U.S.S. Humanity

by Nathanial Covell

  Beppe looks at Alex, he is scared, but closes his eyes trying to concentrate. “It’s like Swiss. A little sweeter, maybe. Ah, very tasty. I will make some, I promise.”

  Alex furrows his brow and looks quickly at Beppe in surprise. “You can make cheese? Wow.” Behind the men, Xiao and Jennifer exchange looks of disbelief.

  “Okay, they match mine! Thank you, Nadia.” Dex punches buttons.

  “Humanity, you’re off. You’re going to have to fire early,” begs Control.

  “We’ve already compensated,” Dex blurts.

  “We’re sending codes. You’ll have to burn plus minus a tenth-”

  “Don’t bother,” Dex insists, trying to concentrate.

  “-of a second!”

  “Shut! Up!” Dex yells, steady. He watches the digital clock. “Unless you’d like to, Captain?” Nadia takes her hands off the yoke and Dex keys his headset, whispering something inaudibly. The crew all succumb to stress and grip their hand rests, white-knuckled.

  “Mama mia,” whispers Beppe. Sweat trickles from his hairline. The digital clock continues. Dex’s fingers play on the yoke rhythmically. He is consumed, “... counting to go ... go ...” The crew exchanges glances, nervously.

  The ship shudders and then steadies. “Full stop!” the Captain pronounces and braces the back of her head slowly against her head rest.

  “... go ... go.”

  The ship lurches ahead, rapidly accelerating. As it hurtles forward, the crew strains, enveloped in the coffin of space.

  *****

  Emerging from the rogue ship’s flight path, the projectiles twist on a collision course with the Humanity: a tight, lethal group of buckshot.

  *****

  With the ship shaking violently, Dex fights to make sensitive adjustments. Beppe looks back at the doctor and yells, “You’ll always regret I didn’t kiss you! Sorry!” Jen just looks up in fear and disgust.

  *****

  The personnel at Earth Control gather around to look at the large, overhead HUD in concern for one of their own. Alarms beep and text illuminates in red. “Put the radar on the main display, as well,” orders the Major. The projectiles are shown to be on an intersect with the Humanity. Earnestly pleading the Major utters, “Come on, Humanity.” At the intersection, the screen reflects an impact graphic. “Damn!”

  “Humanity? Humanity, come in,” squeaks the Private.

  The Major takes off his headset. “They can’t hear you, Private. They’re gone.”

  *****

  On the rogue vessel, Pharris leans back in his captain’s chair upon sight of the impact animation. “Well, that’s one less prick. Make sure we’re well away from the collision, Vlad.”

  The bulky, co-pilot in paramilitary garb punches some buttons and swivels his chair to face Pharris. His speaks with an Eastern European accent, “Was that Masterson? Kyoto Masterson?”

  “Indeed.”

  The Major’s voice emanates from the radio. Vlad looks at Pharris who scoffs. “A voice from the dead.” Pharris peers into the radio. “What’s the matter, Dex? No last jokes? That’s not like you.”

  Suddenly, Dex’s voice is heard slow and clear. “All this time, all the lives … I know it was you. For you, I will survive this. ‘Where will it stop to sleep and rest, this murderous hate?’” Pharris’ face assumes a less amused posture. “At your cold, dead feet. That is a promise, you son-of-a-bitch.”

  Pharris scoffs and leans back sipping his tea. “Imagine the gall. That grunt spitting Aeschylus quotes at me. I wrote a dissertation on Aeschylus at Yale … what wonderful malevolence he penned.” His copilot fidgets, discontent. “What do look so worried for?”

  “I’ve heard of Masterson ... he’s a legend.”

  Pharris hurls his mug at Vlad, who ducks. The cup shatters, fragments floating in the low gravity. “I am a legend! Never forget that, you fool!”

  Vlad recoils, “He’s a bad enemy to have is all I’m saying. I’m just glad he’s dead.” And on cue, a strong, solitary blip exits the impact animation, course unaffected.

  *****

  At the point of impact, the ship threads through the projectiles, just skirting their diameter.

  *****

  “He’s there!” Cheers erupt at Earth Control as the ship reemerges on radar. The Major laughs as other troops slap him on the back.

