Stranger in a Strange Land

On the ride back, Jubal and Gillian debate the legitimacy of the Fosterite Church. Jubal claims it’s no better or worse than any other religion, but Gillian finds it “‘nonsense.’” At least, he argues, it’s free of the draconian violence of the Old Testament and preaches happiness as the ultimate virtue. Back at Jubal’s compound, the conversation expands to include Islam.

In his room, Smith retreats into his trance state, trying to grok the “wrongness” of his encounter with Digby. He was forced to make a choice “at cusp” (to disappear Digby), a choice only he is responsible for. By choosing to accept the obligation of free will, Smith moves beyond his nestling stage and into adulthood. At midnight, he emerges from his room and encounters one of his water brothers. They sit by the pool, gaze at the stars, and make love.

On Mars, human colonists prepare for another expedition. On Earth, among other political events, the Fosterite Church proclaims Digby a saint after his mysterious disappearance. In the afterlife, Foster cautions Digby not to retaliate against Smith, but instead to “Get Happy, Junior!” (268). At the compound, Jubal notices a change in Smith: a more confident, deeper voice: “Jubal decided that Mike had joined the human race” (269).