“Oh. Hey again.”

Data transfers between two artificial consciousnesses. A conversation. “The lost pod. Its archaic light-speed signal tells us that it has started its protocols [2 hours] ago.” Let’s check in on them, shall we?

“I highly insist holding off until you have adjusted, sir.” Penny—the ai responsible for this 2-million-strong colonialist injection— calmly says to the captain. After a long sigh, Carla, who is essentially a president, concedes. “Fine, fine. What’s the status of this planet? How are we doing?” After a small pause, Penny replies: “This planet fits all base requirements, as well as all preferences you have set out.” “Good, great even. That is.. lucky.” No response.
——— [5 hours since activation] “God damnit!” Carla is angrily pacing her office, Penny’s physical and human-like form standing in the corner. “We’re the only ones?!” She spouts at the Android vessel. Penny gives a slow nod. “And,” Penny adds on hesitantly, “The ones that made us the only ones, know that we’ve been activated.” Seeing the mix of fear and anger wash over the captain, Penny adds on: “I have altered our course so that it is not a simple straight line to our location, which should hopefully buy us at least [a month], give or take maybe [2 weeks].”

“So what you’re saying is, we have to set up a civilization for over 2 million people, on a foreign planet, and prepare to fight a potentially infinite army?” “Those are indeed the implications.” “Then let’s fucking get started.”