"They are very powerful tools. It's even possible to make them complicated enough that they gain sentience - several crew members are of computer origin." A frown. "But then again, there is also a sentient book who is a member of the crew. I'm not certain if he was simply such a complicated book that he became self-aware, or if it was some magical effect."

"I appreciate your flexibility. This particular mission seems like it has already departed from what we expected, so I can't pinpoint when those crew members will return." She shrugged. "No plan survives first contact with the enemy."