***ANAD prefers diagnostics to be run on systems in natural swarm state…maintaining config one…***
Winger looked at Calderon. The CEC shrugged. “Not sure what that’s about, Skipper.” He powered up the console and probed the swarm with EM. “Reading normal atom groups, normal activity….all normal.”
“ANAD,” said Winger, a little more firmly. “What did we just talk about…obeying your commander’s orders. I said: config for capture. I can’t run full diagnostics on the master with you floating around out here…ANAD, get your ass into containment, on the double!”
The swarm flared and popped, little bursts of light going off like fireflies in a fog. The formation seethed with activity.
Calderon was shaking his head. “Reading high thermals, Skipper…high EMs…the bugs are agitated today.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Winger said. He studied the swarm for a moment. “ANAD, what the hell’s going on…get in the can.”
***ANAD desires that diagnostic tests be run with swarm in config state one…***
Then Calderon had an idea. “ANAD, how is that even possible? I can’t get the probes and scopes on you when you’re flying around—“