Taban: Yeah. Like . . . dreams that I’m getting frozen. Like I can’t move, something’s stopping me from moving, my tongue’s gone. And I get this feeling like someone’s going to split my chest open. You don’t get dreams like that?

Daley: . . . No.

Taban: . . . How’s your heart feeling?

Daley: It’s fine. I’ll see you later.

[Daley seals off the cockpit door. In a moment the sounds of the ship’s airlock opening can be heard. Daley departs the ship.]

Taban (turning to the HARE): So? Did they receive the distress signal?

HARE: It is unknown how far away the nearest ISF outpost is. Given that we could only repair the communications system to half-strength, I cannot accurately estimate how long it would take for the signal to reach a manned ship or outpost.

Taban: Give me your best guess.

HARE: 28% likelihood that someone has received the signal by now. Again, this estimate is flawed. I could use my own resources to boost its strength—

Taban: —but doing so would drain your battery. I know. It’s okay.

HARE: Are you certain?

Taban: Yeah. I would only do that as an absolute last-ditch resort . . . So I’m okay with waiting for now. I don’t want to lose you and be left alone with—you know. No, I won’t do that.

HARE: Thank you.

Taban: Don’t mention it. And the ship’s tracking beacon is functioning okay?

HARE: Yes. There is also one in each of your IEVA suits.

Taban: Good to know. Though I don’t think I’ll be venturing out there again any time soon. Not after that whole thing with going north, and “the man.” I don’t know how Daley does it.

HARE: He appears not to remember the anomalies of the other day.

Taban: I don’t know if that’s a blessing or a curse.

HARE: Yes.

Taban: Well, I suppose all we’ve got to do is wait it out.

HARE: Yes.

Taban: You remember what I taught you last night?

HARE: Yes. I remember.

Taban: Okay. You go first.

HARE (processors whirring): I have identified an object that is suitable for our activity.

Taban: Okay. Is it a person?

HARE: Negative.

Taban: Is it a food?

HARE: Negative.

Taban: Is it an animal?

HARE: Negative.

Taban: Is it a machine?

HARE: Negative.

Taban: Is it something I can touch?

HARE: Negative.

Taban: . . . Let’s go back to the other game.

HARE (processors whirring): I have identified an object that is suitable for our activity. You would describe it as being the color gray.

Taban: Say it like I told you.

HARE (processors whirring): I spy something gray.

VIDEO LOG #55—Ship Designation CS Wyvern 7079

Day 10: 12:45 UTO

[Taban and the HARE are still in the cockpit. Taban is climbing out of the hatch in the floor that leads to the cargo hold and galley.]