3
trial version of Planet Explorer has expired."
Jim looked at Nancy, but she was busy combing her long blond hair and hadn't noticed anything wrong.
"Would you like to upgrade to the full version of Planet Explorer?" asked the ship.
"Yes! Yes, run the full version. We'll transfer the credits when we return." There was no way his family could afford the software, but he'd worry about that later.
"The software will be upgraded the next time we reach a certified docking station," said the ship.
"What? There must be a way to get home one last time with it. Look for more options in the program." What kind of company would design software that would leave a customer in the lurch like this?
"There are no options for cheating on the license."
"Try reinstalling it."
"The software has ceased responding," said the ship.
"Why didn't you warn me before the last jump?" he asked in a fierce whisper. He snuck a glance at Nancy. She was now putting on lipstick, oblivious to the developing problem.
"Because you told me to keep my mouth shut when we picked Nancy up. I only warned you about a million times before that." Was the ship miffed at him? The upstart computer didn't even try to keep quiet. Nancy turned around, her attention now on Jim.
[Illustration]
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"Nothing--" he started to explain, but the ship wasn't through yet.
"As I recall," the ship continued, "your exact words were, 'Would you shut up? Don't speak unless spoken to, you stupid bucket of bolts.'"
Damn its attitude! It had repeated the words in Jim's voice, but it injected a grandiose tone into the playback.
It was true, however, that he had been trying to show off for Nancy and had snapped at the ship earlier, to show that he could pilot without the computer holding his hand. Maybe he shouldn't have called it names, but since when was he supposed to worry about the feelings of a stupid machine?
"What's