“I am not sure,” Muthr said. “We had information on hovercrafts in the Sanctuary’s virtual library, but I was not aware of any exercises that would instruct you on how to operate one.”

Eva rubbed her finger splint with her free finger as she gripped the yoke, thinking. Her healing palm itched. “I really like exploring a lot. I feel so active, so excited, so alive while I am doing it, you know?”

“I do have a sense of understanding what you’re saying. You certainly are a most adventurous spirit, Eva.” Muthr looked over at her.

“Do you miss being in the Sanctuary?” Eva glanced at Muthr, then back to the landscape in front of her.

“I miss having access to anything and everything when I need it and, by extension, when you need it,” the robot replied. “I am designed to be in control of my environment. Out here, it appears the environment is trying to control me.”

Eva was quiet for a bit as she thought about this.

Muthr continued, “But I suppose that is the very nature of survival—living and existing despite the odds.”

“Yeah,” Eva said. Living despite the odds.

“Though, I must confess, I do miss our holo-shows. I enjoyed watching them with you.”

“Really?” Eva looked over at Muthr, a smile growing on her face. “What shows?”

“I actually enjoyed Beeboo and Company,” Muthr replied. “Watching some of the episodes with you was quite entertaining.”

Eva laughed out loud. “Really? You were entertained?”

“Actually, I was more entertained watching you. Especially when you were younger,” Muthr said. “After the show was over, you would pretend that you were one of the characters. How you adored that Beeboo.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that before?” Eva asked.

“I am not sure. I suppose I was simply so busy making sure you were content,” Muthr replied.

“Hey, maybe if we find the other humans, they’ll have some of the old episodes,” Eva said, smiling. “You and I can watch them again.”

“I would like that very much.” With her silicone lips Muthr smiled back.

“Ho! Eva!” Rovender called out as he stood atop Otto’s back. “Hold up!”

Eva slowed the Goldfish and circled it back over the crescent dunes of black sand and gravel. The hovercraft’s metallic flecked paint sparkled through its dusty coating in the late-morning sun as it came to rest alongside the water bear. Rovender slid down and sat on Otto’s great head. He placed the crystal beamguide on the flat hood of the Goldfish, and the prism relief map projected out from it.

“Well,” Rovender said as he studied the landmarks. “We are almost there. It’s just over this large dune up ahead.”

“Let us see if we can pick up any clues,” Muthr said, and pulled out the Omnipod. She spoke to the device, “This is Muthr zero-six. Initiate LifeScan. Please sweep the area for any other detectable life-forms.”