by Miguel Lopez de Leon
Lights illuminate
My sparsely organized unit
Automatic voice
Greets a familiar ‘Good Waking’
Before reiterating my daily schedule
Steaming black coffee, with cream, is waiting for me
As crispy bacon and sunny side-up eggs
Materialize on the silent replicator
Surviving on two hours of sleep
Before another grueling twenty hour shift
Stiff uniform perfectly pressed, hair smoothed, complete confidence
As the lift opens onto the crowded bridge
Salute…salute…salute…
Mom and Dad are scheduled to board tomorrow
Make them proud, make them proud, make them proud…
Why?
I’m forgetting something…
So exhausted
Focus.
Back straight, chair locked, fingerprint ID verified
I forgot to request Ryzma sector crystals for the guest units
Dad loves them next to his bed…
Focus.
Insert chip, yesterday’s report uploaded successfully
Salute, the Captain has entered the bridge-DO NOT YAWN
“How are you Lieutenant? Ready for another incredible day?” she asks me.
“Yes, Captain. Looking forward to it.” I answer quickly.
Dammit…I yawned.
Initiate system activation, insert code Q901gg6, operation sequences set…
I’m ready…
Breathe…
Just say it.
Full voice.
Now.
“All systems go, Captain.”
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
