This week with Arlene and Jeff:
..."Recommendation," Arlene's AI broke in to say.
"Tell me," Arlene replied as adrenalin surged in her bloodstream.
"Their shields appear to be very strong, but due to their impulse engines' configuration, the shields are weakest there. I suggest that you use my guns' narrowest aperture to produce the tightest beam while firing at their engines whenever possible. Those engines seem to have a high energy output; therefore, I suggest that you use me to initiate the first phase of your escape after a successful strike on a Paladin engine."
"In other words, humans are too slow, right?"
"I did not intend insult," the AI began.
A chuckling Arlene interrupted, "Any time we are too near an engine that is about to blow, you may feel free to get us the hell out of Dodge without taking time to ask permission," she teased.
"I do not… oh, that was a joke. I will be certain to comply, and with your permission, I will inform Eight and Thirteen."
"Yes, let them know," Arlene agreed, deadpan.
Time drifted slowly onward as Arlene gave the Paladins time to get well away from the monster ship before her little group attacked.
Finally, she deemed the Paladins far enough away from the mother ship that it would not be able to interfere. Arlene spoke, her voice tight, "Ready Thirteen?"
"Do it," Bill said.
Arlene's command never even made it to her lips before the AI picked up on her thoughts and went to a quarter light with Bill and Kathy's craft a little to her right and slightly behind...
Have a goodun;
Roust