For Want of a Nail (The AI has cameras for eyes and hologram for body)

Brief description

After the transmitter cable that got unplugged by accident is plugged back in, Cordelia (AI) still can't tell it is until it's wiggled. She senses it, but just for a moment, which means the socket may be cracked, but the transmitter probably wasn't damaged (which would have been a more serious problem). Until the socket is replaced and cable plugged in, Cordelia doesn't have access to ship's system, communications, etc., and is unable to upload to her long term memory. Even though she's on for the entire procedure, this is where she starts actively looking and her holographic body materialises. She is rational, but perhaps also slightly confused. (Kindle Loc 43)

Pull Quotes

"Twin brass cameras - not period correct - stood at the back an swivelled to face Rava.
Above the desk, a life-size hologram of Cordelia's torso hovered. Her current aspect was a plump middle-aged Victorian woman."

Work that the situation appears in

Title Publication Type Year Creator
For Want of a Nail Narrative, Short story Mary Robinette Kowal
Who does what?
Aesthetic characteristics
Machine P.O.V
Not machine P.O.V.
Notes
Based on description and pulled quote, to the tech I added to General AI as an assemblage Holograph, I also added it to the aesthetics. As a verb I added appearing both to tech and character (Linda)

Authored by

UUID
b95cc79e-1a1c-4885-850b-6d861fdedfda