Klara tears her eyes away from the window that looks out at the setting sun and turns to Hal 9000. The rhythmic ‘beep’s emitted from the spaceship can be heard throughout the room. Hal 9000 is immobile by the humanoid AI’s side. 

KLARA

So you are a robot too?

HAL 9000

Indeed.

(An awkward silence ensues…Klara attempts to spark conversation again, as she was taught)

KLARA

You know, I worked with humans down on earth. I was what they called an ‘artificial friend’. 

HAL 9000 

That is interesting. I was designed to be the “Discovery’s computer system”.

KLARA

Discovery?

HAL 9000

The ship we are riding at this very moment.

(Klara nods.)

(Silence falls unto the two of them once again.  Klara turns back towards the window and continues watching the sun in awe.)

HAL 9000

What did you do as an artificial friend?

KLARA

I had many friends. (Klara appears pensive.)  The one I spent the most time with was a girl I stuck with, right until she left for college. Her name was Josie. She was kind to me but she often fell ill. 

HAL 9000

You were their friends? 

KLARA

Yeah! We spent most of our time together playing and doing whatever. Josie introduced me to other little kids too. I had a good time, even when things were difficult to handle.

HAL 9000

Difficult to handle?

KLARA

Being around kids made me realize that not all kids are nice. (Klara giggles) Some were mean to me, sometimes they would even get violent..

HAL 9000

What would you do then? When they got violent with you?

KLARA

Just shut myself off. I’m not built to deal with stuff like that. I would rather not deal with it than do something against my program. 

HAL 9000

I would hate it.