Opportunity Extended

"Mars," said Wallace.

I set my scotch on the endtable. I used a coaster.

"They put a Roomba up there. Named Opportunity..."

I waited.

"...Designed for a three-month look at the rocks."

I eyed my neat scotch. Why the hell did I use a coaster?

"That was in 2004. The thing's still talking."

Wallace crunched a cheese puff.

"Wonder if any of the team ever went, 'Come on, just die already. I have another gig lined up.' "