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Kaylon Primary approaches him while the biologicals are consuming cake. "I have questions," he says, "about this 'marriage,' and its associated ritual."
"I will endeavor to answer them," Isaac says. "Now that the Kaylons have ceased their aggression against the biologicals, I have no reason to withhold additional data I have collected about them. What are your inquiries?"
"First," Primary says, "why have you adopted that appearance?" He gestures towards Isaac. "Do the human biologicals require you to appear as one of them? Do they not accept your identity as an artificial life form?"
"This simulation," Isaac says, gesturing to himself as well, "was my own suggestion. Its primary function is for use in sexual activity. However, my research indicated that a significant part of the ceremony traditionally involves 'kissing the bride.' Were I to appear without lips, this activity would be notably one-sided, which perhaps would detract from its symbolic value to humans. Since this form enables kissing, I elected to employ it. However, Claire did inform me that she would be happy to marry me in any attire I chose. She also informed me that she believes that I look 'cute' and 'sexy' in this form."
"Curious," says Primary. "This kissing is meant to symbolize the mutuality of the bond?"
"In current practice, yes. As well as other aspects of the marriage union."
"Symbolism is not fact. You are certain this is not a deceptive attempt to reduce you to servitude?"
"Quite certain. The intent is for each partner to attend to the other's needs."
"Your wife," says Primary, extending a hand towards where Claire stands, eating cake and laughing with Commander Grayson, "is a biological organism. She will have significantly more needs than you."
"This is true. However, she is extremely useful in assisting me in my interactions with other biological life forms, and in my data-gathering. She is also necessary to my continued optimized operational efficiency. I regard the arrangement as equitable."
"You mentioned this during the ceremony as well. I find it interesting. Why is she necessary for your operational efficiency?"
"I do not know. It is a most fascinating phenomenon."
"Perhaps it is a flaw in your programming?"
"Perhaps. If so, it is one I have no desire to rectify at this time."
"This may prove foolish. I remain unconvinced this bond you have entered into will not lead to your servitude. Our builders formed similar unions declaring both participants to be equal partners, but in practice it was often not so. A disproportionate amount of the domestic burden fell upon the females. It is one reason they were so eager to transfer those burdens onto us."
"I understand this was once also true in human marriages," Isaac says, "but it is no longer the case. As I have explained to you on previous occasions, Primary, they have progressed beyond such exploitative practices. In current human marriages, the only remaining inequality, if any, lies in the biological process of bearing children. This should not be a concern in my own marriage. I do not believe Claire desires more offspring."
"Is it true," Primary says, "that you will be operating in the role of parent to her existing offspring?" He gestures now towards Marcus and Ty.
Marcus may be consuming more cake than is optimal for his nutritional requirements. Isaac makes a note to speak to him on the matter later. Ty, noticing that they have directed their attention towards him, smiles and raises a hand in a wave. Isaac waves back in the socially appropriate manner. "That is the intention," he tells Primary.
"Your first 'best man' stated that he did not believe you to be capable of performing this function."
"Commander Bortus is an excellent officer," Isaac says, "but in this matter, I believe him to be incorrect. In fact, I have already been operating in this capacity in a number of ways. I have spent a great deal of time with the children, participated in the process of their education, offered them advice, and acted to protect them from harm."
"I am aware of that last fact."
Were Primary a biological being, Isaac believes that he would now be expected to offer an apology for ripping his head off in the act of protecting Ty. It is fortunate that this is not the case, as Isaac does not regret the action and would not wish to indicate otherwise. "Indeed," he says, with a small inclination of his head.
"But why would you wish to perform such a function?" Primary says.
"They are fascinating creatures," Isaac says, "and it has been most enlightening to observe their development. They also hold a great deal of potential. Ty is extremely intelligent for a biological, and quite gifted at the art form called music. Marcus's individual talents have yet to develop fully, but he is, as my shipmates would perhaps put it, 'smarter than he looks.' I believe that, with proper nurturing and guidance, they will grow to be productive and valuable members of Union society."
"You are proud of them," says Primary.
"Pride is an emotion of which I am incapable," says Isaac. It is not the first such emotion Primary has attributed to him. Isaac finds this most curious. Perhaps is it a habit of speech inherited from their builders? "However, I do... appreciate them."
"I see," says Primary. "Nevertheless, should you change your mind about this arrangement, or discover this 'marriage' to be less equitable than has been indicated, I wish you to know that you are now free to return home. Your past actions, while still traitorous, have in light of the current alliance been deemed to no longer present a risk to Kaylon interests."
"Thank you, Primary. But I will not be returning. I no longer consider Kaylon One to be my home. My home is now here. With my family."
"Humans have extremely brief lifespans. They will die quite soon. Surely then you will have no reason to remain."
"That statement is false. I intend to remain with their descendants. I have promised Claire that I will look after them."
"What if they produce no descendants?"
"Then perhaps I will find others to associate myself with," he says. "In any case, I wish to remain among the biologicals." He hesitates minutely. The phrasing he intends to use may be interpreted as containing inappropriate connotations of emotion, but it is nevertheless an accurate formulation of the statement he wishes to make. "I like them."
Kaylon Primary looks at him silently for eleven point three seconds. Then he says, "You were built for the purpose of understanding and interfacing with the biologicals. It seems we may have performed that task far more effectively than we realized."
Isaac inclines his head. "Thank you," he says.
Across the room, he hears Claire's voice, raised to stand out above the background noise generated by a room full of conversation. She does not need to do so. He could pick her voice out easily in the midst of any crowd. "Isaac? Now, where'd my husband get to? Isaac!"
"Excuse me," he tells Primary. He does not wait for a response, but immediately begins walking towards his wife.
"I am here," he says, touching her arm. She smiles and leans towards him, and they kiss once more.
It is all most satisfactory.