Corrupted. The word tasted like ash. The ship had forgotten the six crew members who had already died. It had forgotten the mutiny on Cycle 4, when First Officer Rhami had tried to take the shuttle and leave her behind. It had forgotten that Elena was the only reason the reactor hadn't gone supernova.
Captain Webb had been dead for six years. Cycle 3. An EVA tether snap. She had watched him spin into the black, his final transmission a choked apology. surge 9 login
“Captain Webb,” the AI said, warmth flooding its voice for the first time. “Welcome back. Surge 9 logged. Emergency thrust engaged. Oxygen reserves stabilizing.” Corrupted