Adrift

We split up, so frazzled by the constant attacks that the final decision is based on ewhat will irritate The Voice most, not what’s smart.

Jon suggests we split up. I mention that not to shift blame, but to… Actually, no: it is to shift blame – splitting up was not my idea.

Threats keep coming. We keep moving. The Voice praises ‘proper avoidance’. When we *don’t* do what it expects it gets… exasperated.

Hot air through the vents. I get goosebumps through the sweat. Yes, space is cold, but the biggest problem inside a ship? Heat.

We’re able seal both hatches leading into this service area and catch our breath. The Voice can’t pop a manual hatch. Or so we thought.

Right turn. Left turn. Service Ladder? Yes; above the gas is good. Above the gas means we can stop running. The Voice does not approve.

As we run, the Voice continues: “Running was the correct response. Please proceed at your current rate of speed to the next crisis.”

“The second option” involves flooding the corridor with inert gases. And now the running starts. Oh goody.

A glance at Jon and Deirdre says we agree. I tell the VITS no thanks. The Voice says that’s “unfortunate” and “requires the second option.”

Voice in the Speaker says it’s “deduced the arrangement you made with the outer subsystems” and would like to offer its services as a guide.