Interlude: Trireme’s Stratagem part 2

 

Robert allowed himself a small smile. He had to admit he’d played it well.

「The real fight starts after we’re back on Sphene. Kou needs to recharge.」

「Didn’t Astraea object?」

「She did not. It’s only natural—super AIs and humans have different bodies. I’m Astraea’s terminal; if she had objected, I could have just locked the room.」

「So she’s not mad.」

「She can get mad. If he got infatuated with some super AI that wasn’t Asia, Astraea would get jealous. I’m her, so I know. As for lifeforms, if it wasn’t someone she knew well, she might be cross.」

Libra-1, the Aristides’ management AI, answered.

「Athena’s Aimer is smiling wryly. Master approves. Asia and Aimer are both unconscious, after all.」

「Aki and Nyanta sign off, too. Family bonds were getting a little too strong; they were worried. They’re hoping Blue will be the breakthrough.」

Barry, just in case, had quietly checked in about the plan beforehand. Athena felt it