Enforced truce

"So the problem is," John said, "we both know what the program does. We've both done things to change the world a lot. And..." John drew it out, "... I'm guessing that while neither of us has any hard feelings, neither of really trusts the other either."

Sara looked sombre, and gave a quick nod. "Yeah, that's about right."

"To the point where neither of us has even cleaned up or put on underwear," John added.

Sara licked her lips. "Uh, yeah."

"I have an idea," said John. "I'm going to turn the phone sideways, and slowly write a new rule. I hope you agree to it, because if you don't, things will probably break down fast. When I finish, you can press Enter to make the rule take effect. We both promise no funny business. Okay?"

Sara looked at John suspiciously. "No funny business," she said, more of a warning than an agreement.

John turned the phone over and sideways, carefully placing it between himself and Sara. "I think this is a good one, and not just for us," he said. John slowly tapped out a new rule:

• Roommates do their best to co-operate with one another, and avoid sabotaging one another.

Once Sara saw what John was typing, she started nodding vigorously. He took his hands away from the phone, and looked up at her. She quickly pressed Enter.

John and Sara both breathed a sigh of relief. "That's a relief," Sara said. She stood up experimentally. "I really do need to text Kaylee now," she said, "We were going to the mall, and I'm definitely running late. Uh, hey, can I tell her that we were having sex? She'd totally buy that as an excuse, and it happens to be true."

John paused for a moment. "Uh, okay," he said. "Though we might have to deal her thinking we're in a sexual relationship. You okay with that?"

Sara looked over her shoulder at John as she texted Kaylee. "You know what, John, that gives me an idea."