Part of A Lantern in the Void
“Lyra Station, this is Raven with Forced Laughter in Trying Times. I’m a Caduceus ship responding to an emergency medical aid request and seek permission for priority docking.” Zoya held the corded mic near their mouth. They were doing exactly as the group had laid things out but they couldn’t help but be nervous that something could go wrong again. They had no choice but to follow through now.
It took a moment for the response to come in, “Forced Laughter, confirmed. You’re cleared for docking in bay 73, straight ahead from your position. Other ships around you will hold, so you can proceed. Over.”
“Acknowledged. Thanks, Lyra Station.”
They hooked the mic back in its place and flicked some switches again, “initiating docking sequence. Forced Laughter, take us in.”
“As you say, Teacher.”
They didn’t really have much in the way of AIs back in Florin, so this was Sage’s first time running into one, and Zoya could tell they were uncomfortable about it by their face whenever the ship spoke.
They reached out a hand and placed it on Sage’s, “Forced Laughter is a friend. They’d never hurt us, and most AIs aren’t any more of a threat than any human you might run into.”
Sage pursed her lips, “see, you say that, but them being like people is the thing I like the least.”
That made sense, Zoya figured. People weren’t that great, and they didn’t have the ability to shut down your oxygen on a whim, most of the time.
“I get it, but you might see more of them on the station.”
Sage sighed, “whatever, I’ll be fine.”
“Definitely about to crash myself into this here hull just for the laughs don’t mind me.” No one really laughed at Forced Laughter’s joke. “Oh come on, look, we’re in. Deploying landing gear.”
The landing itself was incredibly smooth. Sage was impressed, but I guess this was the least she could expect of a sentient computer. “Uh, nice flying?”
“Thanks!” the words echoed through the cockpit, delivered with sudden cheer.