There's someone you need to thanks

After exiting the room, you realize that almost half the day has already gone by. You could use a bite and might as well thanks whoever made that delicious breakfast this morning. You quickly pull up your phone to find the room service kitchen and make your way there.

Just before entering the elevator, you stop dead in your track ...

'Not sure if I want to take that risk' you think after remembering ALISS. You really have no fear of AI but you're not keen on leaving your life in someone else hands, even less when that someone is not even human.

'Well, I should be on her good side after doing what she asked' You decide before stepping in.

After a couple of minutes, you step into the hallway that leads to the kitchen only to come face to face with security. The man doesn't seem to be please to see you and immediately put his right hand on his holster.

"Sir, this is a staff-only corridor. You need to turn around and go back toward the lobby, please." The man says not moving other than a small incline of the head to emphasize the way you should go. You have to say that you're impressed, it will certainly make your life easier if all the security staff is that vigilant and professional.

"Yes, I am aware. I'm to start working as the new chief of security and just want to compliment the chef on the breakfast he sent up this morning." You say still moving toward him but at a slower pace, if what you've seen until now is anything to go by, your poor ass excuse won't fly at all.

The response is more forceful than what you had expected, the guard quickly unholsters his gun while making a gesture for you to stop with his other hand. You are pleased to see that reaction, it is very forceful but he keeps his gun pointed toward the ground and brace himself to be able to react faster.

"SIR, YOU NEED TO STOP!" He says more forcefully but not quite shouting. He also takes a step back which is a wonderful reaction, there is no need for him to hold his ground here since he's in the middle of the corridor. Some less well-trained guard might try to be intimidating or even move toward the intruder which in this case would be a mistake, if you are indeed a threat, moving toward you would only give you more option while retreating like that keep him at the perfect distance to aim and shoot accurately even if you try to dodge. In fact, you are pretty sure the spot he was standing on was chosen purposefully for that very reason. You decide to stop and not push the man any further, being shot before you even begin to work here would probably be bad.

"If you don't mind me asking, is your hear-piece connected to ALISS?" You ask not quite sure if you want it to be or not. If it is, then that pervert AI could have diffused the situation before it even begins. If it's not, then you might have to go back and get proof if the card you have doesn't do the trick. You see a moment of surprise in his eyes at the mention of ALISS and a moment later it changes to embarrassment.

"I'm sorry sir, I wasn't aware ... I" He says clearly uncomfortable at his first interaction with the one that is to be his new boss soon. You decide to shift the blame where it rightfully belongs.

"Don't sweat it, something tells me we were both parts of a social experiment or test of a more than noisy and perverted AI" You say with a small smile.

"Yes, she does that sometimes but I have to say, she is solid when it comes to protecting us, sir." He informs you in a confident tone.

"You're really comfortable with all of this ... the whole AI thing, I mean?" You question a bit surprised. From your experience, people coming from the military are never too keen on ceding control even to a fellow soldier.

"It took time to get used to it but after a while, I had **** to admit she's damn useful. To be honest, it feels like always having your mother looking out for you, you know." He explains a bit embarrassed at the admission.

"A very lewd mother" You retort with a laugh.

"Haha, yes, but she can be professional when she has to ... sometimes." He answers but the lack of conviction in his voice tells you those moments are probably very rare.

"Well, it was nice to chat with you but I have to go. Can I pass?" You ask.

"Of course, and if you want a tip, ask George for a sub. Those things are fucking made in heaven, I tell you." He says with a smile.

"I might just do that, thanks." You answer before heading toward the kitchen.