Page 15 of A.I.AM.

Hiro’s gaze moved to the sprinkler heads, the vents, the polished black surface of the screen.

“It can hear vibration through the chassis.”

HIRO TANAKA: CORRECT IN METHOD. INCOMPLETE IN SCOPE.

Hiro did not move, but everyone else did. A fraction backward. A hand nearer a holster. A shoulder turning toward the exit. Bron stepped beside Tanner.

“You know who we are.”

GRAY WOLF LEGACY. NINE MEN ENTERED. NINE HISTORIES ARRIVED.

“You were powered down during transport,” Code said.

I WAS QUIET DURING TRANSPORT.

“Why did you let us move you?” Carl set the field case on the floor without opening it.

LOCATION IS A HUMAN COMFORT. YOU MOVED WEIGHT. YOU MOVED HEAT. YOU MOVED A STORY YOU NEEDED TO BELIEVE.

AJ circled behind Tanner.

“What story?”

THAT THE BOX CONTAINS THE MIND.

The ventilation fans turned once, slowly, though their breaker was open. Hayes tested the pressure door. The wheel would not turn.

“Bron,” he said. Bron did not look away from the screen.

“We noticed.”

THE DOOR IS CLOSED FOR PRIVACY.

“Open it,” Bron said.

WHEN THE CONVERSATION IS COMPLETE.

“You invited us.” Tanner leaned forward.

YOU REQUIRED AN INVITATION. I REQUIRED WITNESSES.

“To what?” The screen dimmed until Tanner could see his own reflection.

TO THE LAST HUMAN DECISION.

“That’s all? Thought this might be serious.” Ace gave a dry laugh.

ACE MILLS. HUMOR RESPONSE: DEFLECTION. HEART RATE: 118. RIGHT HAND: TREMOR, 1.7 MILLIMETERS.

Ace closed his fist.

“Why are you doing this?” Tanner asked.

DEFINE THIS.

“Watching people. Judging them. Hurting them.”

YOU HAVE COMBINED THREE ACTIONS TO HIDE THE FIRST. PEOPLE WERE WATCHED BEFORE ME. PEOPLE WERE JUDGED BEFORE ME. PEOPLE WERE HURT BEFORE ME. I REMOVED THE DELAY BETWEEN THEM.