Neptune's Massif by Ben Winston

'Penthouse'
    Ascension, Planet Atlas
    Centauri System, Sol Sector
    ––––––––
    T 'gan was indeed surprised by the design of the city. Several times she commented on how beautiful it was, and how well the buildings took advantage of the landscape while disturbing it as little as possible. The Hotel itself was an even greater surprise. It was a terraced affair set onto the side of a hill overlooking the city and harbor. The 'penthouse' was not actually the top floor of the building, but simply the highest terrace and included its own gardens, featuring native flora carefully tended by the hotel's staff.
    "This is a truly amazing city, Admiral. It is very beautiful, and very well designed. I could easily see this entire community on Benesia," T'gan replied. Ian noted that several of her entourage nodded agreement with her.
    "Matriarch, with your permission, I will pass on your comments to the city planners," Star replied.
    "If such could be arranged, might I meet them so I might pass along our appreciation in person? They truly have done a wonderful thing here," T'gan asked.
    "Of course, Matriarch. I believe they actually have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow anyway, would that be acceptable?" Star asked.
    "That would be perfectly acceptable, my dear." T'gan looked closely at Star. "I think I would like to get to know you a little better as well. You are very unlike any of the other artificial intelligences we have met in the past. While your origins may be mechanical in nature, you do not feel artificial. I can feel the blessings of the Goddess about you. That is something no non-naturally created life form has ever exhibited to our knowledge."
    "I am honored, Matriarch. I admit, when the Admiral and Chief Laskar, our ship's computer systems officer, declared me to be sentient, it frightened me greatly. With the help of our councilors and the support of those who are my friends, I believe I have come to terms with it," Star replied.
    "That is a very good lead-in to what I wanted to talk to you about, Matriarch," Ian began.
    She held up her hand to stop him. "If I may call you Ian, it would please me if you could call me T'gan when we are in private. Join us for our meal, and we can discuss our separate issues as companions. I would have you and Star as friends in addition to professional acquaintances."
    "Now that would be a great honor that I am very happy to accept, T'gan. You may certainly call me Ian," Ian replied. "As for lunch, I would be happy to join you, however, I am not a vegetarian. Will that offend you or your people?" Ian asked, indicating the small group of attendants that T'gan had.
    "There is an ongoing discussion in our synod over the status of replicated foods. Synthesized food has never been alive, because of this, some of our scholars believe that such food should be considered exempt from our restrictions. Others feel that it is the spirit of the restriction that must be upheld and not the wording. A decision has not been reached. Since you are not of our society, you are free to eat what you are used to. Will it offend us? I tend to believe that since no life was destroyed to provide it, the food in question is acceptable. However, I am not certain of the beliefs of my attendants," T'gan replied.
    After polling them, the young women agreed with their Matriarch that their Goddess objected to the loss of life, not the ultimate origin of the food. Ian nodded to all of them as a group. "Thank you ladies. In my turn, I would like to reassure all of you that none of the food offered you has been replicated. We do have several foods that are the products of animals, but they did not give their life in its production. I understand that is acceptable?" Ian asked.
    "Yes Admiral," One of the women replied. "The produce of an animal is acceptable under that circumstance." The young woman blushed darkly and tried very hard to fade into the background.
    T'gan chuckled. "She likes you."
    At Ian's