Up There and Alone - Flash Vignette
“How is it up there?”
“How is it up there?”
A crackle over the radio.
“Quiet. Very quiet.”
“Well, they picked you for that very reason. You should be in heaven.”
“Not this kind,” The pilot admitted.
“What other kinds of quiet are there?”
“The kind with people around, and the kind without.”
“Is that a problem? We can always pull you back before burn.”
“Cut the shit. You know I don’t abort.”
“Okay, good. I lied anyways. We couldn’t pull you back.”
“Asshole.”
They chuckled through static.
Far beyond the edge of the solar system’s furthest known body, he spun in silence. Orbiting in sunlight already eighteen hours old. Even inside the ship, it felt cold.
Farfarout Ag37 lived up to its name. Until today, it had been the loneliest thing humanity had ever touched.
Now it had company.
“How’s it going up there?”
“It’s going. Checklist complete.” A pause. “It’s too quiet, Ground.”
Static.
“Its almost loud.”
“I think I know what you mean.”
Another voice came faintly through mission control chatter. Murmers behind a shoulder.
“Ground says you can use your playlist.”
“Thank God.”
“Don’t thank Him yet. You’re about to be shot into the dark.”
“Oh, golly gee. Lucky lucky me!”
Then control finally spoke the words.
“I’ve got a go on all counts.”
Silence seeped further into the pilot.
“You’re on your own now; You can make the burn when ready.”
Then, speaking closer into the mic Ground control spoke, “God be with you.”
“It’s been an honor,” the pilot faltered. “I’ll say hello to your descendants when I get back.”
A laugh.
“If they’re here. I still can’t hold down a woman.”
“I’m sure she’s out there buddy.” Looking out into the unknown. “I’m sure there’s alot out there.” He adjusted his gloves. “Have a nice life folks. I’ll visit your graves.”
“Keep them clean. No roses for me.”
“Noted.”
His hand hovered over ignition. Ready to kill his umbilical home.
“Going for burn.”
Then quieter:
“See you all soon.”
But he wouldn’t.
Couldn’t.
His ship turned its nose toward the stars. Black and sleek against the void. Then the engine bloomed blue.
Everything disappeared behind him. Farfarout was a spec.
How would home look when he returned? Would there be cities?
Would there be people?
The burn deepened.
And then—
just him.
Up there,
and Alone.
-MAKINGMRK
Chilling!