The captain escorted Starbuck to the chamber of the brain, discussing tattooing animatedly. He told how it was popular with ancient mariners on the seas of Earth. He discussed the artistic significance of the basic forms—the Heart and Arrow, the Nude, the Flag. He didn't stop talking and button his shirt even after they entered the cybernetics room.
As the captain grasped for his second wind, Starbuck turned to the machine. "I'm here, Calculator."
The lights patterned words with a speed difficult to follow.
REDUNDANCY. CANCEL. ANALYSIS: SOCIAL MORE. I SEE THAT YOU ARE HERE. IT IS GOOD THAT YOU ARE NOT THERE OR ELSEWHERE, BUT THAT HERE YOU ARE. HERE ARE YOU.
Starbuck shifted his weight to the other foot. "Yes, I'm sure here all right."
WHAT DID YOU DO WHILE YOU WERE NOT HERE?
"I helped lay some walk mats in the corridors. I policed up the latrine. Lost all the money I brought with me in a crap game. Craps, that's where—"
HOYLE'S RULES OF GAMES IS A PART OF MY PROGRAMMING.
"I see."
YOU ARE NOT BLIND. IT IS WELL THAT YOU HAVE VISION. HOW'S THE WEATHER?