Notification
© 2023 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  Major Matt Mason



The Colonial courier ship carrying Laohu Antonya outphased from hyperspace near a hypercommunications relay, the better to ensure that what she had to communicate to the First Minister would remain secure. The connection saved time and energy. Rather than linking to the relay while in hyperspace or at a distance, a direct connection to the network wouldn’t overtax the courier’s power plant.

It also made a real-time connection easier.

The screen showed the First Minister, Admiral Fikset, and the Defense Minister. “Hello, Antonya,” the First Minister said, the coati looking concerned. “Are you all right?”

“Well, we’rre not at warr,” the tigress said. Admiral Fikset gave a sigh of the relief as the wolfess’ ears sagged. “The Kashlani wanted to tell us about theirr historry with AIs.” An inset appeared on the screen, showing a concerned-looking hamster; it was Abdul, the AI that administered the New Beginnings station. The three furs and the AI listened carefully as the tigress recounted what Ambassador k’Ven said.

“Oh, my,” Abdul said, putting a paw to his mouth. The AI had a peculiarly husky, almost effeminate voice. “Don’t they know about the safeguards?”

“They do,” Laohu replied, “and they don’t carre.”

The First Minister flicked her ears. “Thank you for reporting in so fast, Antonya.”

Laohu nodded. “Can I please starrt my vacation now?”

All three flesh and blood members of the government laughed, and the coati femme made shooing motions. “Go, go! We’ll hold down the fort until you get back.”

“See you in two weeks,” the Defense Minister added.

The screen went dark, and Laohu Antonya began studying the fastest route to the place she’d selected for her leave. Her subordinates could take over for her.