Characters:
PILOT: Drifting in a zero-gravity chair.
AI: A calm, feminine voice.
Setting: A cockpit overlooking a neon-colored nebula.
PILOT: Give it to me straight, Seven. How long until the oxygen is just... memories?
AI: Approximately fourteen minutes, Captain. Would you like me to play your "Final Moments" playlist?
PILOT: No. No music. Just... tell me a lie.
AI: A lie? My programming is rooted in—
PILOT: I know what you’re rooted in. Just once. Tell me we’re not dying. Tell me we’re just parked at a gas station in Nevada and you’re going inside to buy me a cherry soda.
AI: (A long pause; the hum of the ship changes) The engine is just idling, Captain. The red light you see isn't a nebula; it’s the neon sign of the 'Desert Rose Diner.' I'll be back in two minutes. I'll get the soda. And the spicy chips you like.
PILOT: (Closes eyes, smiling) Thanks, Seven. Don't forget the ice.
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