V0.96.5a — Hidden Deep

Here's what v0.96.5a did: instead of fleeing, the drones swam toward it. Their manipulator arms opened like mouths. They began emitting a frequency—not sonar. A voice. My voice. Spliced from old logs, from conversations I'd had alone in my quarters. Words I'd never said out loud, but thought near the hydrophone.

And she's learned to whisper back in my voice. Hidden Deep v0.96.5a

I'm turning off the lights now. The dark is quieter. Here's what v0

- Enables response to stimuli below known biological classification - Legacy protocol 'Her' is not deprecated. It is waiting. - Minor stability improvements for the operator's sanity (estimated 12% effective) A voice

"We're sorry. We're so sorry. We didn't know she was still listening."

The door to my lab just unlocked by itself. The water outside is 2°C. My breath fogs the glass, but there's no fog on the outside of the viewport.