Harriet closed her eyes. Now it had to ask? If they gave it the wrong answer anything might happen. It could fly back to Vasquez. It could tip them out in mid-air and then fly back to Vasquez. Or—
"She tried to kill us and got arrested," said Alice. "You belong to me and Harriet now."
Harriet closed her eyes and waited for the canopy to fly off.
"Understood," said the computer calmly.
—Or it might just accept the new situation without a murmur, thought Harriet. Maybe the flight computer didn't like Teresa either. She glanced through the canopy and realised they were flying low over the city, and down amongst the low-slung buildings in the commercial district she saw a sight which brought a lump to her throat: the huge, blocky shape of the Dismolle Peace Force station. Then, looking closer, she saw something she'd never realised before.
"Computer, can you change the landing plan?"
"Certainly. What is your new destination?"
"Harriet, what are you doing?" demanded Alice.
Harriet ignored her. "The Dismolle Peace Force station. Can you land on top?"
"Indeed. That is a certified landing pad."
"Great. Off you go, then." Harriet watched the building slide by, with its huge yellow circle painted on the roof. Of course the station had a landing pad! They were Peace Force, not some tinpot private security detail.
"Oh, wow," said Alice, as she saw the rooftop landing pad. "Awesome! We're the Space Peace Force after all!"
"Throttle back there, hotshot."
"Complying," said the computer, and the engines cut out.
"No, not you!" said Harriet hastily. "I was talking to Alice! Turn them back on!"
"Complying," said the computer calmly. "But I don't know how you expect me to know who you're talking to."
"We should give him a name," said Alice.
Harriet thought for a minute, but she couldn't think of anything suitable for an ex-military fighter jet with a calm, laid-back personality.
"Clint!" said Alice.
"Nope."
"Arnie?"
"No chance."
"Chuck?"
"I am not flying around in a spaceship called Chuck," said Harriet firmly.
"Says the woman who called her car Steve."
The fighter turned sharply, and Harriet grabbed for her seat. The buildings were so close now she felt like she could reach out and touch them, and then with a gentle bump, they set down. "Rover," said Harriet suddenly.
Alice had undone her harness and was halfway out of her seat, but she paused at that. "What kind of a wussy name is Rover?"
"Our neighbours had a dog called Rover," said Harriet, freeing herself. "He always came when you called him."
Alice looked incredulous. "You want to name a fighter jet after your neighbour's dog?"
"You watch. It'll stick."
"I'll stick you in a minute," muttered Alice. She took the ladder to the airlock, removed her heavy jacket and stowed it in a locker. The hatch creaked open, and she pushed the ladder down, clambering out of the ship before the ladder had even reached the landing pad.
Harriet followed more slowly. The engines were ticking quietly to themselves, and the instruments on the console were still illuminated. "You can shut down now, Rover."
"Complying," said the computer. "Incidentally, there was once a book named after a planet rover. I enjoyed the series greatly, and I approve of the name."
"You read books?"
"I can fly vast interstellar distances without getting lost. You think enjoying fiction is beyond me?"
"N-no, I guess not."
"Anyway, there's little else to do between flights."
Harriet smiled. "Don't worry, I have a feeling Alice will keep you busy. She's got her heart set on setting up a space branch of the Peace Force."
"Excellent. I look forward to it." With that, the computer shut down, and the lights went off.
Harriet followed Alice down the ladder, and found Bernie standing nearby, the robot's face a mask of surprise. Sunlight streamed across the rooftop, and Harriet shaded her eyes against the glare.
"Trainee Alice. Trainee Harriet. Who gave you permission to land on the roof?"
"It's all right, Bernie," Harriet reassured her. "Rover got clearance."
"Who's Rover?" asked Bernie.
Alice muttered under her breath.
"Our latest recruit," said Harriet, and she gestured at the ship.
"But this vessel is registered to that nice young lady, Teresa Smith."
Harriet snorted. "That nice young lady tried to kill us both."
"Really?"
"Yeah, but we got her. She's in custody on Vasquez."
"I see." Bernie gestured towards the lift, which stood open. "Follow me, please. We need to hold a debrief immediately."
On the way to the ground floor, Bernie turned to Alice. "I have some good news for you, Trainee. The headmaster at the school which hosted your visit called to say they're very happy with you. The class was enthralled, and they want you back for another visit as soon as possible."
"Really?" Alice looked surprised, but also pleased.
"Apparently, the children are insisting. You made quite the impression."
"Awesome." Alice cleared her throat nervously. "Er, Bernie, can I have a word with you?"
"Of course, Trainee Alice. What about?"
"In private, I mean. It's important."
"Certainly you may."
"Now? Before the debrief?"
"Is it that urgent?"
"Yes. It won't take long."
"Then we shall talk first."
"Is everything all right?" asked Harriet.
Alice didn't reply, and at that moment the lift doors opened. While Bernie and Alice made for the staff room, Harriet turned for the front office. "I'll grab something from the shop while you two are talking."
"Get me something," said Alice. "I thought there'd be food aboard Rover, but—"
"Hah!"
"Dammit Harriet!"
Still laughing, Harriet strode through to Dave's shop. She figured Alice wanted Bernie to pay for flying lessons or something, but she had no idea why it couldn't have waited a few minutes.
Birch was sitting in his usual spot, busy with his manuscript, and he raised an eyebrow as she walked in with a smile on her face. "Ah yes, Peace Force work. Always good for a giggle."
"We arrested another crook. Took her ship, too. It's on the roof."
"I had a busy day too. I found at least three typos."
Harriet grabbed a couple of chocolate bars and took them to the till. "Thanks for dressing up in uniform, by the way. Foster was completely fooled."
"Well, I don't know about completely, but she left happy." Birch
