Cleo turned to look at the young AI with a thoughtful expression. The young digital entity was loyal and efficient, but Cleo could see the strain in her coding.
She raised her hand, and with a flick of her fingers, the AI's core began to rise slowly into view, hovering above her palm. It flickered with unstable light, glowing but clearly underpowered.
"Mmm… I see the problem," Cleo said softly. "Your current core is too small for your frame and purpose. You've outgrown it."
The AI looked down, almost ashamed.
"But don't worry," Cleo continued, her voice as calm as ever. "I'll build a stronger one for you. Something worthy of your potential. But for now, we're out of time."
"Even without full weapon systems, this ship will still serve as a powerful mobile fortress. At the very least, its shields alone can act as a massive protective wall."