Ker linked to the engineering console, lowered his internal firewall and the needed wetware uploaded into his embedded nanotech. The install completed auto connecting his sensorium to the ship. Two became as if one, On Vast Horizon was just another part of his body now.

“I’m in. Accessing command pathways, isolating Autosync.”

“Excellent, Powerup as soon as you’ve disabled it.” Eric replied.

“So, is the female… one of you?”

“No, she’s Emmon.”

“But the Emmon are a primitive race, barely in their information age.”

“True. However Dreanna is special, an anomaly, just on the verge of Becoming.” Making her the perfect bait…

“So that’s why she’s here?”

“Yes, her talents could prove useful.”

“She doesn’t know does she?”

Very observant. Don’t reveal too much. “No. Status?”

“I’m through the last firewall, Autosync off. Starting powerup.”

Within moments the ship’s avatar flickered into existence.

“All systems nominal. Welcome aboard sir. I’m Ava, the central AI.”

“Where to now?” Ker asked.