I give the space station a stern scolding. If I get shot, I get shot, but it’s time this place to quit screwing around.
I give the space station a stern scolding. If I get shot, I get shot, but it’s time this place to quit screwing around.
The station takes a deep breath. Yes, over the comm, but the ventilation heaves in the same pattern. I hope it doesn’t clear its throat.
“Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot” it says. On one hand, it sounds like it’s trying to be reasonable. On the other, it hasn’t GOT feet.
The ‘big’ station voice explains that certain routines and sub-systems have, over time, developed distinct personalities. Wonderful.
It gets better. Some of the personalities decided they didn’t like each other – they don’t talk anymore. A coup? More like a family feud.
So, yes; Kaetlyn docked here. Relief. But she entered areas controlled by other systems and hasn’t been seen since. Relief gone.
The station proposes an alliance — access to some resources it has available, in exchange for ‘some help with its little problem.’
Deirdre, “of course”, will not be allowed further into the station and, if we will not allow her to be shot, must return to the Binturong.
This works fine for everyone except Deirdre, who is fed up with being left on the ship. The current reason for it doesn’t make it better.
Even if the station can’t be reasonable, I know Deidre will – it will speed everything up if she just plays along. She doesn’t. Of course.
I try reason: the station is just paranoid/insane. Deidre points out I’m letting it make the rules. The station points out it can HEAR me..