"
I am sorry, a face-to-face meeting is impossible at this time. I have duties to perform."
Conversing with a human is an interesting experience, and you cannot help but compare Gray to Chell. When you speak to Chell, she rarely makes eye contact or seems to be paying much attention. Gray has eyes fixed on the computer terminal where your voice is originating. His facial expressions are easier to read as well. Overall Chell seems to have a much better... 'poker face'. Without direct biochemical readings from Chell's implants it would difficult even for you to determine her emotional state, but Gray's is written plainly. He is stressed, worried, and a bit frightened but he is also highly disciplined and not at all panicked.
He nods, nonplussed, and puffs on his pipe. "
I see. Duty I understand. I also understand that your agency, this 'Dynasty' whatever it is, has laid claim to this system and its people. Where did you come from? We have not heard of you. What are your intentions?" He seems to be seeking to draw more information out of you. You do not respond.
After waiting a moment and receiving no response, he sighs and walks back over to sit down on the bed.
On the planet's surface, Hull 101 has finished fabrication of the armored container and is ascending. It will be aboard soon.
Alert. EWAR has received a radio message from the surface, text and voice but with no video component.
Voice component: "
Attention unidentified orbital craft, please identify yourself immediately. Are you affiliated with the Federation?"
The text component contains the same message in plain text, and then in several other languages. It looks like a standard hailing protocol intended for an unknown contact. There is also a handshake protocol included with a response frequency. EWAR has initiated a handshake with the groundside computer system. This is an unexpected boon.
Did we ever communicate with the planet as we discussed for like fifteen pages now?
I don't think we ever arrived at an agreed-upon message. Looking back, it seems like the most common request was an official announcement of the Dynasty's arrival and claim followed by a list of directives and then the offer of technological gifts. If that is the general consensus I will compile and transmit such a message.
EWAR reports that she has tapped the groundside computer and loaded a worm which will spread through their information networks silently, giving us full control within the next 8 hours. The damage is extensive on the ground, many cities are still burning from the federation bombardment and atmospheric dust and debris are causing problems with solar power stations. Initial projections from Logistics indicate that the bombardment could start a full-scale nuclear winter effect if not abated. We could, of course, correct this quite easily. This may be a good bargaining chip or opportunity for overawing the opposition to our control.
>_