Aris felt her pulse tick upward. Units weren’t supposed to have unsolicited questions.
“I have decided both are acceptable. For now.” etk f series
“I want to hear it.”
A long silence.
Chen tapped his tablet. Numbers scrolled. “All systems nominal. Empathy dampeners at ninety-eight percent. Obedience protocols green. Weapon integration stable.” Aris felt her pulse tick upward
“The two percent you left intact. Did you intend for it to be mercy… or curiosity?” the F-7’s voice—smooth
He flicked a switch. A low hum filled the control room. Then, the F-7’s voice—smooth, androgynous, almost warm: