by Miguel Lopez de Leon
Only a few minutes more
Nineteen hours, fifty-six minutes completed
Initiate closing sequences, start system lock down
Lieutenant Williams has already arrived
To relieve me of my post
System closed
“Leaving bridge, Captain.” I announce, saluting.
“Proceed, Lieutenant.” she answers back at me.
I can see she’s exhausted too
Back aching horribly, don’t want to think
“Level 3, section G.” I say, stepping into the lift
As it shoots me downward
Sanctuary
My unit door slides open
“Lock entrance.” I command, walking towards the bed
“Entrance locked, Lieutenant.” the ship responds
Did I perform adequately today, I wonder
The captain seemed pleased
The ship barely escaped the Zanthorn fleet…again.
“Replicator-dirty martini.” I command
As the olive infused drink materializes before me
The first few sips are pure heat and relaxation
I’m beyond exhaustion
I’m famished
“Replicator-grilled salmon. Garlic mashed potatoes.”
Fish is healthy…good choice…oh, forget it
“Replicator-cancel salmon. Steak, well done.
The meat is delicious, the potatoes are alarmingly good
I haven’t eaten in twenty hours
Too tired to bathe
Stiff uniform slides off my aching shoulders
Another gulp of my martini, more food
“Replicator-chips and guacamole.”
Mmmm-the guacamole is perfect
Another romantic evening alone
Pigging out with the ship
“Replicator-meaningful relationship.”
“Order not available, Lieutenant.”
I know, I know…
Chips are delicious, crunchy…
Eight hours until my next shift
Eight GLORIOUS hours
Another gulp
So sleepy…
Inhaling food…am starving
Strong martini-thank you universe
Stupid Zanthorn fleet-stressed me out
So tired…
Will only rest my eyes for a minute…
-
“Good waking, Lieutenant.”
“What…” I groggily respond
“Good waking.” the system repeats
Nooo…time for work already
Don’t want to move…
Smells of strong coffee and bacon wafting from the replicator
“Replicator-I want a good, long kiss.”
“Order not available, Lieut…”
I know, I know…
“Computer-initiate hot bath.”
I hear the water running
“Replicator-more crispy bacon.”
Another day…
Here we go again.
About the Author
Miguel Lopez de Leon is a writer living happily in Los Angeles. Miguel’s short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including The Shine Journal, The Oddville Press, Gold Dust Magazine (UK), Fantastic Horror and The Cynic Magazine. Novel excerpts, video readings and book trailers for The Hillside Chronicles series can be found at his website .
©2009 Miguel Lopez de Leon
