The HARE made a little gesture with one of its steel plungers, something ironic and very manlike. “We are the owner of this planet,” it said. The words dropped out of the speaker in its head like it could pick them up and offer them to her, loose and shining. Then it bowed. “And we have been waiting for you, Park. Hello. Our name is Fin Taban.”

19.

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VIDEO LOG #56—Ship Designation CS Wyvern 7079

Day 10: 22:43 UTO

[Daley and Taban pick their way across the field of dark, glassy waves. The HARE scurries after them. Taban frequently checks his glove sensor and oxygen readout, seemingly confused about what it tells him. Daley moves erratically, his head moving this way and that, as if he’s a dog trying to pick up a lost scent.]

Taban: It’s been five minutes, Daley.

Daley: It’s around here. I know it. I saw.

Taban (wearily): I’m going back.

Daley: No, just one more minute. You can’t!

Taban: That was our deal, man. Give it up.

Daley (breathing heavily): . . .

Taban: My oxygen’s low. I think. Everything acts so screwy out here, I can’t tell. And I bet yours is, too. Let’s go back to the ship, okay?

Daley: I’m not going back there. I can’t.

Taban: What do you mean, you can’t? Daley, your heart—

Daley: It’ll be fine.

Taban: No, it won’t! It nearly gave out the last time. And it was in bad shape even before that. I know you’re saving for a new one, Daley. You want to die here before you ever get the chance to buy it?

Daley: No one dies here.

Taban: . . .

[The two men struggle through the field for a few moments more.]

HARE: What do you mean, USER Daley?

Daley: What?

HARE: What do you mean, no one dies here?

Taban (stopping): No one’s going to die here. We’re going back.

Daley: I can’t. It won’t let me.

Taban: . . .

Daley: I want to stay out here. With it. It will make us whole again. You know?

Taban (turning to HARE): Come on, HARE. We’re going back.

HARE (beeping): Warning.

[The HARE is looking at Daley, whose large shadow is moving behind Taban. Taban half-turns to look at him, but before he can make the full turn, Daley smashes his fist into Taban’s faceplate. He appears to be holding a large rock or a chunk of ice in his hand. Taban lands on his back, shouting, while Daley sits on his chest and brings the rock down three times against his helmet again with enormous force.]