and, Edward noted, pinned up on top of her head in a bun. She looked every bit the part of the voice of the
“Hello,
“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
“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
Maurice whispered something to Saskia.
“That’s a good point,” she murmured. “
“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,
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
“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
“But I thought AIs couldn’t function where FE is being used?” Maurice sounded puzzled.
“No, that’s not true,” said the
Maurice gave a shrug.
Edward was nodding his head vigorously.