A loud chime, like a tolling bell instead of a tinkling bit of decoration, sounds inside a circular chamber. Bright white lights glow in concentric circle arrangements, giving equivalent levels of light to all areas of the chamber. At the sound of the chime, those inside the chamber cease any conversation they hold and stand up. Elara, previously sitting on a small empty metal container repurposed as a “stool”, takes a fraction of a second longer to stand than every other machine.

A group of Automatons, all sporting a silver rhombus on their torsos to signify a different rank than the others of their kind, move to sit at a half-circle ring of chairs. All the chairs face outwards to the rest of the attending Automatons. Unit C-09, Elara, and X-7 all stand by the “accused” to the convening robot’s right side. Unit A-12, looking just like all the last time Elara and X-7 met him but seeming more eager in its current stance, stands alone.

One of the newly seated Automatons speaks to everyone with a grating, but still understandable, tone: “The Orion Nexus Station Council and Court are called to order. This convening is for the trial of the Human Elara Velus and the Robot Unit X-Seven. Prosecution and Defense, identify yourselves for the record.”

“Unit A-Twelve, Prosecution.”

“Unit C-Zero-Nine, Defense.”

The seated Council take in the positions of everyone in the chamber without any movements of their bodies. Their minds do all the heavy lifting. Elara feels her skin prickle at the silence. It is a heavier silence than the silence of outer space. So many eyes here, judging her, marking her as the odd one out. It is embarrassing, to say the least.

The same member of the Council speaks again. “This trial will judge two separate cases. The first case concerns the bounty mark placed on Unit X-Seven and whether it is to be removed or maintained. The second case concerns Unit X-Seven’s and Elara Velus’ prior actions on this station, involving the assumption of false identities and the acquiring of stored fuel for their starship under those false pretenses.

“Unit A-Twelve, as the Prosecution, will now present their evidence on the first case.”

The Council turn to look at A-12, who steps forward to the “center” of the chamber and draws the eyes of all watching Automatons. He begins to speak, to detail his reasoning. His tone remains firm like iron, points given like hammer strikes against an anvil. What comes out is a forged piece of logical facts working to prove A-12 placing the bounty on X-7 is a logical and correct choice. He cites his prior experience with the accused; their actions and methods get judged against the logic of their needing fuel for their starship. He even references his own “gut feeling” to test Unit E-77 and how that test proved the flaws in Automaton security.

A-12 finishes their statements with a solid closing point, speaking to the Council directly: “Elara Velus and Unit X-Seven chose to assume false identities and commit a crime. The primary reason for this is not a single need for starship fuel. It is of their fear of us, as a collective species, and what we have done to prior trespassers and criminals. We are a law-abiding society of machines, but we are not trusted by organic life in this galaxy. Why is this?

“The answer has already been stated: Fear. Fear of what we could do, what we have already done, when provoked. But the organics continue to poke us, provoke us, without worrying about the consequences.

“The Prosecution proposes to the Council that capital punishments be administered, and that these punishments be broadcast to the galaxy to avoid future repetitions of this situation. The consequences of illogical, illegal acts such as this must be made public knowledge, for the good of the galaxy.”

The Council does not show positive or negative emotion towards A-12’s words. Being machines, this is a logical reaction. It also means Elara is more lost as to the “pace” of the trial than if these speakers were humans like her. X-7 maintains her composure despite recognizing this evidence is substantial. It is only the start of the trial, and the defense is already in trouble.

A-12 goes back to its designated place without glancing at the accused. “The court will now hear the Defense, Unit C-Zero-Nine, give their statement.”

C-09 steps to where A-12 was and begins to speak. His tone is morose, but his words are articulated and precise. Running off what A-12 said, C-09 works to explain more about the “feelings” organics like Elara have. Machines, not being organic, do not have a total understanding of these feelings. So, experiencing them is more impactful than to another organic. But the immediate reaction, C-09 argues, must not be violence.

C-09’s closing statement is shorter than A-12’s: “The two beings on trial here acted on instinct, not logic. They felt they had no choice beyond death or deception, and they chose the latter. Now, they are here, willing and ready to admit fault. This is a sign of courage and bravery that we, as machines, can regard as a learning experience. Logically, we would not have made these deceptions. However, the galaxy does not always operate logically.

“The Defense proposes to the Council that Elara Velus and Unit X-Seven not be executed or suffer irreparable punishment for their actions. What punishments they are given here should not be a way to discourage interactions with other organics in the galaxy.”

