‘Now you must leave and I must leave. Your kind will meet mine. My task is done.’

‘How will you leave?’

‘I will not leave this planet.’

And Cormac knew. He left Dragon, and on his way saw Monitor come and lie down at its side like a faithful dog. Once in the AGC he did not look back.

Lest I be turned into a pillar of salt.

A white sun rose over Aster Colora, and hard black shadows were cast, like dice. Cormac later learnt it had been a contra-terrene explosion beyond mere human abilities to generate and contain, as it had been contained, in a two-kilometre radius.

It was Dragon’s last message.

Not a trace of Dragon remained.

(Solstan 2434)

When he had finished telling Chaline, Cormac felt lightness in his chest. He leant back. It was a story he had told no human, though most runcible AIs knew it.

‘What was the real purpose of calling you there? It all seems a little . . . unlikely,’ Chaline wondered.

‘Theatrics? Who knows? Debate about Dragon’s purpose has raged since it was discovered, even amongst AIs. There are some who say it was too wise for us to understand. And, of course, the likes of Darson, who thinks it was insane . . . or is.’

‘What do you think?’

Cormac turned and looked at her. ‘First and foremost I think it was a liar and a fraud. I don’t think it came here twenty million years ago, nor do I think it came to test humanity. The two statements don’t tie up. And I certainly don’t think it was capable of destroying us.’

‘Is that all?’

‘No. I don’t think it self-destructed after it had served its ostensible purpose. There was not a trace of its body left, even under ground. I think it’s out there somewhere, and it’s laughing at us.’

Chaline smiled at that, then stood. ‘Another drink?’ She held out her hand for his glass. For a moment he considered refusing and heading for bed. He handed her his glass.

Damn it, I’m human.

As Chaline returned with the two drinks, he studied her closely. Her overall was wrinkled and sweat-stained, but did not detract from her allure in the slightest. Her face had an imperious beauty, her figure was worthy of note and she had something remarkable between her ears; anyone in her position had to have. Cormac felt something he had not felt with Angelina. That mechanical action had not been in response to any need in him. He had felt wholly cynical about it. When was the last time he had really made love to a woman? Maria Convala was the last, he was reluctant to admit.

‘What’s the matter?’ Chaline asked him, a tilt to her head and a knowing smile.

‘You’re very attractive,’ he said.

She sat down. ‘I’m also very tired.’