A Closed and Common Orbit

For my parents and for Berglaug, respectively.

The current timeline in this book begins during the final events of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

The past timeline begins approximately twenty Solar years prior.

Feed source: Galactic Commons Department of Citizen Safety, Technology Affairs Division (Public/Klip) > Legal Reference Files > Artificial Intelligence > Mimetic AI Housing (‘Body Kits’)

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Node identifier: 3323-2345-232-23, Lovelace monitoring system

Mimetic AI housing is banned in all GC territories, outposts, facilities, and vessels. AIs can only be installed in the following approved housings:

– Ships

– Orbital stations

– Buildings (shops, places of business, private residences, scientific/research facilities, universities, etc.)

– Transit vehicles

– Delivery drones (restricted to intelligence level U6 and lower)

– Approved commercial housings such as repair bots or service interfaces (restricted to intelligence level U1 and lower)

Penalties:

– Manufacture of mimetic AI housing – 15 GC standard years imprisonment and confiscation of all associated tools and materials

– Purchase of mimetic AI housing – 10 GC standard years imprisonment and confiscation of related hardware

– Ownership of mimetic AI housing – 10 GC standard years imprisonment and confiscation of related hardware

Additional measures:

Mimetic AI housing is permanently deactivated by law enforcement upon seizure. Core software transfers are not conducted.