A Rover's Story

Resilience learns that landings are the most difficult and scary part of going to Mars. Many rovers crash, making their missions unsuccessful. More than anything, Resilience wants to land safely because “[a] rover who is worth it will not crash” (35).

Resilience attempts to talk with Rania’s phone. He tells the device that he’s concerned about Rania. The phone is more interested in playing games than talking. However, it admits that Rania’s mother worries that Rania “is giving up too much of her life for her work, for [Resilience]” (37). Resilience strengthens his resolve to do a great job on Mars so all the time Rania is losing with her family will be worth it.

Sophie writes another letter to Resilience, admitting she is sometimes mad at her mom for spending so much time at work. Sophie might get to come to the lab soon, and she’s excited to meet Resilience.

Resilience is glad to be put back together and feel whole again. He tells Journey as much, and she warns Resilience to be careful of human emotions like gladness because “[h]uman feelings will not serve [them] well on Mars” (42).