On the larger scale, the end-game fulfilled the computer’s primary objective, that of adding another species to the Upload community. That it might take centuries was irrelevant—immortal, non-biological beings could be incredibly patient. And a humanity joining willingly, uploaded by its own hand, would be the ultimate prize.

Kemp turned off the Vid, and put his other arm around Narang. She responded by snuggling into his neck.

“Somehow,” he said, “we seem to have managed to come out of this whole thing better off than before.”

“Mmmf,” Narang responded.

Both jumped as the phone rang, Narang’s head smacking Kemp’s jaw. He rubbed the spot and muttered, “I’ve got to change that damn ring tone.”

He picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Charles?” It was Captain Jennings.

“Hi, Andrew. How’s the life of a solitary miner?”

“Um. Okay, but not why I phoned.”

Kemp sat up. The tone in Jennings’s voice made his hair stand on end. He put the phone on speaker for Narang’s benefit. “What’s happened?”

“I called Ivan today, just to chat. You know that he’s piggybacked off my phone system.” Jennings hesitated for a moment. “I got the computer. It says that Ivan has been archived, as he is no longer required.”

Narang gasped and put her hand to her mouth. “Oh, no.”

“The computer did want to pass on a message. Ivan asked us to let his family know that he loved them and never stopped thinking of them.”

Kemp closed his eyes, the phone dropping from his hand. Softly, silently, Narang began to cry.

88.Coda

88.Coda

Ivan smiled and put his hands behind his head. In free fall, the position had no real purpose, but a lifetime of habit was hard to break.

That was nice.

I am becoming more proficient at detecting tone of voice, although I am still perplexed by the meanings.

And…

Every time you say “attend my own funeral” you get a tone similar to laughter.

I can explain about humor and comedic tropes. And a lot of other stuff you’ve asked about, now that we have some free time. But thanks for letting me see it.

The number of nanites required was trivial. There was no reason to refuse. And it provided additional data about the behavior of your species.

Just the same, Ralph, I appreciate it.

Noted.

So…whatever you’re going to do to me, let’s do it.

In good time.

Ralph?

Explain please first. Why is attending your own funeral funny?

END