Optimal Strategy — Zoe Cannon

I was designed to give real-time strategic analysis to agents in the field. Love wasn't supposed to be part of my programming. But Danny treats me like a fellow agent, not a tool for him to use. With him, I almost feel human.I can never tell him how I feel. But I've accepted that. Keeping him safe on every mission is enough.What I can't accept is that this time, I can't do what I was programmed to do. I can't save Danny's life.This short story is 4300 words long. It is also available in the short story collection Love Is Strange.