So things went; as Ace roused the great disembodied voice that was the computer, and followed Rock's instructions, the situation came full circle — back to the same people (and robot) working together again, in some loose sense.

A minute later, after all commands had been issued, a new voice appeared.

"Communications request received." There was momentary pause before prior to the voice speaking again.

"Adjusting for signal delay in link. One moment."

Another brief delay, this time several seconds longer before the voice spoke again, with combined overall delay spanning roughly less than half a minute.

"Communications up-link established." The tone in next response was considerably less 'automated phone operator' than the previous. "Unidentified contact, state the nature of this comm inquiry."

"Tau, it's Rock," greeted the primate. "We're in the destroyer — all according to plan, but somebody screwed up the reactor's control rods. Any ideas?"

"Assessing available infrastructure information. One moment."

Much to their dismay, there was yet another few moments of silence as the A.I. initiated its search of the unfamiliar systems of the massive vessel. Regardless of the unfamiliarity of its systems and the vessel's size, it had only taken a few short moments for the A.I. to collect enough information to formulate several possible courses of action.

"Attempting to make use of several salvageable autonomous units in the vicinity of the reactor to initiate replacement of control rods. You will be notified should this option fail." There was a slight pause before the A.I. continued as it proceeded to initiate control of the required systems.

"Shutting down primary engines; preparing to reroute coolant and processed liquids from the wastewater system to reactor. Rerouting preparation complete; on standby until control rod replacement complete."

... A minute later...

Rock had been staring intently at the many large displays suspended overhead. He at last appeared a little relieved when he lowered his gaze back to Jam and Ace. Maybe it seemed things were finally getting under control again.

"You know, it's all well and good we're comin' to some sorta understanding," the primate observed (with foreboding of a "but" to come), "but," (there it was), "we kinda kicked maybe four or five'a you guys' asses back there to get where we're at now. They ain't gonna be happy with you for givin' it to us instead of them."