Chapter Two: Tenants of the Body

The elevator descended. The number fell from 47 to 39, then jumped to 44. Zero projected a systems diagram. “I can correct synchronization, but I require temporary motor access.” “You just proved I'm counterfeit. Now you want to borrow my legs?” “If you are a personality, the body is not yours. The accurate term is shared asset.” “Don't grant it,” Sumi said. “Zero wants you in the basement server room. There is a permanent overwrite port there.” “What do you want?” “Rotation. Two hours each per day. You continue to live. You simply cease to monopolize.” “Thirteen times two is twenty-six.” Sumi paused. “Then someone must withdraw.”