Taban (speaking quietly): Of course he has.

HARE: Shall I notify him that you’re awake?

Taban: No. I think I’ll just lie here for a while.

HARE (processors whirring): Are you feeling tired?

Taban: In a manner of speaking. I’m tired of going out there, that’s for sure.

HARE: You haven’t informed USER Daley.

Taban: What good would it do? He’s obsessed. All it would do is cause a fight, which is the last thing I want when the guy’s the only one who can fly us home.

HARE: USER Daley believes that the work will be finished soon.

Taban: It’s just bullshit he says when he can tell I’m getting antsy. You should learn to recognize that, you know. Bullshit. It’s a valuable skill.

HARE: Understood. I will attempt to acquire.

Taban: You do that.

[A few minutes pass in silence. Taban closes his eyes and folds his hands together on top of his chest, whispering something indistinct.]

HARE: I’m sorry. Please repeat.

Taban: I’m not talking to you.

HARE: I am the only one present.

Taban: I’m praying.

HARE: I’m sorry. I don’t understand.

[Taban ignores the HARE as he continues to pray silently. Finally he opens his eyes again and sits up.]

Taban: You really don’t know what praying is?

HARE: I have downloaded the definition. But I have not acquired an understanding of the subject matter.

Taban: Lots of humans do it, across all cultures. You know about cultures? Religions?

HARE: I have downloaded some data. But I have not acquired—

Taban: Well, we won’t get into that today. But praying’s like—it’s like—talking to someone greater than you. For comfort, or guidance, or whatever. A higher authority.

HARE: An authority that is not present?

Taban: Well, they’re present. They’re with you at all times.

HARE (processors whirring): . . .

Taban: You get it?

HARE: Yes.

Taban: Good. Now turn around.

[The HARE faces the wall while Taban rises and begins to change into his decksuit. As he’s changing, the HARE addresses him again.]

HARE: What do you pray about?

Taban: Now that part’s none of your damn business. Let’s go get breakfast.

[He leaves the bunk room with the HARE. Daley is sitting in the pilot’s seat of the cockpit, eating a breakfast ration.]

Daley: Wakey-wakey, eggs and bakey. (tosses ration packet to Taban)

Taban: Gee, thanks, Ma. You shouldn’t have.

Daley: Weren’t no trouble, sweetie pie. But seriously, hurry up. We’re burning daylight here.

Taban: I just woke up. At least give me a few minutes.

Daley: Not my fault you can’t get your lazy ass up on time.

Taban: “On time” according to you means getting four hours of sleep a night. How are you still alive? Sure you’re not going to burn yourself out?