Guy Leonard Monologue

At a spaceport somewhere within decent range of civilization, yet considerably remote for some people, a man was hurrying towards its center. A large space adjoining the cafeteria and boarding zones, it took the man a good minute to spot the people he was looking for. He approached at a brisk walk, offered handshakes, and introduced himself as Guy Leonard.

"Well Mr. Leonard, I must say I'm impressed that you went to the trouble of meeting us in person here," said one of the men sitting in front of him.

"Yes. Quite impressive," the other man mused. "I hope your interview is worth both our time." This man wore a faded captain's badge; one corner seemed to be peeling away from his jacket.”Cartwright” was labeled underneath.

"I hope so too.
"So, Bridgette and Andica Austin? Are you sisters?"

"No, we're not related," Andica said, Bridge on the verge of laughter.

"Oh. Are you..." Guy trailed off, seeing no rings on any fingers.

"I'm a Class 4 Synthetic. Bridge was my buyer and is technically my owner. Most of my class takes the owner’s surname as part of the partnership," Andica explained.

Guy was caught completely off-guard. "Oh, well, I never would've guessed that you... Um, what do you mean, 'technically'?"

"Well, Bridge doesn't like to view herself as my owner. I'm not supposed to be like property. She completely revamped my programming to give me more independence. Bridge never wanted a slave, she wanted an equal. And a fun project to work on, I guess."

"Ah ha. How long have you... worked together?"

"I got Andica ten years ago, a little after I joined the Comosus. I was working on a chemical breakthrough at the time and I needed some help, but I didn't have much money. I saw that a batch of Class 4's were being discontinued, and I figured I could get one and maintain it myself. The Comosus never would have been able to utilize travel sacks without the preservative I