The fear that floats through empty space
Can cause some to lose their sight
And cause some disgrace
And send their spirits to flight
But fear itself is conquered
By patience kind and pure
And nothing can disturb this
And make things how they were
The flight had been hectic. Three greens had gotten space sickness, and had to be escorted to the infirmary. 5 patrons were very upset about this, and were having no trouble voicing this anger. Cedric sat down in the break room frustrated. Greens knew better. They should know better than to take stewarding jobs on their first flight. Burying his face in his hands he groaned, knowing that he was the last steward left on this flight. Rather the last one in “working” order. If only they’d make greens stay in the kitchen for starters things would be so much easier.
“Cedric, the passengers in first class are getting anxious, how much longer until their meals are ready?” The ships computer, Paul, asked him in a concerned tone. “We can’t risk them getting all uppity.”
“It’s too late for that and you well know it. They’re already uppity. Not to mention some of them aren’t even capable of understanding a word of what I say. And I have no idea what they’re asking for.”
“I told you, if you would like I can start some translating programs…”
“NO! It would only make things worse because then I would have to figure out how to go about fulfilling all these travelers’ demands and I really don’t want to. I’ve had it. Unless they up my pay for the next flight, I might go looking for a new job.”
“Hodge podge and fiddle faddle. You say that every time you get stuck working with greens Cedric. Thus I have come to expect that disgruntled attitude when you work with them. I highly doubt though that you’ll find a better job than this one in the present economy.”
“You talk too much Paul. How much longer will it be until we arrive at New Buffalo Space Port?” Cedric stretched and got to his feet. He checked his uniform and sighed noting how disheveled he appeared. Not only that but he had large black circles around his eyes due to the lack of sleep he’d been dealing with during the flight.
“About half an hour.”
“In that case, I’m going to the mess hall for a drink, as well as for something to eat. You know full well that I’ve been working my ass off. So back off.” Cedric could feel his body tensing up as he spoke, and he knew the computer system was noting the changes in his physical state.
“Cedric, yes. I agree go get something to eat, go have a stiff drink, then get back to first class, where some passengers are asking why they’re not getting the same channels as they were in the last galaxy.”
“Heh. Can’t you explain that to them? I mean they do know that I keep having to check in on the greens and am sure that they know I’ve hardly eaten anything.”
“No. you have to do it; Captains orders.” Paul said simply, although his programmed voice was starting to sound tense as though the system was becoming frustrated with the present interaction.
“Can’t she do it?” Cedric shot back angrily. Sometimes he really felt as though they thought he was the only one on the ship with the ability to talk to people.
“You know very well she can’t.” Paul replied shortly.
“Well I don’t want to.” Cedric protested, heading down the hallways talking to the ships computer system. It seemed so normal to him, even though some first time travelers found it….slightly disturbing. Sometimes he wondered… if maybe…the galaxies were becoming too dependent upon machines. But… he often dismissed the thoughts.
Cedric punched in the code to the main kitchen, and was greeted by the sound of someone singing loudly, and banging dishes. He smiled and laughed. It was always refreshing to come down here. Even though they had machines on the ship that could make the food, they still had a cook on board. More as a precaution, since Paul’s programming for some exotic dishes wasn’t always the greatest. Cedric had first met her… oh…when he was 18 and just a Green himself. She’d been very kind to him, and he was proud to say that he hadn’t succumbed to the normal space sickness most first time travelers had gotten. But part of that was because Mariel had given him many tips.
Mariel, had been traveling on spaceships her whole life. And…she was Cedrics best friend at this point. So when he came into the mess he shouted to her. “Mariel! Are you down here?” As was their time created custom.
“Cedric!” She sang back her voice high and melodious; she’d trained in singing so her voice could bring tears to a listener's eye if they let it. “Oh Cedric my Darling where have you been so long? I’ve been waiting since morning, since right before dawn…”
“Mariel my sweetheart, you know me so well, I’ve been fighting with demons on the edge of hell. But now I’m home with you my love, so I know that all is well.”
Mariel stopped singing and laughed, coming out from behind a pile of pots and pans, wiping her hands on her pale green apron. “Not bad today. You’ve gotten better with the improvisation of song lately. I almost think that you’ve been practicing when they give us that rare and almost extinct thing they call time off.”
Cedric looked into her brilliant mauve eyes and winked at her. “Now Mariel is that you accusing me of cheating? Or are you suggesting that I need to study?” Cedric looked around the kitchen, and found the cookie jar, pulling it out of its hiding place with a laugh.
Mariel put her hands on her hips, her reddish skin contrasting against the pale green apron, like blood on ivy. “Never would I accuse you of that. But I must ask why you think you can come in here and accost my poor cookie jar without asking.” Her tone was scolding, but she was only playing.
Cedric went to theatrics mode, and looked apologetic, and pouted. “Mariel may I please have a cookie? It would make the last bit of this flight ever so much more enjoyable…”
“You’re a real rake you know that?” Mariel said not missing a beat. “Go on take a cookie and get out of here whelp; unless you want to deal with the dishes?”
“Oh no; A cookie is all I want.” Cedric replied with a laugh. “Thanks Mar. You’ve got a way to make things seem better.”
“Yeah I know… This flight has had a horrible case of the Greens. But once we land, we have a week off. Isn’t that something to look forward to?”
“You have no idea.” Cedric said with a laugh as he left the kitchen and headed towards first class. “You have no idea.”
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