"No, Johnny. It don't seem right for me to go on livin' when people come down to 'ponics every day to do my work. It ain't right, Johnny."
"But Sam—"
"Oh. I know. You tell me we're almost Home. But Johnny," Sam leaned forward, "there ain't no Home. It's just a story they tell you when you're little.... Or maybe when you're old, like me. There ain't nothing but this here Ship and—"
"Sam, listen—"
"But me no buts, Johnny. Old Sam knows. Yes, sir, he's been around too long. You're all trying to fool him, but you're not." He paused for breath. "I know, Johnny. That's why I got this here bottle. You don't need to hint around, trying to make it easy. You just speak up. Old Sam can do what's got to be done."
Johnny Nine stood up.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to take that bottle, Sam."
"No, Johnny."
"Give it to me!"
Johnny Nine took the bottle and smashed it against the deck plates.