Freewriting
They orbited the planet quietly, All systems shut off besides life support and AI. The distinct lack of soft hum from the engines was eerie to the wombat's ears.
It was uncomfortable.
"Computer, how long do you figure I have to wait here?"
<I am unable to respond to an inquiry involving the evasion of law enforcement officials>
"Well, if you could, how long do you figure I have to wait?"
<...>
<...approximately six hours.>
"Could be worse."
<You couldn't be.>
Saan rolled their eyes.
Freewriting
After a bit of silence, they chimed in again.
"Of all the planets, this one is pretty grim. I think I see signs of civilization."
<Negative. There is no signs of life on this planet.>
"I swear I can see -something-."
<Affirmative. This planet contains buildings and constructions that of a J-class civilization.>
"But no life?"
<Negative. There is no signs of life->
"Right, I got it.
<You do not have to be rude>
"You're right I'm sorry. I just don't like the looks of this"
Freewriting
"What's the name of this planet?"
<Shallow search returns no results. Would you like me to do a deep search? It will take me approximately one hour.>
"Eh, sure. Why not."
Saan shifted and watched the slow orbit, taking small comfort in the peacefulness of such a pace. They didn't, however, appreciate being forced to strand themselves in the orbit of a dead planet to avoid getting caught for a crime that could cause an interplanetary incident.
Freewriting
Some time rolled past and Saan sighed.
"Do you think I'm bad for doing what I did?"
<I calculate that what you are doing is illegal in regards to at least one species.>
"They were FORCING those people to do their will!"
<You do not have to shout.>
"..."
<I am an AI, so I will not claim to have a flawless sense of morality. What you are doing was illegal.>
Saan grumbled irritably and the computer spoke up.
<BUT... I did not claim that you were bad for doing what you did.>
Freewriting
Saan stirred at this answer in silence, tracing their eyes along the outlines of what they thought used to be oceans.
<Terra. Colloquial name: Earth.>
"What?"
<The planet. May I tell you a story?>
Saan didn't expect such an inquiry. Not that it was uncharacteristic from an AI, it was just... uncharacteristic for THIS AI.
"Sure."
<There is little records of Terra. At its' peak it was home to J-class civilizations at best, so they hardly knew what a rare planet they lived on.
Freewriting
Such ignorance with the devastating power that this species possessed led to the formation of an insurmountable evil. Even still, there were Terrans who weren't ignorant and who did fight. They had the hope and awe that only dreamers had, and even at the darkest days, they fought, and they died, and their friends cried and rallied and fought.>
Saan sat in a deeper silence than before.
<It was illegal for them to fight. But they fought.
Freewriting, Author's note
To all of us who fight in our different ways, direct and indirect. For all of us who keep hope in our hearts and dreams in our minds despite the darkness...
I see you, and I appreciate the great work we push for.
Freewriting
Even in the end, their hope culminated into a last ditch effort to save their species and themselves. They fled.>
Saan stared at the red face of the planet and tried to imagine what it must have looked like. they shivered in both fear and loss.
"Computer?"
<Yes?>
"...Thank you."
-Exogenesis