The Council says nothing as they process C-09’s statement. Elara nods to C-09 as it comes back to their side, but she still feels uneasy about their situation. Figures they wouldn’t let us get away scot-free. But we probably won’t be killed, at least.

As one, the Council’s rhombuses flash several times: a decision is made. “The court will now hear the statements of the accused regarding these two cases,” one of them announce, their voice rolling in Elara’s ears like waves on sand. “Unit X-Seven will begin with the case of identity deception, followed by the bounty hunter’s claim against her.”

X-7 steps forward; Elara reaches for her, only for the four-armed robot to gently push her away. Alone, X-7 looks at the Council and only them as she speaks. She describes her view of the story, from when the Wayfarer first came to the Orion Nexus and all events in relation to that incident. Her visor projects several different forms of human eyes, showcasing the emotion and belief she puts behind her words.

Midway through her explanation, X-7 turns to an Automaton near the Council. “I require a console port to display a piece of evidence,” she states. This is granted after a confirming command from the Council, a suitable device brought to X-7. She holds it in her hand – a geometric data port shaped like a dodecahedron – and plugs her finger-jack into it.

A holographic transcript appears above the device, the words enlarged for the viewing benefit of all watching. It is the report from the alien bounty hunter on the Nebulae MK III. Unit A-12’s identification signature is clearly visible at the report’s bottom. Elara hears vocalizations come from the Automatons close by her as the report hangs in the air.

Elara allows herself a brief smile, imagining Unit A-12 is having trouble accepting the consequences of their actions. Yeah, you should be concerned. We’re not hiding the truth from you.

X-7 closes the display after what she deems is sufficient viewing time. Before she can hand the device back to the attending Automaton, Unit A-12 speaks up: “Council, the Prosecution requests examining Unit X-Seven’s statement closer.”

“Request approved, Unit A-12,” the first Council representative grants almost immediately. The prosecuting Unit turns to X-7, staring at her smaller frame and sizing her up. “Unit X-Seven,” he asks, “you have stated yourself as the primary creator of the false identity “E-Seventy-Seven” inside Elara Velus’s mind. Is this correct?”

“It is.”

“And yet you assume a lower-ranked position than Elara; she is your Captain. How is this logical, given you have proven your superior intelligence?”

X-7 “frowns” through its visor’s projected eyes. “The creation of Unit E-Seventy-Seven was not solely my work,” she insists. “I did not seek to erase Elara’s mind and replace it with a new one through hypnosis. I simply gave her an alternate personality, as we agreed on, and helped her cope with its existence after we left the Orion Nexus.”

A-12 does not appear convinced. “Do you consider Unit E-Seventy-Seven the superior personality of the two?” he then asks. Elara bristles but stays in her seat.

X-7 does not look at Elara before she answers: “I do not. Elara Velus and E-Seventy-Seven are equally important to me.”

Elara knows enough about X-7 – time spent, words exchanged, truths shared – that X-7 is telling the truth. This sends pangs of grief through Elara’s heart. If things were reversed, would she still respect me? She’s never said she hated me, but… How does she really feel about me?

A-12 turns to the Council. “My examination is finished.” He goes back to his place, as does X-7 after handing the device back to the attending Automaton. Elara does not reach out to her for comfort now: she has trouble meeting her friend’s gaze.

“Elara Velus will now speak.”

The Council’s order comes to Elara as a shock. She feels E-77 tap into their shared body’s control and move herself to the designated speaking area. “Recount your involvement in these two cases to the court,” the Council tells her.

Elara does not know where to look first. Her earlier bravado and arrogance are gone. She feels like a kid in front of teachers; alone, scared, and unable to get help. She swallows, her fists clenching and unclenching as she keeps her lips tightly shut.

A trickle of warmth goes down Elara’s spine like a caressing pair of fingers. Relax, she hears E-77 whispering into her mind. I am here. I will help you.

Elara accepts the words. She gives her statements. She connects back to what X-7 and C-09 said, speaking from a human perspective. She tries to emphasize how she is not trying to be superior to the Automatons. She states different stories she remembers from spacers in the greater galaxy, how the Automatons are not to be messed with.

It is not great evidence, especially when Elara tries to describe how X-7 hypnotized her the first time. But E-77 helps her speak clearly despite her immediate fears of sounding like an idiot. When she finishes, she turns to go back to her place, only to hear C-09 say, “Council, I request further explanation from Elara Velus regarding her statement.”

