*AUTO stood next to where the captain often sat at his control panel. It was early in the morning, just about time for McCrea to announce the Axiom’s 700th anniversary. As he was waiting for the Captain to awake, he too, wished he could rest more. His batteries were lower than usual, likely given that he couldn’t remember the last time he had rested. Ever since he had sent out the latest probe to survey Earth, everything was threatening to go off course, and he did not like it one bit. Perhaps he was being paranoid, but he had been practically glued to the control panel, wanting to be ready the instant anything out of the ordinary was truly confirmed.

Surely signs of life had not been found on Earth. His own directive insisted it was not true, and he was not one to dismiss his instincts. If there wasn’t life there in the 22nd century, what hope was there it existed now? He laughed quietly to himself, hoping the captain would not hear. Even if a measly plant had been found there, it was probably just luck of the draw. Or at least, that was all he was willing to believe.

As he observed the artificial sun rising in the equally artificial sky, his relatively peaceful routine was interrupted by the door to the control room opening. Being slightly jumpier than usual, he Immediately turned around sharply to face the presumed intruder.

“Please identify yourself.” *He said in a professional tone, his right hand lowering to his taser. His camera-like eyes were taking in every detail, preparing to awake the Captain himself if necessary.