of. Moose leans down and brushes her off. With careful hands he reaches behind the bot’s neck, searching for her activation switch.