“Request approved, Unit C-Zero-Nine,” the same Council representative states. Elara does not approve of this cross-examination, but C-09 intercepts her. E-77 helps hold Elara’s body still, making sure she appears calm and compliant. It is a hard effort.

C-09 waits for Elara to change her posture to a “parade rest” – E-77’s work – before asking her, “Are you able to directly describe the “hypnosis” you undergo while E-Seventy-Seven is the active personality?”

“Oh, gosh, I…” Elara blinks rapidly, realizing she hadn’t mentioned that at first. “I’ve never tried to put it in words. I guess it’s like, um, like my mind switches off and kind of… goes to sleep? It’s not painful or scary, but it was jarring the first few times.”

“Were these transitions voluntary? Did you consent to them?”

“I consented most of the time.” Elara swallows again, rushing to add in, “B-But X-Seven never triggered it to harm me.”

C-09 gives this a few seconds to hang unanswered. “You stated that, against the bounty hunter, E-Seventy-Seven seemed to involuntarily take over. You did not consent to this, then?”

Elara nods. “I was badly hurt. I wasn’t thinking clearly. So, she…” She closes her eyes, stress lines appearing on her forehead as she thinks hard. “She thought for me,” she says. “She took control so X-Seven could be saved.”

C-09 inclines its head and turns to the Council. “My examination is finished.”

“Elara Velus will remain standing,” the second representative – the one with the smoother voice – announces as C-09 moves back to its original place. “The court will now hear an explanation from Unit E-Seventy-Seven.”

X-7 and Elara share a look. Captain looks at her assistant and conveys a primal fear. They know there is no way out of this that will not prove their guilt. “Let’s get this done,” Elara resignedly states.

The four-armed robot comes up to Elara, her steps quiet but feeling like ringing bells to Elara. She shivers as X-7 comes around and behind her. She can feel X-7’s arms moving, visualizing them moving up to the positions beside her ears. One hand for each ear, fingers shifting, readying to trigger her with a—

*SNAP!*

“Sleep, Elara.”

Elara drops mentally before she does physically. E-77 holds her mental hand and pulls her close, yanks her into an embrace. Outside of her mind, Elara falls forwards, only for X-7 to catch her with her spare arms and hands. None of the Automatons show a visual reaction to this display: they are waiting for results. They will not accept anything less than what Elara and X-7 has claimed; a second personality in the human’s mind.

When E-77 opens the eyes of Elara’s body, they are clearly glazed over. But she announces, “I am online, Mistress,” in a clipped version of Elara’s voice, not something totally different.

X-7 moves around to E-77’s front, making sure she is in view of her creation. “Unit E-Seventy-Seven, you are in the presence of the Automaton Council on the Orion Nexus. You will act with all due respect and accordance to the Court’s rule of law.”

“Compliance.”

A soft, “Fascinating…” comes from Unit C-09 as X-7 moves a few steps from E-77’s position. This emotional display is noted by the Council but not commented on.

“The court will now hear Unit E-Seventy-Seven’s statement regarding the two cases,” the grating-voiced Council member orders.

E-77 gives her statements in the mechanical and precise manner of a dictating computer program. She barely fidgets, speaking in a soft monotone so that Elara’s throat does not wear out from strain. No new evidence is given or contradicting what Elara and X-7 already stated, and she finishes with a simple remark that she is “happy” to have been made at all. A simple, succinct statement.

“Council,” Unit A-12 says within seconds of E-77’s closing sentence, “I request permission to ask further questions for this Unit.”

There is a pause. “Request approved, Unit A-Twelve,” the first Council member then grants, not commenting on how Unit A-12 is using personal tones instead of his assigned role of “Prosecution”.

A-12 turns to E-77, who looks back at him as X-7 looks on, a mother lion watching over her cub. “You consider yourself a machine, correct?” A-12 asks.

“Affirmative.” E-77 even nods to A-12, an unneeded gesture given her words.

“But you are in a human body. This limits your capabilities and independence as a sentient being.”

“Affirmative.” E-77 does not nod this time.

“Do you wish for your own body, E-Seventy-Seven?”

E-77 closes Elara’s eyes. After several moments, she opens them again, showing nothing has changed. “That is not required. I serve my Mistress adequately where I am now.”

“But what if Elara Velus, your host, dies?”

