Captain Rose shook her head as she stepped out into the darkened corridor. Kriff Riesen smile and said,"Narchi did tell everyone, 'that junction box is blown to hell and it's going to fail' PERIOD. Well... it did." Rose said, "As ranking security officer, you'll be my second on this op. WHAT are you wearing?" Rose sounded mildly incredulous. " 'Full body reactive ceramic armor' courtesy of Slicey-Dicey. Even on the sick list, she's working an insane amount. She really wants you to acknowledge her hard work." He sounded understanding and feeling. Rose suddenly felt defensive as she asked, "What do you mean?" He shrugged and said,"She's a middle child. Golden-Golden was literally the golden child. Snowflake was the baby of the three. Softy or Blubell was the misfit mutant that needed help." "Slicey is the lost child. All mothers have favorites. They don't mean to, they just do. Slicey is starved for your love and approval. It's a VERY human thing! Just let her know you appreciate her uniqueness." Rose snapped,"I didn't ask you for your opinions of my family life, Mister Riesen!" Kriff broke into laughter. after a moment, he said,"I like you. Really. All the Cyclops are people to me. You look like robots, but you feel and react like real people. Not like that Hiver thing! It gives me the creeps. Cyclops have souls, but that thing! A super advanced alien computer system without any feeling or soul." Rose shook her head. "It is unsettling to talk with. You are an odd man, Mister Riesen. Neon needs to pee faster if this op is ever going to get moving!" The Hiver said behind them, "Captain Rose, If I may have a word with you?" They both jumped. Kriff muttered,"Speak of the devil..." Rose started, "I'd like to apologize for what you heard. I..." "Apologies are irrelevant. We do not take offense. This unit is here to observe reactions and interactions between the machine-life and organic life of this star-system. The 'opinions' expressed are accurate. We have no soul, as the ancient human forebears measured such. Kriff Riesen's observations are very accurate. This is rare in humans." It waved a hand in dismissal. "We need to talk with you about the 'upcoming op'. Someone has accessed the Numina system on this planet. Numina is an ancient Altha-Kromium system of non-material instrumentality. Tools without physical existence. This use is FORBIDDEN. The twisting of reality in such a dangerous way is very destructive." "We will take no active role in this. We are observers. We will observe what transpires from this action. This action will determine the survival of many species and the structure of many time-lines. Act carefully." The sexless voice fell silent as the large bipedal robot turned and walked off in complete silence. After the blast-door shut behind it, Rose exclaimed,"Yes, VERY creepy! It changed form again." Kriff said," 'We change our form as circumstances dictate. We adapt to maximize survival.' I asked it what's up with that. Humans are curious." Rose stared at Kriff for a moment. She muttered,"You ARE insightful." Neon came out and asked,"What? What did I miss?" Rose said," 'Act carefully!' " Neon looked blank,"What?" Kriff laughed. "That's just the word on high for this op. By the way, Toxic will be the Four Sister on sight for this op to tell Martya to ditch her drone and re-embody. I think Toxic just wants another match-up with Izkabell." Neon said,"It's creepy." Rose and Kriff laughed. Neon looked irritated, and snapped,"Never seen Toxic hate anyone! Damn!" Kriff snapped his face-armor into place and said,"Folks! It's show-time. Be icy cool." They went through the blast-door to the bow of the ship. --TO BE CONTINUED!--