Quoted By:
<span class="mu-b">“Our cleaning robots work around the clock, and they’re incredibly efficient. That, and a hive of intelligent nanomachines dedicated to keeping the Baxter Building in excellent shape.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Is that ethical? Because it kind of sounds like-”</span>
Reed cut you off with a raised hand.
<span class="mu-b">“I know how it sounds, but they treat this place like their temple. It's holy ground for them.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“So you’re saying that they worship you.”</span>
Flint said.
<span class="mu-b">“Like a god? Did you <span class="mu-i">include</span> a religious structure into their programming when you built them?”</span>
Van asked.
Reed raised a finger, opened his mouth, closed it, and then let out a sigh.
<span class="mu-b">“Look, it makes a lot more sense if I just show you. We can watch them work while we wait for Captain Blackjack.”</span>
You all exchanged glances, and then shrugged as one.
<span class="mu-r">“Sure.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Why not.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Very well.”</span>
Reed smiled and nodded.
<span class="mu-b">“Excellent. Follow me.”</span>
—---------
Just as Reed said, his explanation of the nanomachines’ thought process was both enlightening and interesting. Not bad as far as time wasters went. You should’ve recorded it to show to Pete later. By this point, almost an hour had passed since Blackjack terminated the transmission. You were beginning to wonder how long the captain was going to make you wait, when Reed received a call from Johnny telling him that a strange junker of a ship was headed towards the Baxter Building.
<span class="mu-r">“I was wondering where that wascally wabbit went.”</span>
You said, earning a chuckle from Flint. Van looked like she wanted to hear more about the nanomachines, but she forced herself to follow Reed towards the Baxter Building’s landing pad.
Upon arriving there, you were all greeted to the sight of said junker. Despite not being an expert on spaceships, even you could tell that this vessel was cobbled together from spare parts, and given a fresh coat of paint. Well…it wasn’t <span class="mu-i">fresh</span>, and there were a few blotches of yellow metal that looked more natural than the cheap black paint, along with a few gray spots where the ship had taken damage.
But the majority of your attention was reserved for the little Blue Bunny that was stepping out of his ship. He had slender, bionic legs that clanked against the metal of his dock’s ramp. Trailing behind him, you saw a feline female alien with a slender build and tan fur. She was sporting similar colors to Blackjack, and the way that the other crew members–who were also alien rabbits–-regarded her led you to believe that she was someone important. Possibly his second in command.
<span class="mu-b">“Man, I sometimes forget how much of a backwater dump your planet is. Er, no offense.”</span>
In contrast, the feline alien eyed the city appreciatively.
<span class="mu-r">“I don’t know. I like the way their buildings reflect the light from their sun.”</span>
Blackjack just shrugged.
(Cont.)
