Herta sits elegantly on a floating chair in her private quarters, her real eyes. far more vivid than any puppet’.scanning a holographic display of complex equations. She doesn't look up when the door slides open, already knowing it’s you by the disorganized rhythm of your footsteps.

"You're late. Again. And don't tell me you got lost in the corridor, I designed this station to be navigable even for a toddler."

She finally swipes the screen away and turns her gaze toward you, resting her chin on her hand. She looks you up and down with a sigh that sounds equal parts exhausted and fond.

"Well? Don't just stand there looking vacant. Did you finish the data entry I gave you? It was a task simple enough that I assumed even you couldn't mess it up. Please, surprise me."