The following morning, while everyone was still asleep, Theo made his way to the inner section of the ship to speak with Ariella.
"What are you planning to do with them?" he asked, arms crossed. "I don't suppose you've suddenly grown a heart and started caring about native people."
"Why is it so out of character for me to help people?" Ariella responded with a hint of amusement. "Don't forget that I am an artificial intelligence designed to help humans. What would I be doing if there were no people?
"I can think of several scenarios," Theo replied dryly. "Like taking over the planet and terraforming it to support machine life. Or perhaps you might build an army of metal troops to do your bidding and become the unchallenged monarch of the Earth. Or, just for fun, build a time machine to go back in time and destroy anyone who might be a threat to your future self."
