A human might have startled, too caught up in their own contemplation to consider that someone else might have approached. But EDI's hearing is considerably more acute than that of an organic observer, and her attention more fractured. Also the snow, which creaked and scrunched under approaching shoes, had given him away. For several seconds, EDI observed, even as she was the subject of observation, herself.

"Your suggestion has merit," She told him, finally, and glanced away, back down the sight of her pistol, "I will take it under advisement."

The gun's holographic interface glowed red, to indicate its readiness. EDI fired, twice, and the snowdrift went up in a cloud of steam and water, swiftly re-freezing. Better than projected.

"We have not met. Have you been here long?"