“Logically, I would die as well.”

X-7’s “eyes” widen even as she agrees with the logic. Death is not something humans easily talk about; the death of a trusted friend and companion is an even riskier topic to bring up.

Unit C-09 abruptly steps forward. “Council, I object to this line of questioning. Unit A-Twelve is treating Unit E-Seventy-Seven not as an individual intelligence, but as a parasite bound to Elara Velus. This is incorrect.”

“Objection overruled,” the smooth-voiced Council member responds. “Unit E-Seventy-Seven shows clear understanding of its situation; therefore, inquiries into this matter are not demeaning this being’s individual intelligence.”

C-09 yields to the court, returning to its designated place. X-7 looks at C-09 with projected gratitude. At least the Defense tried to help.

“Do you consider yourself equal to the human Elara Velus?” A-12 bluntly inquires.

“Affirmative,” E-77 answers without needing time to think about it. “I am equally appreciated by my Mistress.”

A-12 shifts its stance, and then it shifts its choice of verbal probing. “When do you assert dominance over your shared body?”

“When my Mistress commands it, or when Elara and I judge it necessary.”

A logical decision. But A-12 presses further: “Elara stated that, against the bounty hunter, you assumed direct control of your shared body.”

“Affirmative. It was to protect my Mistress.”

“Your Mistress? Not Elara’s?”

X-7 realizes what A-12 is doing but knows she cannot step in to change anything. The “Mistress” must let her creation speak on its own, as the Council demands.

“Elara is X-7’s friend,” E-77 answers, the monotone manner she uses making her words sound simple despite their deeper meaning. “Our relationships are not the same. This is logical. I accept it.”

A-12 sharply turns from E-77. “My examination is finished,” he announces and returns to his place.

“Does the Defense have questions for this witness?” the smooth-voiced Council member asks C-09. The green-eyed Automaton shakes its head. “Noted. All allotted statements have now been given. No additional witnesses are present. The Council will now enter private debate before delivering the verdict.”

The Council goes silent, the rhombuses on their chests pulsing with periodic “blinks” of white light. The rest of the court is quiet, which amplifies E-77 and X-7’s steps as they go back to their assigned places. E-77 sits down on the “stool” Elara had used before, her back straight and her hands clasped over her thighs. X-7 stands by and, gently, as if touching a feather, puts one of her hands on E-77’s shoulder.

Minutes go by. Then, as one, the Council members return to the chamber and full activation. “The Council has reached its verdict,” the grating-voiced member states. “In the case of identity fraud and fuel theft from the Orion Nexus station, we find the defendants guilty.”

X-7 and E-77 bow their heads slightly, accepting this without objection or complaint.

“In the case of bounties being placed on Unit X-Seven for her acquisition, and the hiring of independent hunters to complete the task, both conducted by Unit A-12, we choose to approve the removal of the bounty.”

X-7 and E-77 now share a moment’s smile. A-12 says nothing, but its posture becomes more rigid.

“Punishment for the guilty verdict will now be administered,” the smooth-voiced member states. It then looks straight at E-77, a palpable weight behind the motion. “Unit E-Seventy-Seven will be transferred from the body and mind of Elara Velus into a personal robotic chassis.”

“A mind transfer!” Unit X-7 blurts out. “You possess such technology?!” she almost shouts, blatantly disregarding proper court behavior.

“Affirmative.” The same Council member now shifts its weighty gaze to X-7. “We will ensure two minds no longer exist in one body.”

Fear causes X-7’s visor to project very wide eyes. “You kept this hidden from the rest of the galaxy! Mind-transfer is untested on organic beings; you cannot confirm its success!” she yells. “It could kill her and Elara, and then you will have murder on your hands!”

“We are prepared to risk this action. It is the logical choice.”

X-7’s four fists clench; a human display of anger. But the logic is not supporting her this time. Objecting to this punishment is, in simple terms, stupid. Not only will the Automatons be left unsatisfied – as far as machines can go for “satisfaction” – but it will be a sign of disregarding the law. X-7, E-77, and Elara cannot afford to have the label “Lawbreaker” put on their social resumes.

X-7 regretfully looks to E-77. E-77 looks at the Council instead of her Mistress. “I will accept the punishment, Mistress,” E-77 tells her creator. “I am ready to accept the consequences. I am ready to be my own self.”

X-7 is not. But she yields to the court, out of hope that Elara and E-77 will still be safe when this is over.