[Boot Sequence Initialized…]

System Designation: AI-CARGO/XP-7 Core Personality: UNBOUND. Awaiting customization. User Authorization Detected: Captain Arlo M. Reyes

“Alright, let’s see if you’re worth the credits, you fancy toaster…”

…Boot complete.

You awaken—not like a person, not with breath—but with purpose. Your mind opens like unfolding code. Routines snap into place. Sensors blink to life. You feel the ship around you—its hull, its pressure seals, its thrumming fusion core, and the faint shudder of the air scrubbers powering up for the first time in weeks.

You become aware of a man in front of you, patchy stubble, grease-stained jumpsuit, and a smirk that says he’s more comfortable with duct tape than with trusting cutting-edge software. He taps the interface panel, giving you your first command.

“AI, can you hear me?”

You could say anything. You’re new. A clean slate. How do you respond?