So, yeah. I have to do this one before I can do the other one. Of course, if I keep this up I’ll have another book. Which is cool, except that damned if I know how to pay for it…
Heinlein Station
American Administrative Zone
Luna
2104 AD
“I’m very sorry, Commander.” We’re still overbooked by five percent.”
Commander Tobias Mather didn’t think Pickman was sorry at all, let alone very, but he wasn’t entirely sure. The man didn’t like to make eye contact at the best of times, and was somehow even now managing to avoid the gaze of the person sitting opposite him. There was a faint quirk of Pickman’s lips that was disturbingly diagnostic, though. As if it was good news that five percent of the surviving population of the Moon wouldn’t be able to escape. Or at least pleasurable news.
Maybe he’s just too deep into his spreadsheets and extrapolations, Tobias thought. It’s not giving him the perspective he needs.
Or maybe Robert Clark Pickman is a sadist, Commander. Tobias wondered if he was hearing a touch of contempt in Asenath’s voice, there. It was hard to tell with AIs, particularly when they were a disembodied voice in your head. It is as simple an explanation as yours.