Despite all the nerves my team complained about, they all go dormant about one earth hour after coming into sight of earth. Something that I have always found incongruent about the human race is how they can go from anxiety over their wellbeing in one moment, to sleeping to recharge their energy in the next. It is perhaps the most sensible thing about the whole species, considering they do need to replenish their energy in order to properly face potential dangers.

Perhaps, at their core, there is something almost mechanic to people. An inner working that is part of a programming they didn't put there to protect themselves even when their higher thinking gets bugged by a denial of service.

"Alicia Ivy."

I almost turn to face the reverend, but then remember that I am not confined to a body any longer.

"I am sorry about what I said earlier," Shipping says. "About you not having a soul."

"That is fine," I way. "Your programming tells you that this is so."

"My programming?" He raises an eyebrow. "You mean my worldview? All the same, you do appear to have feelings of some sort. So, I'm sorry if I hurt them."

"My feelings are only a projection to make me feel more human to put real humans at ease, much the same as my current hologram image."

Reverend Shipping gives me a small smile. "Well, you're doing a very good job at it. Sometimes it seems like you're the most human sentient on the ship."

"Thank you."

"And most well-mannered." He shakes his head, still smiling. "And it's all apparently a well-manufactured projection?"

"You can thank Orion for my excellent programming."

"I'll have to make a mental note."

"If you want, I can give you a telepathic reminder."

Shipping wrinkles his nose. "I think I will pass."

"Very well. Your opinion has been duly noticed and your privacy will be respected."

He raises an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

"With as much diligence as all artificial intelligences since their invention has always respected a human's desire for privacy."

"Oh, so I should just anticipate an intrusive reminder then?"

"Now you're learning. Almost as fast as artificial intelligence."

Shipping makes a noise somewhere between a laugh and a grunt. Then he sighs.

I observe him carefully, taking note of the way his emotions are ranging. Humans need to be kept under surveillance when they start behaving in that fashion. One never knows whether they will blow up at the end of it or-

His eyes roll backward, and he slumps in his chair. The faint sound of snoring comes from his mouse as his breathing slows and deepens in sleep.

Or that.

Humans.

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