Jane looked at him carefully for a moment before speaking to Hubris. ‘Hubris, the new runcible AI is in Hold 5A. Can you link with it there, or will there have to be a direct line?’

‘A direct line is not necessary. Once initiated, the new AI would be able to access all systems. It would be able to compensate for any error I might make in transmission and reception.’

‘Initiation would be immediate,’ said Jane.

Hubris said, ‘There are dangers. This AI has been prepared for immediate installation in the grid.’

‘The danger will be brief.’

‘It will last for ten seconds. It will take this long for the AI to access all systems and ascertain its situation. Should I initiate, I will first sound a hold alert on all workstations.’

‘Initiate then.’

‘I cannot do this without a direct order from Agent Cormac.’

Cormac turned to Jane. ‘Why the danger?’

‘In an unprogrammed situation at initiation, the AI will immediately act to protect itself. It will take control of all accessible systems.’

Cormac turned to study the consoles. ‘Hubris, initiate runcible AI.’

Hubris’s voice sounded throughout the ship. ‘All workstations, this is a hold alert. All robots will be going onto hold. All transient information is now in protected storage. I repeat . . .’

Cormac glanced around and saw that the technicians in Downlink Com were leaning back from their consoles and looking at each other in puzzlement, then looking to Cormac and Jane with chagrin.

One of them, who was at a communications console, glanced at Cormac and muttered laconically, ‘Chaline’ll be pissed. The autodozers went down just then.’ He listened for a moment then continued. ‘That was the lifter. They want to know why the main door isn’t opening.’

‘Tell them it’s temporary. All systems should be back online . . . soon,’ said Cormac. ‘Hubris, you ready yet?’

‘There is a heavy load being moved in the main bay. It will be in place shortly.’

Cormac rattled his fingers on the console in impatience.

‘Load is now secured. I am now initiating—’

Suddenly the entire starship jerked. Gravity dropped to half. The screens began to run information at high speed, then faster and faster until they showed a grey blur. Lights and displays were flickering madly.

The man at the communications console said, ‘Weapons systems just went online. Proton guns charging. Looks like the target is Dragon . . . Isolation just sealed up.’

Gripping the console, Cormac suddenly felt cold.

‘Intruder defence systems—’ The technician held a finger to his ear. ‘That was main bay. The loading robots started up and turned to face them. They’re shitting themselves down there.’

Cormac suddenly wished he could have the last few minutes back again. He was responsible. It was his order.

‘Hubris? . . . Hubris?’

Suddenly gravity returned to normal. The screens flicked to a halt on disparate segments of data.