“Could you describe the personality of any of the ETIs in a way that humans might appreciate?” What the fuck? That hadn’t been on the roster of preapproved talking points. It had all been broad, conceptual stuff about the nature of what makes a person, and do amygdalines fall under that umbrella, not “So what’s he like?” “Yes,” she stammered, totally blanking. He’s withdrawn, deceptive, duplicitous. He lies. He’s perfectly capable of kindness, but withdraws it when it’s inconvenient for him, and it’s always inconvenient. He doesn’t take care of himself, he lives in constant fear, he refuses to
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