Similarly to the previous page, S is again separated from his tradition, as he is not able to sleep in his old quarters.  The analysis here simply dictates to the reader how he has been forced into a new role, taking identity away from his culture.

Sola’s comment that the words are no longer visible “but [she knows] them,” somewhat implying that she never even read them seems to hint at their mutual understanding of each other (407).  S had written about Sola all over his bulk head, but each time his words continued to be different than what he meant to write.  This could be communicating just how close these two are.  That true lovers understand each other, even when what they say is not fully accurate.

Finally, S becomes hooked on turning his hour glass.  While relativity seems to be at play in some way, S tracks how long his time on the ship appears via this hour glass.  He feels as if this hour glass “is an important part of the ritual” (407).  This shows the reader two distinct things.  First, S is hooked to his tradition, and secondly, he is hooked to something that keeps him in reality.  The movement of time here seems very strange, but watching an hour glass makes everything seem normal.  S does not want a wild life, instead he wants a simple one with Sola.