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."

The Call of Duty

April 29

Jerry was injured this morning. He was caught in one of their traps. But I had to keep going, had to stay with the mission. I know he understands that. I know he'll forgive me.

April 31

Jerry's still out there. I can hear him moan every once in a while; it's torturing me that I can't get to him. I spent all last night coming up with a plan to get him, but abandoned it. If I die, then we fail the mission, and the mission is all that matters.

May 3

I can't handle it anymore. Part of me wished-- hoped-- that Jerry would just die out there, but the sentry came back by last night and... started torturing him. Did he know I could see him? Was he taunting me? Tomorrow I'll have to decide whether or not Jerry's body is more important than the mission, but right now I'm just not ready for that decision. 

May 4

Jerry's gone. Somehow during the night I actually fell asleep, and the sentry came back around and must've taken him. The Son of a bitch knew when to strike. Back in The Wall we're taught not to get too attached, specifically for situations like this. Guess I failed that lesson, huh Sarge?

May 6

I don't care about the mission anymore. They'll send more from The Wall if I fail anyway, so the least I can do is recover Jerry's body. He might even still be alive, either way I have to know. I've spent the last day and a half doing recon and found out they put Jerry in what I've started calling The Dump. A lot of stuff goes in there-- other prisoners I can only assume-- and it seems like the only way in is through the top.

May 8

I've managed to get past the sentry and hide, but not without injury. My leg is probably broken and he got into my ribs pretty good. But I wasn't the only one... I managed to get at the sentry's eye, hopefully left a mark.


May 13?


Woke up late today. Not even sure what day it is anymore. I've lost too much blood, and I'm out of supplies. I think this might be it. God, I'm sorry, Betty. I couldn't get to Jerry. He was my best friend, my brother. Know that he loved you more than anything else in this world or the next. If this is found, tell my mother I love her and I served proudly... with no regrets.

                          + + + +
May 14


Ugh! today was awful! First, Miss Larson caught me talking to Sarah during Science (whatever), then she made me stay after class to talk about my grades! Then, when I get home the cable's out and Mark, THE ONLY PERSON WITH A CELL PHONE, won't let me call Tim. I hate this place, it's like a prison. Oh! And Dad totally found a gross dead mouse in the cabinet this morning! NASTY! WE KEEP FOOD IN THERE! Oh well, he threw it away like the other one kitty killed last week!!! Anyway, Chloe is coming over tonight because it's FRIDAY (what what) and her cousin said he'd buy us some beer (yay!) See ya! :) :) :)