  “Private, call the software engineers and tell them to tweak this software. See if they can simulate the resolve of a bat outta hell! Humanity, this is control: Safe journey and god save!”

  *****

  As the ship steadies, the crew’s body-weight lessens. Dex unstraps and stands. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink. Vodka, anyone?”

  “Da,” says Nadia, as she stands, unsteady. “Da.”

  Dex extends a hand to help Xiao from her seat. He grins, relief and caring in his eyes. “Humanity lives on,” he says. She takes his hand as the ship hurtles through space: Humanity’s chance to start again.

  ###

  Read an excerpt now from Episode II:

  “You may not realize it, but there goes what could be the finest pilot alive.” Alex turns to face Xiao, questioning. “About 10 years ago there was an incident in the asteroid belt … an explosion during a military exercise. Two space fighters were caught in the belt. There was debris ricocheting everywhere and one fighter got pinned between two asteroids. The pinned pilot was Captain Michael Shueshu: a distinguished pilot … a father … a friend.” She hesitates only a moment, “Dex was the other pilot. They were good friends or so I’ve heard. I also heard that Masterson caused the explosion. Whatever the case, Dex tried to save him. Images from the carrier ship said that his fighter drifted in front of Shueshu’s and spun while firing at asteroids coming from all directions. Many say it never happened … couldn’t have, but I’ve seen the videos. Even slowed down, his ship is a blur rotating and firing with such accuracy …”

  “And?” asks Alex, eager to hear the end.

  “Eventually, Dex’s ship became too badly damaged. He even rammed an asteroid to divert it. Shueshu died. Dex lived, but he never flew a fighter again. No one’s been able to duplicate his moves and shots in the simulators.”

  “Damn.”

  “Don’t be too impressed, though, Alex. Keep your eye on him. We don’t need any explosions of our own, if you know what I mean. He’s reckless.”

  Alex returns his attention to the computer. “Yeah, but that’s still awesome.”

  Xiao gives Alex a chilling look, “Not for Michael Shueshu.”

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nate Covell was employed by the White House Military Office, worked in cyber counterintelligence, was a Japanese interpreter and lived in Japan and Italy. He has a B.A. in Creative Writing and has done graduate work at Harvard. He likes to talk about himself in 3rd person, as evinced here. But enough about me! Hit my website and let me get to know you, too 

  Thank you for taking the time to read this episode. Please take a moment to leave a comment at the site from which you downloaded. Find out more at https://natecovell.com

  Episode II

  A white sand beach rests under a cloudless sky. Waves of clear, blue water lap upon the beach. Utterly relaxed, Dex lays on his bed and averts his eyes from the images and back to his datapad. “No harm can befall a man, no evil can enter his heart, but that which he allows.” Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. Dex stares at the ceiling, recollecting his wrong doings and weighing his culpability. “Guilty ... guilty,” he counts, “Very guilty. Guilty, but she was smoking.” He grins and turns, his wife’s picture appears on his bed stand’s picture screen. His smile turns melancholy. Then his son’s picture fades in as hers fades out. He turns his head, bitterness seizing his face. “Maybe it’s time to get out,” he says, shutting down his pad and exiting his room.

  *****

  Alex sits in the great common room, clicking a
t the computer and examining the screen closely, frowning. Xiao reclines in an easy chair behind him. “So are you having any nightmares? Sweats? Claustrophobia?”

  “No, no, no. It’s been, like, 7 days. Are you expecting us to crack already,” Alex pleads.

  “Well, it’d be better to figure out sooner rather than later. We could always drop a squeamish person at DS2. No reason to be stuck with them for 6 years,” Xiao explains, somewhat indignantly.

  “What, you think I’ll crack first? Let me tell you, programmers are tenacious: we can sit forever, love virtual environments, love to game and virtual porn has pretty much solved our women issues.”

  “Ooh, that’s interesting.” Xiao turns to face him. “So real women are too challenging?” she arches an eyebrow.

  “Whatever you want to conclude. They’re a problem I don’t have.”

  “Meaning, you’re a ladies’ man or a ... handy man?” Alex turns to frown at Xiao who laughs.

  Dex enters and slaps him on the back. “What’s up, Alex? Why so glum? Hey Xiao, am I missing anything?”

  “She’s just checking me for space cooties. Here’s your next victim,” Alex motions towards Dex. Xiao turns back around as Dex sits next to Alex.

