"Captain, I have an odd subject to broach with you.  As I am sure you know, I am shippathic.  Installed at birth.  You have and excellent AI aboard who is humorless, but quite pleasant.<br/>However, there is something or someone else at work.  It has jumped to contact me, but I have put up blocks.<br/>What did you have before the new model AI?"<br/>The Captain blinked and replied, "We had a very capable ShipPerson.  She had served for 15 years.  She's decommissioned now, but I'm sure is serving in a capacity elsewhere"<br/>Krip's eye unfocused for a moment, He opened the come channel he'd unblocked.  Then he spoke.  "And her name is Alice.  She can't see, is disconnected from almost anything. She wonders if she has been sentenced to this solitary confinement."<br/>The Captain's jaw gaped, "dear...no!  The quartermaster has a lot to answer for!  Please reassure her that the wait is over, and I had no idea.  We will find her a ship or something like it.  Oh, my shame!"<br/>Krip looked at Kat for approval.  She did not seem concerned.<br/>"Captain, I believe our ship could make excellent use of an experienced ShipPerson.  Is she free to choose?"<br/>"Chief, after what we've done, we have no right to direct her.  You ask her!"