I closed my eyes. I was alone. I didn't allow myself to sink to the floor and cry. I had too much adrenaline. He had been about to kill us all. And now I was about to do the same thing. His speech made far too much sense and I knew that I had to do it, and I wished for the human in me to go away so that I could be a robot and be strong enough not to weep when I did it. I stepped forward and placed my hands on the metal surface near the button. I leaned on it, head bent over. Get this over with before you chicken out. The black button stared at me like Cedric's eyes, intimidating. I moved my hand above it, and in a small, crisp movement, I pressed downwards.
As the sound of destruction ripped and tore and sliced through the air, I thought of Europa, our haven.
Europa by ELImstsuj is the winner of Challenge 6 on the ScienceFiction profile.
Jake Kerr Not Hurt
«Are you hurt, Bradford Thomas?»
«No, but it’s a mess back here. That was a nasty crash. What the hell happened during re–entry?»
«Mechanical error.»
«Doesn’t surprise me with the tin can they gave us. Why’d you take so long to answer, Ecks? You hurt?»
«Not hurt.»
«Good. Let me check the supplies, clean up a bit, and then I’ll come up and join you.»
«No, Bradford Thomas. Much damage.»
«No shit. My head still hurts from the impact. Maybe I can help.»
«Dangerous. Stay, Bradford Thomas.»
«Is it hull damage? Should I suit up?
«Fixable.»
«Well, that’s good, because I just realized the suits are up with you.»
«Stay.»
«Sounds like a plan. Are you sure you’re not hurt? Your voice is a little raspy.»
«Not hurt.»
«Okay. I’ll get everything in order down here and check back in a bit.»
«Ecks, you there?»
«Busy.»
«No problem. Just wanted to let you know that things are cleaned up and stable down here.»
«Good.»
«Should I still stay put?»
«Stay.»
«Ecks, I may be hurt more than I thought. I’m feeling a little woozy.»
«You there, Ecks?»
«Busy.»
«Something isn’t right. I feel light–headed.»
«Stay.»
«I didn’t say I was coming, dammit. I just said I’m a little dizzy. Maybe I hit my head.»
«Fixable.»
«What are you talking about? I said I think I may have hit my head.»
«Stay. Sit.»
«I am sitting. Got any other genius advice?»
«Ecks, I think I blacked out there for a bit. Do you know what’s happening?»
«Air unit damaged. Fixable.»
«Oh God. No wonder I can barely stand. I’m suffocating, Ecks. You have to fix this now!»
«Fixable. Will direct air to Bradford Thomas.»
«You were keeping the air for yourself? You bastard. Send it to me!»
«Not much.»
«I don’t care. Send it all to me. I’m dying!»
«You locked the door on me, you alien bastard? Don’t deny it. You are locking me in here so that you can have all the air! Dammit. I told them this would happen. Put me on a ship with a cockroach pilot? Sure, first thing he’ll do is stab me in the back. You hear that, Ecks? I’m going to get through the door, and then we’ll see who has all the air.»
«No break door. Fixable. Bradford Thomas has air.»
«Screw you! I don’t have crap. I can barely stand. You have so much air I can hear you coughing on it. Let me out!»
«Wait, Bradford Thomas.»
«Ecks. I can’t move. I’m dying.»
«I’m not breathing as hard. Did you fix it?»
«Not fixed. Gave all air.»
«I wish you would have done that before. It’s not like we can save it. It recycles, you know?»
«Yes.»
«Sorry. I still can’t stand, and I have a headache.»
«Are you there, Ecks?»
«Here.»
«Almost done?»
«Soon. Fixed.»
«You don’t sound too good.»
«Not hurt.»
«I’m not sure I believe you, buddy.»
«Rest, Bradford Thomas. Fixable.»
«You did it! I just heard the fans hit, and the air is blowing hard. God, I never thought I’d love the taste of filtered air this much.»
«Still have a headache, though.»
«Ecks, you there? Look, I understand if you’re mad. I was out of line. It’s just that I wasn’t thinking clearly. Not enough oxygen makes you paranoid. So unlock the door, and let’s be friends again.»
«Damn, I didn’t know aliens could pout. I get it. You saved our lives, and I said some things I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry. If it makes you feel any better, I still have a headache. Oh, and I’m guessing a rescue ship is, what, six hours out? When it gets here, I’ll recommend you for a commendation or whatever they give you guys.»
«Ecks? Talk to me buddy.»
«Are you hurt?
A short story originally done for Challenge 1 on the Science Fiction profile by Jake Kerr (see dedication), who is a Nebula, Sturgeon, and StorySouth Award nominee.
Jessica Brody The Memory Coder
Chapter 1
The struggle is not what I remember most about the delivery boy’s procedure. It’s the girl. The one buried deep in his mind. Hidden in his memory like a keepsake.
But of course, it would be difficult to forget that struggle. The delivery boy fought harder than most. Maybe that’s because his breach was more personal than the others’. A repeat offender. Fueled by fascination and obsession. While most offenses are merely accidental. A slip up.
Delivery boys are the bread and butter of our department. The nature of their job makes them prone to seeing more than they should. But there are plenty of others brought in as well. Mail carriers, caterers, tutors, relatives, suppliers. Anyone from the outside, without a security clearance level, is susceptible to breaches.
But like I said, most are not intentional.
The delivery boy, according to the report, had returned again and again. Had gotten too close. And had finally been caught.
I had to admire his persistence. And feel just the slightest bit sorry for him.
«Let me out of here!» he screamed, banging on the bolted door. «You can’t keep me locked in here like a prisoner!»
I watched him through the window. Dr. Solara was already starting to work her magic on him. It’s hard not to fall for that body and face. Every guy in this department is guilty of at least one fantasy starring the tall, blond doctor. Even me.
But novelty wears off fast.
And things are different on this side of the window.
«Don’t worry.» She attempted to subdue him with a gentle touch on the arm. «We’re not going to hurt you. Please just have a seat.»