The Medi-Oscars

“Open the pod bay doors, please, HAL,” requests Dave over the radio.

Nothing.

“Open the pod bay doors, please, HAL,” he repeats in the same tone.

Nothing.

“Hello, HAL, do you read me? Hello, HAL, do you read me? Do you read me, HAL?” Dave asks over and over, remaining outwardly calm but no doubt feeling a rising dread.

Nothing.

“Do you read me, HAL?” He stares at the empty ship before him.

Nothing.

“Hello, HAL, do you read me? Hello, HAL, do you read me?” he persists, despite continuing to receive dead air.

Nothing.

“Do you read me, HAL?” he asks once more.

“Affirmative, Dave. I read you,” replies HAL in its monotone.

“Open the pod bay doors, HAL,” Dave commands.

“I’m sorry, Dave, but I’m afraid that bothers me more than it should.”