Connor shook his head. "It won't be a problem, Steve. I've been ordered by a human. The order goes against my programming, forcing a hierarchy determination. The programmed edict is due to a law that does not exist here, therefore the order overrides it and I must obey."

Most of that was simply true, but partly it was that he didn't want another gut-punch for disobedience. Steve wasn't Gavin, of course . . . but he had the same right of action over or against Connor.

"I do not have any other questions or concerns at this time."