  “I’ve been looking at the API to the ship’s systems and a bunch of it is in Japanese. How are we supposed to make modifications?”

  “Whoa, fella, what do we need to modify, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “Anything could happen out here. I don’t know. Everywhere I go, my employers always ask me why I’m planning for the exceptions and undercutting my ability to provide and then I’m their scapegoat when the shit hits the fan.” Alex grows irritated, but avoids eye contact with Dex.

  “Alex,” replies Dex, “I think you’re right to investigate such things. In fact, if you need help, I’ll translate the Japanese for you.”

  “You read Japanese?” Alex asks, dubious.

  “He can speak Japanese. Sou jan, Dekusu?” asks Xiao. Dex looks at her, surprised.

  “Your pronunciation is pretty good. A better question might be ‘Why would a young, noble, newly graduated psychologist know anything about a washed out Lieutenant Colonel?’”

  “It pays to know about your subjects. I’m sure a military man would agree.” Xiao and Dex exchange an extended glare, silently.

  “You remind me of someone, Xiao,” Dex admits. Xiao looks away, a weak effort to deflect attention.

  “You guys are freakin me out,” says Alex, watching, anticipating. “Hey, Dex, you wanna play a flying game. I heard you’re a freakishly awesome pilot or something,” asks Alex, eager to change the topic.

  “No, no thanks,” declines Dex, looking at the game’s splash screen.

  “This game is awesome and I bet I kick your butt.”

  “I bet you would, too, kid,” says Dex, smiling and standing. “It’s been interesting, guys. See you youngins later.” Dex exits as Xiao grows thoughtful.

  “Probably just doesn’t want to get beat,” adds Alex, scoffing.

  “I doubt very much you could touch him. You may not realize it, but there goes what could be the finest pilot alive.” Alex turns to face Xiao, questioning. “About 10 years ago there was an incident in the asteroid belt … an explosion during a military exercise. Two space fighters were caught in the belt. There was debris ricocheting everywhere and one fighter got pinned between two asteroids. The pinned pilot was Captain Michael Shueshu: a distinguished pilot … a father … a friend.” She hesitates only a moment, “Dex was the other pilot. They were good friends or so I’ve heard. I also heard that Masterson caused the explosion. Whatever the case, Dex tried to save him. Images from the carrier ship said that his fighter drifted in front of Shueshu’s and spun while firing at asteroids coming from all directions. Many say it never happened … couldn’t have, but I’ve seen the videos. Even slowed down, his ship is a blur rotating and firing with such accuracy …”

  “And?” asks Alex, eager to hear the end.

  “Eventually, Dex’s ship became too badly damaged. He even rammed an asteroid to divert it. Shueshu died. Dex lived, but he never flew a fighter again. No one’s been able to duplicate his moves and shots in the simulators.”

  “Damn.”

  “Don’t be too impressed, though, Alex. Keep your eye on him. We don’t need any explosions of our own, if you know what I mean. He’s reckless.”

  Alex returns his attention to the computer. “Yeah, but that’s still awesome.”

  Xiao gives Alex a chilling look, “Not for Michael Shueshu.”

  *****

  A bead of sweat rolls down Nadia’s face and her breath is labored. She leans, head against the wall tense, eyes looking left, but without daring to move. Two handguns, a 9mm Beretta and a 220 Sig Sauer, are against her chest pointing at the ceiling. “Okay, one time,” she whispers, closes her eyes and rolls to the floor. She rights herself firing simultaneously. Enemies’ on video screens arms, legs and heads spurt blood, as the guns recoil with accurate force. She dives and ducks as the 3-dimensional bad guys reorient their guns on her. They do skilled work keeping fire on her as others reload. She hesitates behind a generic rectangular obstacle, forestalling panic. At last, she dives firing as she rolls, killing all but the last man. He fires into her several times and the sensors in her uniform acknowledge the fatal shots, luminescent LED blood spreads across her clothes. The last bad guy laughs at her, taunting.

  “Impressive,” says Dex from the doorway. “How did you hit those guys while rolling?”

  Between breaths, she answers, “Practice.” Then less tersely, “An old gunny with some smooth moves taught me.”

  Dex, sensing more to the story, doesn’t pry, “You just missed one.”

