The Homework Machine

Snik, Kelsey, Brenton, and Judy gather at Snik’s house to say goodbye to Belch. Snik notices that Brenton looks worried as he works on shutting Belch down. Snik tells Brenton to stop “kidding around,” feeling as though they are entering some “weird science-fiction movie” (127). Snik suggests busting Belch with a baseball bat when Belch won’t turn off but agrees that Judy’s “brilliant” idea of throwing Belch into the Grand Canyon, coupled with Brenton’s suggestion that they use his catapult to launch Belch over the edge, is “genius.” When the four students catapult Belch over the rim, Snik watches it pass in front of the moon.

Unable to delete or even turn off Belch, Brenton realizes that the machine has learned to access an unknown energy source. Brenton’s frustration is overshadowed by his admiration for Belch: “I marveled at the power of artificial intelligence” (127), and he feels proud of Belch for “evolving.” Brenton agrees that the only solution is to throw Belch into the Grand Canyon, and while their plan is not ideal, they are in “Zugzwang.” The group finds an isolated spot on the South Rim and launches Belch over the edge, its red light still on.

Judy panics and pulls Belch’s plug out.