The Salute of Silent Men
This too shall pass.
"... happy hunting, boys!"
I looked down in time to see the LAUNCHCON light flick from red to green. Lifting the safety cap off the switch below the tiny glow, I waited my customary three heartbeats and flipped it upwards.
The locking arms released us in choreographed sequence. Centrifugal force flung us away from the starship, hard white spikes of thrust igniting one by one once we were safely away from the hull.
I pushed the stick right and down, forming up neatly behind the leader. In a nervous habit I hated but had never bothered to kick, I began to whistle Krakner's Fourth. Everyone knew it was Captain Iremond's favourite, although there was a silent pact never to mention it to him. Mess talk was that he hummed it to ease his jitters. I hoped he wasn't at it right now.
For me, however, Krakner had a different meaning. I'd met her on the last night of my graduation celebrations, and shared a dance during the last number of the evening.
I tapped thrust in time to the drums. What a night it had been.
Comments (6 so far!)
Average reader rating 5.00/5
HSAR
I wouldn't like to speak on anyone else's behalf, but @Abstract and @Elshahawk (not sure if mentions are a working feature right now) have written multiple pieces in the last month so could at least be considered active.
- #1205 Posted 9 years ago
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HSAR
I echo the sentiment of the late, great Terry Pratchett whenever people compliment me on my writing. There really isn't much to it, and I usually feel a little undeserving - in fact, as I mentioned, the "The Clash of Silent Drums" features essentially the same tricks with at least equal effectiveness.
- #1206 Posted 9 years ago
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ElshaHawk LoA
I'm around, but very slow to participate. Part of that is work stress, and part of that is not having ideas. Where are my muses??!
- #1215 Posted 9 years ago
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HSAR
I know how you feel, Elsha. These days I feel like I'm mostly just cranking words out to keep the habit going, rather than developing any truly original or exciting stuff.
- #1220 Posted 9 years ago
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Inspired by (sequel to):
Captain Iremond paced the length of the bridge. He knew it wasn’t good for the crew’s morale but he …
The Clash of Silent Drums- Published 9 years ago.
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Robert Quick
Very nice. I was just thinking about a series that was told from different points of view but kept advancing the background story. I am a little sad that notifications don't let me know, I've been sequeled. Also, I liked your previous comment about Krakner's unfinished Fifth. It kind of reminded me of Atlas Shrugged. Kudos for making Krakner at least semi-contemporary. I am always in awe of your sci-fi powers.