The silence dragged on, maybe for dramatic effect, more likely because the Xeelee-derived translator box I saw strapped to one metal thigh was having trouble matching up our respective world pictures. Finally it spoke.
'Allow me to summarize the situation.' The box's voice was a machine rasp; the stomach monster twitched. 'I have discontinued your vessel. I estimate your personal environment will last no more than five human days. You have no weapons, or any means of communication with your fellows — none of whom are in any event closer than a thousand light years.'
-Vacuum Diagrams, "More Than Time or Distance"