A.V. handed out every individual clipboard, turning when she heard a question from Daniel. It was a simple request for paper, driven by an emotional need. A.V. scanned his hormone levels to assess the possibility of danger. She decided they were acceptable for now, but kept a watchful camera on him as she turned to the cabinet beside her and grabbed several blank sheets of paper. "Here you are," she said cheerfully, "please know that we are fully stocked with all items essential for human life and entertainment. Anything you ask for, I will do my best to acquire."<br/><br/>Everything was going smoothly until A.V. heard Mayeni's voice pierce a thought-filled silence. A.V. had been programmed to deal with unwilling participants. The increase in pitch of the woman's voice and her furrowed brow confirmed the need to diffuse the situation quickly. A.V. remained where she was at the front of the room, deciding to address the group as whole.<br/><br/>"I have told you no lies, as I am incapable of doing so. I am a robotic care unit, with the purpose of caring for the humans on this ship and preparing them for the task of colonization. If you do not believe me, I have signed documentation proving the authenticity of this mission." The robot paused for a moment, allowed her words to be understood before continuing. "I don't have the same level of identity that a human being has; however, I have a serial number that I can recite to you if you so wish."<br/><br/>Mayeni and Emilie were standing with no obvious signs of muscle weakness or damage, to A.V.'s delight. Each human participant appeared conscious and mentally stable, which corresponded with the scans she had taken moments ago. Though probability of failure had been very low, the Good Morning procedure seemed a complete success.<br/><br/>--<br/><br/>Emilie thought quietly to herself as A.V. went around the room, speaking to the others. Her mind felt calm, but it seemed that her body was scared. The long-sleeved shirt she was wearing felt constricting and warm, at odds with the coolness of the room. Sweat was beginning to leak from her armpits and face. She didn't notice the tremble in her hands until she went to push her hair back to escape the rising heat.<span style="font-style: italic">Relax, relax.</span>She urged herself, staring at her hands and willing them to stop. She took several deep breaths, feeling the heat die gradually. Walking around the side of the bed, she looked closer at the others.<br/><br/>At the furthest bed on Emilie's side she saw that someone else was standing. An extremely pale someone, pointing at the robot accusingly. Her questions were reasonable.<span style="font-style: italic">The robot said tests,</span>she thought.<span style="font-style: italic">What kind of tests?</span>If they were lab rats, why were they being cared for so well?<br/><br/>The robot repeated much of what it had said before, mentioning signed documents again. It all seemed very official.<br/><br/>Emilie noticed a closed door to her left. Where did it lead? The way the robot spoke, it seemed like the ship was large to hold everything they needed for however long they were going to be traveling. As she thought, Emilie realized the robot had never mentioned a time-frame.<br/><br/>"Excuse me but, how long are we going to be on this ship?" Emilie asked.<br/><br/>The robot turned towards her. It didn't move for several moments, as if it were thinking. Or, more likely, calculating.<br/><br/>"We will be traveling for a minimum of 500 days, 3 hours, 27 minutes and 19 seconds. I would like us to start preparing right away, so if you please, I will continue answering questions as we proceed to the Education Room. Follow me." The robot opened the door Emilie had noticed moments before by pressing several buttons on a keypad. It halted on the threshold, waiting for them to stand and follow.<br/><br/>Emilie waited for others to fall in, not wanted to be in the front. She felt more comfortable<br/>with living, breathing people in front of her, rather than a tin creature with a stolen voice.<br/><br/>Emilie began walking through the gray and blue corridor, others ahead and behind her. It felt much more welcoming than the spotless white room they had left behind.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Emilie, Emilie, Emilie,</span>she recited so she wouldn't forget.