Cillian O’Tuathail awakens to the persistent and wet licks of Duke, a resident dog on his ship, Ádh. As he struggles to shake off the remnants of a dream about a past encounter with a Mierese trader, he contemplates the absurdity of the dog’s behavior and its affectionate yet irritating nature. Engaging in a humorous and philosophical debate with Ádh, the ship's AI, Cillian reflects on the dog's quirks while attempting to maintain his dignity. Their banter reveals Cillian’s personality and his relationship with the crew, highlighting both the whimsical challenges of life aboard the ship and the evolving dynamics with the AI companion.