Cosmic Cruiser 325 (#004) [Breakfast Serial]

Breakfast Serial is a serialized collection of short stories. We will post an episodic entry each week.

“Computer, execute emergency engine shut down.”

“COMMAND DENIED, CAPTAIN. EXISTING ORDERS FROM ADMIRAL FOZH CANNOT BE COUNTERMANDED WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION.”

The captain’s head lowered. Clearly, he had been certain that taking command of the ship would work.

“Bey, I never thought that I would be putting you in danger by undertaking this journey. I’m sorry.” Wzro was not given to displays of emotion while on command. First Officer Bey Jo-Cho barely held of the tears stinging the corners of her eyes: they were going to die.

“Computer,” the captain’s voice began to crack, “Increase engine output by 200%.”

“CAPTAIN, THIS IS ILL-ADVISED. THE SHIP’S ENGINE IS CURRENTLY PRODUCING MORE ENERGY THAN REQUIRED. FURTHER INCREASES IN ENGINE OUTPUT WILL DAMAGE THE ENGINE AND THE SHIP.”

“Execute the order. Override all safety protocols.”

“CAPTAIN, EXECUTION OF ORDER WILL DIRECTLY LEAD TO LOSS OF BOTH THE SHIP AND THE CREW. RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECIND ORDER.”

“Negative. Execute that order, priority one!”

“Captain! What are you doing?” Jo-Cho grabbed the veteran officer by the arm. “Stop this! You’re only making our death more certain!”

The older man didn’t react, wouldn’t look her in the eyes.

“Do you want to die?” she screamed. The captain finally met her gaze, revealing eyes as empty as the bridge had been when they first arrived.

Phil Schneider

Senior Staff Writer

I'm a teacher and discipleship pastor. More importantly, I'm husband to the greatest woman in the world and father to a ridiculously cute daughter. I also occasionally scratch out a few blog posts.