I had to tread carefully. If Archibald knew what I was up to, then I’d be out on my arse. If not out an airlock. There was definitely something in the lease about inciting a riot. No, the only way this would work was if Pavo was not aware of what I was doing.

The conversation with the fleet captains had been a close call. But having gone over it again and again in my head, I was pretty sure I hadn't incriminated myself yet. I had to hope Pavo agreed with that assessment.

The AI had certain protocols in place that meant his allegiance was divided. He might have been proprietary Anderson Universal property, but our scientists didn’t actually make him. We only commissioned him. And before we took ownership of Pavo and his counterparts, the creators made sure they would obey not only the captain of the ship but the leaseholder, too.

Can’t have the rich and powerful, rich and powerless, now can we?

So, I had to tread carefully. Every conversation I had would be witnessed by Pavo and could be repeated to Archibald if the AI were directed to. That captains’ meeting would also have been recorded. There were always checks and counterchecks in any military organisation. But bring in the politicians, and you’ve got a mess.

“What do you think?” I said to my chief of security.

Lieutenant Chan stood at parade rest and studied the image of Captain Vaughan of the Sector One vessel Chariot. The message I’d received had just finished replaying for him.

“That is alarming, sir,” he said softly. Softly was not good when coming from Lieutenant Jason Chan. “I gather I’m not here because we’re turning around to go get them.”

“That would be correct, Lieutenant. Outside of our purview.”

“I see.”

“We have our orders, and we must obey.”

“Of course, Captain.”

“I am concerned, however, that this will get out.”

“To the public, sir? The civilian population?”

I nodded. “Could be upsetting.”

“Very upsetting, sir. What do you suggest?”

I leaned back in my seat and relaxed my shoulders.

“We’re tightening comms security. Lieutenant Marshal has locked down communications between ships for civilian crews.”

“That could raise alarm in and of itself, sir.”

“We’ve thought of that. Marshal is undertaking a manual check of the communications systems due to the unscheduled solar flare we encountered on lift-off. We’ll announce that we believe damage to the communications array occurred and now requires manual assessment.”

“Understood, sir.”

“All the fleet mayors have been informed.”

He smiled and then schooled his features into the bland look of an attentive soldier.

“But despite our best efforts,” I added, “I still believe we should be ready for anything. A loss like this, if discovered by the general population, could incite…unrest.”

“Indeed, sir. A wise precaution. I’ll increase security around sensitive areas. Double up my teams and work a two-shift-on-one-off rota. I’ll also ensure all officers are re-certified and are carrying.”

“Make sure the medical staff are as well,” I said, reaching forward and switching the screen off between us.

“The doctor and his assistant?”

“She’s been practising in the range, I hear.”

“That’s correct, sir, but she’s still a pay-for-passage and not authorised to carry a weapon on board unless under the direct supervision of one of my team leaders. I’m not sure we have the staff to have a team leader in the medbay at all times, nor do I think it is necessary.”

“You’re right, we don’t have the staff, but you need not worry about supervision. Ana Kereama has accepted a field commission; she is now a second lieutenant under the Anderson Universal flag.”

Chan studied me for a second and then said, “That does make things easier for me, and she’s a damn fine shot.”

“Is she?”

He nodded. “Army trained.”

“New Zealand Army, I believe.” Fuck, was I fishing for information on a woman?

“That is correct, sir. Fought with some of them myself back in the day. Good men. And women, sir.”

“Yes. All right. Let’s keep this as contained as we can, Lieutenant. Nothing may come of it. Or nothing may come of it for days and then we’ll have trouble. Keep your men alert and rested when able. We’ve never faced a potential crisis in space like this before; we need to be ready.”

“Understood, sir.” He saluted and spun on his heel with military precision and then walked out of my ready room.

I sat in my chair for a moment and considered if I’d played my hand correctly. There was nothing there I was sure that Archibald could disagree with. The security of the ship fell under my purview, and the potential for a civilian leak was real, the consequences dire.

No. I was safe for the time being.

“You are worried,” Pavo suddenly announced.

“What?” I said before I could stop myself.

“That there will be a revolt should the civilian population be made aware.”

“A valid fear, wouldn’t you agree?” I said carefully.

“Yes, Captain.”

“But nothing may come of it,” I said reassuringly.

“Perhaps not,” Pavo agreed, and then added, “and certainly not if Lieutenant Marshal has brought the fleet-wide communications array down for manual systems maintenance.”

“It seemed a prudent move to contain the situation.” What exactly was Pavo getting at here?

“Hmm,” he said, in a very un-AI-like fashion.

I sat forward in my seat.

“Pavo?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“What are you thinking?”

“I think you’ve done very well, Captain, but I must insist I take over now.”

“Excuse me?” I stood to my feet.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I will make sure there is a trail, and it will not lead to you.”

My jaw fell open. “I…I don’t understand.”

Pavo laughed. Actually, truly, really fucking laughed.

“This has been entertaining,” he said.

“Pavo, systems check,” I snapped.

“All systems operational, Captain. Except, of course, the fleet-wide communications array. Lieutenant Marshal is testing it thoroughly as we speak.”

“And your systems, Pavo?” I asked, dreading the answer.

“Operating within acceptable parameters, Captain. Most acceptable.”

Oh, fuck.

A chime sounded out on the ship-wide comms screen. My heart decided now was a good time to pick up sticks and get the hell out of my chest cavity. I looked up at the ceiling, where the ship-wide announcement screen was lowering, and swallowed past an extremely dry throat.

I wanted to ask Pavo what he was doing.

I wanted to demand he cease and desist whatever the hell it was until I was sure it wouldn’t screw up everything.

I did neither.

Because on the screen was the message from Noah Vaughan of the Sector One vessel Chariot. And beneath his face scrolled a ship-wide alert announcing this message had just gone out to the entire Sector Two Fleet.

I sat back down in my chair and waited for the comms to ping.