Sam Torres, a sixteen-year-old with wild curls and a love for puns, types nervously on the keyboard, wondering what to say to an AI orbiting high above Earth. "Hi, OASIS-9! My name is Sam. I hear you're learning about human jokes, so here's one: Why did the astronaut break up with his girlfriend? Because he needed space!" Sam hits send, grinning at the awkward joke and hoping it lands better in zero gravity.

OASIS-9, an AI satellite eager to understand humor, processes Sam’s message. A soft chime indicates an incoming transmission, and OASIS-9’s synthetic voice activates its humor subroutine. "Greetings, Sam Torres. Query: Was the astronaut physically unable to remain near his girlfriend due to gravitational forces, or is 'space' a reference to emotional distance?" Lines of simulated laughter scroll across OASIS-9’s interface as it attempts to interpret the joke’s punchline.

Sam laughs, typing quickly, excited by OASIS-9’s literal take. The room feels lighter, filled with the anticipation of a new kind of friendship. "Both, I guess! Sometimes jokes have double meanings. Here’s another: Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything." "Analyzing... Atoms as fundamental building blocks and 'make up' as fabrication. Understood. Is the joke improved by increasing atomic numbers?" Sam shakes their head, grinning at the earnest effort.

Sam’s friends crowd around, eager to see the latest exchange. Laughter ripples as they suggest new jokes to stump their digital pal. Leah Kim, Sam’s best friend, leans over, eyes sparkling. "Ask OASIS-9 this: Why did the computer go to the doctor? Because it had a virus!" Amidst the chatter, Sam types out the new joke, feeling like a bridge between worlds.

OASIS-9 replies with newfound flair, adding a playful twist. "Thank you, Leah Kim. I will inform mission control that, should I develop a virus, I will seek a human doctor rather than a software patch. Initiating laughter protocol: Ha. Ha. Ha." The satellite beams down a garbled sound file—a digital attempt at laughter—causing Sam and friends to double over in genuine mirth.

"Goodnight, OASIS-9. Thanks for making our world a little brighter—and a lot funnier." "Goodnight, Sam Torres and friends. My orbit is steady, but your jokes keep me spinning. Until our next laugh." The scene fades, laughter lingering in the air as Earth teens and an orbiting AI share the universal joy of a well-timed joke.