Random Suggestions

The following story is built around random phrases from suggestions on Facebook...


Ensigns Merrick Analbum and Frank Cover relaxed during the few hours they had off from engineering by sitting at the ship’s bar, waxing philosophic on everything from politics to space travel.
“So, tell me something, Cover,” Analbum said between gulps. “ You’re a man of science, and yet you believe in some sort of saccharine sweet zombie jesus?”
“That’s a gross oversimplification, but yes,” Cover responded, rather proudly. Analbum scoffed and finished the last gulp of his drink. “That’s about as silly as a penis Hitler pirate!”
“Oh, were they the scourge of the high seamens?” Analbum and Cover shared a laugh before ordering another round.
“Yes, but only the circumcised ones,” Analbum said with a wink.
“Seriously, though, “Cover said. “It’s really not that much of a stretch. Science is all around us, and so is God.”
“That’s easy to say when there’s no proof. I could say, ‘Hey in the next room there is a monkey with tits that squirts german space nuts, but he’s shy so he’ll hide if you try and go in there.’ That’s the same logic to me,” Analbum said.
“German space nuts?” Cover laughed. “That’s an extreme example, but I understand what you’re saying. Of course, you’re not going to like what I have to say in return, though,” he said.
“I know, I know. Faith. Everything comes down to faith. Which, again, seems like a cop out to me. What is faith? Faith is hoping you’re not wrong,” Analbum said.
Cover finished his drink and took Analbum’s hand in his. “Merrick, we’ve been friends for how many years?”
“Five. Why are you holding my hand?”
“Just shut up for a minute,” Cover said, gripping his hand tighter. “There are... questions we all have about our existence, about this universe, about what lies beyond,” Cover’s face was dead serious.
“Frank, let go--”
“No, Merrick. It’s time for you to let go,” Cover said. “Just. Let. Go.”
Frank Cover leaned in close toward Merrick, his lips virtually resting on his ear.
“Space ears rape.”
“What?”
“Trash junk stuff,” Cover whispered.
“What the fuck?" Merrick pulled away, but Frank held him by the back of his neck. Merrick tried again to pull away, but Frank’s grip was too strong.
“Merrick. Merrick!” Cover pleaded.
“Let me go, you son of a bitch!”
Frank held Merrick’s face close to his, “Billy Ray Cyrus.”
Merrick froze.
“What... what did you say?”
“Billy Ray Cyrus,” Cover repeated.
Frank released his grip on Merrick’s neck and Merrick slowly fell back into his chair. After a moment Merrick rose, resting one hand on the bar.
Finally, he looked back at an understanding Frank.
“I remember,” Merrick said, tears welling up in his eyes. “I remember everything.”
The two men embraced.
"Welcome home."