The silence that followed was heavy.
Tatehan could feel the AI processing his words, trying to understand what he meant. He'd just said he wasn't using the core on the spaceship anymore. That probably didn't make sense to it.
"What happens if I don't install it?" Tatehan asked, breaking the silence.
The AI paused for a moment before responding.
[Ship remains limited. Mission progress stalls. Many critical systems will remain offline.]
Another pause.
[Why do you ask?]
Tatehan stood up from the floor and began pacing. His hands were clasped behind his back, his mind racing. How was he supposed to explain this? How was he supposed to make an AI understand?
"The man who helped me kill the mauler... Kael. He's dead now."
[I am aware. You mentioned this in your recounting.]
