Pairing

Pairing is the process by which an artificial intelligence (usually for a ship) is paired with a living person (human, halfen, etc.) for training and growth. In the case of ship AIs, they are often paired for life.

Selection process

The selection process varies depending on the organization. For ICES, candidates are required to learn about AIs, programming, ship maintenance, and given etiquette training on how to politely interact with AIs. If the candidate does sufficiently well in those areas, they are allowed to apply to be paired with an AI. The application process includes rigorous psychological evaluation, interviews with and observations by one or more starkind, and interviews with and observations by multiple humans and halfen. AIs require many years of "raising", and are therefore expensive and not usually used by the general public.

Interviews

Candidates for pairing are interviewed and observed multiple times:

Starkind

Starkind have the ability to tell if a person is being deceptive and whether they have the right mindset to pair effectively. Starkind cannot read thoughts unless a person is (knowingly or unknowingly) broadcasting their thoughts at the starkind. However, they are somewhat empathic, which allows them to determine if the candidates mind is stable.

Humans

Halfen

Example pairings

• Adele Watanabe and Imiloa