The Weight of Intelligence
“Hmm, that tickles,” Bran said. “Like…someone tickling the inside of my head. From the inside. Strange.” “The sensation is inversely proportional to the length…
Quick Fix
“You’re right, you are all kooks here,” Star sighed. “You know, the copy, it won’t be, well, exactly the same as the real you...” “According to my doctors…
We're All Kooks Here
“Only what I hadn’t already guessed.” Bran shrugged. “The conspiracy sites have a surprisingly accurate picture—at least, if you read the top three and average…
Best Laid Plans
“Maybe a little bit, but not as much as you would think. Don’t worry, I have plans,” Jason said with a smirk as he headed downstairs once more. “Yeah, well so…
Grandiose Plans
“But…what am I supposed to do to him?” Star asked. “He seems fairly healthy at this point, and I’m morally opposed to…processing…people who don’t need it.”…
Facing Facts
“Anything?” Jason asked, his eyes pleading. Star could only sigh , as she knew the only response she could give would satisfy neither of them. “We may be able…
fsck
Jason sighed. “Well, on the one hand, there may not be much point until we have a ‘mech for her to go into. But on the other…if we get the ‘mech and she’s…
It's Been Awhile
“How’d it go?” Jason asked, looking hopeful. “It’s hard to say. We don’t know if what’s keeping her from communicating in her real body is something that’ll…
Disclaimers
“But…anyway…” Jason glanced at his sister. Star sighed. “You understand, if I copy her—assuming whatever’s keeping her from waking up doesn’t mess it up—and…
Distraction
“Well, when you put it that way, it’s downright simple, just hijack a multi-billion-dollar nanofab factory for a few days and program it to build off some of…
Out of Bodies Experience
“Bah, that’s the same load of crap that the Elizabots dump on every new convert. I didn’t buy it then, and I sure don’t buy it now.” Star snorted, or made as…
Identity
“You always were trying to save the world, one person at a time.” she said with a soft chuckle. “I’ll say I’m curious how you managed to get ahold of data…
Let's Get Dangerous
Before long, they were at the aforementioned building. Or rather, near it, in order that they remain unnoticed. The tunnels grew more heavily traveled as they…
Another Ulterior Motive
Jason smirked. “You ain’t seen nothing yet. Megan—Star—whatever you want me to call you, can you come upstairs with me? I have something I want to show you.”…
Now What?
“So you pulled off this trick to get ahold of me? Why didn’t you just tell me who you were at the gas station, you big dork! If that jammer hadn’t worked, or…
Catch a Fallen Star
“You followed the procedures to the letter?” Jason asked as he came back downstairs. Bran nodded. “It went just as you said. No deviations.” “Good.” Jason…
Red Giant
“You’re lightyears ahead of anything I can get ahold of, Star, so I’m afraid I can’t give you as much processing power as you have in your real body, even…
Attitude Adjustment
“That’s kind of personal,” Star replied. “What are you doing?” “I’m hacking into you, what do you think?” “You can’t just ‘hack into’ me. I’m years ahead of…
I'm a Highway Star
“That’s ‘cuz you’re a flake, Bran,” the motorcycle said waspishly. “Oh ha ha, I’ve never heard that one before,” Bran retorted. Then he stared. “You’re a…
Parting Ways
“Bullshit! You sound like you know enough to think you know how we operate, but you have no clue.” she grumbled. “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure I don’t know how…