FICTION

At The End

"Final escape pod disengaged," Hera proclaimed in her static voice.

"Thank you, " the Captain replied, wondering why he was thanking a mindless computer. Perhaps because there was no one left to talk to. The star-ship’s bridge stretched out before him, a collection of illuminated command stations bereft of any life. The star-ship itself was now an empty, non-functional vessel floating through the debris of an armada that had started off one billion attackers strong.

At one point the Captain had almost believed they would be victorious. But the enemy boasted far greater defenses, more maneuverable ships and advanced weaponry. It was all over within a matter of minutes. Now black, spider-like enemy destroyers were traversing the star-ship graveyard, searching for any remaining specks of life to extinguish from existence. It would only be a matter of time before they discovered the Captain. And all of the futile escape pods…

He silently walked past the empty command posts on the bridge, to stare out into the graveyard of debris and bodies floating in front of him, ignoring the flashing red alerts on all the panels. Thankfully all the alarms were on mute so he could peacefully wait for his end. One among countless lives lost in a giant bloodbath. And below him, their planet — their home — which they had failed to defend, would suffer the same fate from these alien invaders.

His reverie was shattered by the doors whirring behind him, and his First Officer exiting, panting.

"All the crew has escaped Captain."

"Fool! Why did you not get on with them?"

"Forgive me Captain. But we all know we are doomed. And I didn’t want you to be the only one of us that died alone."

The Captain smiled wryly. "… I guess everyone knew, didn’t they."

"We all did Captain. I want to die on the bridge with you Sir. It has been an honor to serve."

A sudden streak of red flashed before them, engulfing star-ship debris in a blinding explosion. Both survivors stared out as the destroyers continued their search, scanning all directions as they diligently searched for any stray survivors to exterminate.

"Well, if we are to die, I’m not doing it here," the Captain proclaimed. "Let’s go to the pantry. I’d rather die while stuffing my face. ' '

"Good thinking Captain. There are no windows there. Better than just sitting here and waiting for them."

Turning their backs on the approaching doom, they walked towards the ship’s pantry.

"Well, Captain, I guess that makes us the seventh species to be annihilated by the humans."

“. . . Indeed."

"Can anyone ever stop them?"

"I hope one day, one race will. But when… who knows. Years ago, they mined out, exhausted and utterly destroyed their home planet. Now, it seems they just want to takeover and colonize as many as possible."

"Bit selfish."

"Just a tad. I hope there’s some pudding on board."

"If there’s only one left, then it’s mine Captain"

"Over my dead body Officer."

“We will see Captain. We will see.”