That night, Julian put Clarissa's idea into cautious action. In the command center, he placed two objects on a table in front of Specter: a damaged but ornate Arbiter data-core, and a small, crude wooden bird, whittled by Aya during her spare time.
"Analyze both objects," he commanded. "Determine their primary function and composition."
Specter's eyes glowed as she scanned them. "The first is a standard Arbiter logistic core, model Delta-7. Heavily damaged. Data unrecoverable with available tools. Composition: polycrystalline alloy, quantum storage matrix." She turned to the bird. "The second is a shaped piece of dried 'oak' wood. Its function is non-utilitarian. It serves no operational purpose. Composition: cellulose, traces of sap, metal markings from the blade that shaped it."
"Which object is more valuable?" Julian asked.
