The novella begins with Mosscap and Sibling Dex just out of the forest on roads leading to their first village. Dex has sent ahead messages to all important factions that they (the author uses gender-neutral pronouns to describe Dex) are returning with robot Mosscap and they have received many responses of interest, wanting to meet this robot.
As Mosscap and Dex approach their first village, a large crowd with decoration meet them. Mosscap asks his question – “What do humans need?” Sibling Dex is concerned and disappointed when people answer the robot’s question by just asking Mosscap to perform menial tasks, like repairs and everyday chores, that a human might have asked in the past a service robot to perform.
But Dex is relieved when Mosscap asks him to explain what he was given in exchange for helping villagers – pebs. Dex explained that the villagers gave Mosscap a written list of electronic pebbles or pebs that can be exchanged for services or goods in the future – a form of currency. Dax also explains, someone need not have pebs to get what they need – a person can always make up what’s owed the community, and by villagers giving Mosscap pebs in exchange for his service, Mosscap is now considered part of the community. Mosscap is moved by this – it has never received anything for its input before.
It’s really funny how Mosscap is in awe of everything it sees – the paved roadways, the landscaped trees and flowers along the way. It keeps a photo log of everything, as well as acquiring a tablet to store its pebs. It downloads countless books to read and uses reading material as reference along the way.
It was so nice reading a science fiction without violence or conflict, knowing that things would get worked out someway in the end. The most stressful moment occurred when Mosscap couldn’t decide if he wanted to use a biodegradable organic part for its repair – it pondered over the implications of this new part – how and if that would change it and, taking organic parts without paying respects to its owners, also stressed it. Mosscap decides to melt down its original damaged part and reuse it, solving both concerns.
I loved reading this. As Sibling Dex and the robot Mosscap travel from village to village, making observations, they strengthen their bond and friendship along the way. Just great! I hope you give A Prayer For The Crown Shy by Becky Chambers a read – both of these monk and robot books are worth the read!!