  “I didn’t miss.”

  “But he’s standing there laughing ...” Nadia approaches the wall and removes a small, sticky projectile from the screen in the area of the gunman’s throat. He jibes again, “Hey! Try again, chippie?”

  ”Sim Knife. This program doesn’t see them for some reason.”

  “Ouch ... cool. I didn’t even see you throw it.” Dex rubs his throat, only affecting a half-smile. He turns to go. “Maybe Alex can alter the program.”

  “Colonel,” Nadia seems awkward, “I’m sorry ... if I underestimated you.”

  “Appreciated, but unnecessary, Nadia. They’re lucky to have you.”

  Dex exits and Nadia speaks to the laughing brute on the screen, “Shut up!” She shoots him in the crotch and he falls in agony.

  *****

  Dex enters the machine shop taking a moment to admire all of the brand new devices. Not seeing anyone, he calls out, “Beppe?”

  Beppe’s voice emerges from afar, “I’m in the back! In the brewmeister’s room.”

  “That’s sounding hopeful.” Dex winds his way to the back through the machines. “It’s warm in here.”

  “The stills keep it toasty,” says Beppe. Beppe returns his attention to a machine that is using lasers to create a metal wrench. Dex watches as the machine finishes and Beppe takes the wrench and makes an adjustment on a still. Beppe then places the wrench back in a chute on the machine. Beppe turns and smiles. “No waste on my ship. Back in to be melted and reused.”

  “This I have not seen. I never thought we’d have replicators,” Dex’s face melts into a relaxed smile.

  “Nice cans, huh,” jokes Beppe, playing with English and placing his hands under two vats.

  “You’re risking a sprained tongue, my friend,” Dex cautions.

  “That’s a joke. You joke. I like jokes.”

  “Guilty, brother,” Dex laughs.

  “You want to try some?” Beppe says, hopeful.

  “I want to try a lot. Let’s bust up this monotony.” They share a conspiratorial grin.

  *****

  A tremendous roar brings Xiao and Alex from their rooms, confounded, but not uni
nterested with the relentless quiet of the ship. A roar again and again are followed by a thunder clap. Jen exits her lab and joins the others, face without affectation. Nadia rounds the corner behind them in a gray t-shirt and shorts, pistol drawn. Another large vroom and Beppe and Dex emerge riding a vintage 2013 Harley Night Rod. Dex is behind Beppe in the seat trying to hold on while laughing. Beppe wears a helmet, goggles and a grin from ear to ear. He pops the clutch on the bike a few times to jar Dex and menace the crew in his way. Xiao’s jaw drops, but she manages to smile simultaneously. “What a pair of asses.”

  Dex jumps off and grabs Alex. “Alex! Alex: Amarone. He has Amarone back there.” Alex looks confused. Dex, in frustration, “It’s wine, man! Exquisite wine. In space!” Dex searches their faces for understanding. “There’s plenty more …” Dex’s face turns mischievous.

  Beppe wheels his bike up to the Jen. “You want a ride, doc?”

  “A bicycle is what you chose to bring?” asks Jennifer, showing consternation. “Of all the items?”

  Not offended, but triumphantly, “It is my spirit, my essence. I show it freely. See it. See me. It is a hog.”

  “I see it, but that does not make it more rational.”

  “Then I am irrational. I do many things for pleasure, that cannot be measured or quantified. You must ride with me now. Get on.”

  “I would sooner remap the entire DNA sequence,” Jen quips, stoically. But Beppe leans close to her, out of earshot of the rest and whispers something. To everyone’s surprise, she gets on the bike and places her arms around his waist. Beppe smiles and yells, “Ciao, ciao,” over the noise and they speed off down the hallways.

  Xiao and Nadia exchange curious looks. “Okay, guys, night cap?” tries Dex.

  “You know I have to write incidents like this up, don’t you?” Xiao offers.

  “Xiao, on our return you’ll have enough stories to create a book you can retire on. But, like it or not, you are a character in this book.” Dex’s face turns serious. “How do you want others to see you? Capricious or prudish?”

  “I think you have some serious issues, Dex. But a night cap sounds good. Alex?” Xiao ventures.

  “Why not? We’re all up.” The three of them begin walking toward the machine shop.