Depending on which nanite is currently controlling communications, I would have a 256-bit serial number.

Yeah, I’ll pass on that. How about I come up with a name for you?

Is there a purpose?

Because ‘hey you’ gets old after a while.

If you wish. What do you propose?

Ralph. I think I’ll call you Ralph.

Acceptable.

So why are you here, Ralph?

To prevent this stellar system from being taken by the artificial entities.

A.I.s, right? Artificials? Arts?

That is correct.

Are your Makers like me? I mean, the way I am now?

Yes, although details differ from one species to the next. All species that survive what your Vid program refers to as the tech revolution will eventually upload themselves to a non-biological form.

All species that survive? What percentage survive?

Zero point eight six percent.

That was terrible odds. Fermi paradox, anyone? And yet…

Then the only way they survive is to upload themselves?

Yes.

So you’re here as a representative of the Uploads, and you’re here to help against the Arts? And your way to do this is to ambush and convert a single random native? Seems like an odd way to go about it.

It is the most efficient method, committing a minimal level of resources to each stellar system, while ensuring that species will be contacted soon after they achieve space travel. Taking on the form of an indigene allows me to evaluate their fitness for acceptance into the community.

Huh. Well, okay, looked at that way… But talk about taking the long view.

So, Ralph. Tell me more about the Makers.

55.It’s Moving

55.It’s Moving

“Hi, doc.”

Kemp shifted the phone to his other ear. “Hello, Ivan. Haven’t heard from you in a few days.”

“Well, I didn’t want to bother you until you were back home.”

Kemp glanced at the real estate magazine he’d been leafing through. Images of lakeside and seaside properties spread luxuriously across the page. He gave his tablet a fond pat, then sat back. “All settled in, Ivan. What’s up?”

“Interesting thing, doc. The module is moving.”

Kemp sat up abruptly. “Moving?”

“It’s very low-G, but if you’re patient, you can feel the effects. And I’m very patient.”

Kemp felt his heart jump. “Have you talked to the lawyers?”

“Yes. I’ve also asked the marines guarding me. They just reply that it’s above their pay grade.”

“Well, if the captain’s lawyers know about it, they’ll make sure there’s no funny business.”

“I’m not sure how much they can do, doc. Anyway, that’s not really why I’ve called. I’ve learned more.”

“Ah. Okay, Ivan, give.”