- 'Hello Emmy.'
'Hello 'Down.'
'Welcome abroad. A moment, please. There is a... question I must ask you before I open the airlock door and let you into my life-system.'
'Go on.' His face is unmoving.
'Are you armed?'
'What if I am?'
'You know the answer to that. Emmy, if you do not assure me that you carry no weapons I shall not be able to allow you to board me. In fact, I may not be able to let you return to the Money either. Both the shuttle and I are valuable assets of humanity. I am sure you understand me. If you do not tell me that you are not armed I shall have to kill you.'
'And if I tell you that I am not armed, but I lie? What will happen then?'
'You will not lie to me. I know you better than that. Now tell me, are you armed?'
'No, I am not.'
'Good.' I open the airlock's door. 'Please come in and make yourself at home.'