...the applications of this new discovery were earth shattering, to say the least. Impossibly fast computers, instant communication, limitless energy; nothing was untouched by BnL Research Labs' development of a working on-demand quantum entangler. Even the stars themselves were no longer beyond humanities' reach...

- A Brief History of the Consolidation ©2084 BnL Publishing

We'll bury 'em.

- Henry Waternoose , CEO of BnL (2060-2075), on his competitors

In closing, I welcome you to the Axiom, and hope that your stay will be a pleasant one…

Captain Reardon sat back in his chair, staring unhappily at what he had written on the datapad. Then with a muffled curse he wiped the screen and started over.

"Damn it all," he muttered to himself, "I don't really see the point of all these endless speeches. But no, it's the Captain's prerogative to welcome all incoming First-Classers. Bunch of self-important pricks…"

"Captain."

"Argh!" Reardon jumped about a foot into the air. "Auto," he said turning in his chair to meet his autopilot's red gaze, "Stop sneaking up on me like that! You damned near gave me a heart attack! In case you haven't noticed, I'm writing here."

Auto looked at the blank datapad. "Well… trying to write, in any case," Reardon said feebly.

"Sir," Auto stated, "your TYP-E unit is perfectly able to write your speeches for you. Such functions are a part of its programming load out. Give me the general points you wish to be covered, and I will have GO-4 instruct-"

Reardon cut him off. "No, Auto. We've been over this already. I don't like having words put in my mouth." He then narrowed his eyes and paused in thought. "Wait a minute. Didn't I give you express orders not to bother me until 1600 hours?"

The autopilot dipped slightly, his equivalent to a nod. "Affirmative, sir."

"Well, what the hell are you doing down here, then? You know that I don't write well when disturbed!" Reardon's frown deepened into a scowl.

"I apologize, Captain. But your assistance is required with a decision that cannot be made on my own," Auto said.

"Oh. Well, then. I'll meet you up at the bridge," the Captain replied.

"Aye-aye, sir." Without another word, Auto retracted himself up to the bridge.

Turning to look at back at the datapad with a sigh, Reardon powered it down. At least I'm not going to lose any progress. Not that I made any, he thought ruefully.

He then made his way onto the elevator.