and, Edward noted, pinned up on top of her head in a bun. She looked every bit the part of the voice of the Eva Rye .

“Hello, Free Enterprise . My name is Saskia. I understand that you wish to trade.”

“I do. How do you wish to proceed?”

“Are you FE enabled?” Saskia shot a sidelong glance at Maurice sitting on the sofa, fingers poised over his console.

“I certainly am,” said the Free Enterprise . “Let’s not waste each other’s time. Would you be willing to take a passenger to Earth?”

“I don’t know,” said Saskia. “Is that all that is required?”

“Yes. Simply drop this person off as close as is safely possible to their destination, and then the contract is complete.”

“Mmm. Why would anybody want to go to Earth?”

“I could add that information into the price, but why not just ask her when she boards your ship? I’m sure she would be happy to tell you.”

“So the passenger is a she?”

Edward opened the fridge door and smiled when he saw that the apple juice container was full. Ever since the Eva Rye had separated, the container never seemed to run out. He poured three glasses. One each for himself, Maurice, and Saskia.

Maurice whispered something to Saskia.

“That’s a good point,” she murmured. “ Free Enterprise, what if we cannot actually reach Earth? I heard that the Watcher is refusing to allow anyone past Jupiter’s orbit.”

“As I said, as close as is safely possible. I will trust the FE software to adjudicate.” There was a little chuckle. “I see that you are unfamiliar with the implications of FE. I take it you are relatively new at this game? Such lack of trust is typical.”

Saskia rolled her eyes. “It’s a cold universe out there, Free Enterprise .”

Edward pushed a cold glass of apple juice into her hand.

“Why, thank you, Edward,” she said.

He hesitated, not wanting to interrupt.

“Yes, Edward?” she said.

“Saskia, why can’t we see who you are speaking to? They can see us, can’t they?”

“Because…” Saskia frowned. “Actually, that’s a good point. Why can’t we see you?”

There was another chuckle.

“You can see me. I’m the ship. I am the Free Enterprise.

“You mean you’re an AI?” said Maurice, and Saskia glared at him, angry at being interrupted. He didn’t seem to notice. His character seemed to have changed with his new outfit. He looked so much more relaxed in his greys.

The Free Enterprise sounded amused as it replied, “Yes, I am an AI.”

“But I thought AIs couldn’t function where FE is being used?” Maurice sounded puzzled.

“No, that’s not true,” said the Free Enterprise, “although a lot of people make that mistake, particularly in the early days of adoption. I’m not trying to be rude, but I think it’s fair to say that you obviously haven’t grasped the full implications of what you’ve signed up to. Now, are we going to do a deal?”

Maurice gave a shrug.

Edward was nodding his head vigorously.

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