Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 29: Loss

Zarra withheld oceans of tears as she walked up to the podium.

"He was a great boy, a caring crew member, and a son. The universe was cruel to take him at such a young age and rob him of a long life. Like so many before him, he will never make it back home, but he will always be with us."

She choked on her tears, straightening her composure. "It won't be easy for us with Marek gone, especially since Helen and Dean will grow up without a loving brother."

Marlin rested his hand on her shoulder.

"But we must go on."

* * *

Zarra stared out the window, the stars reflecting off her stern face. The doors behind her opened.

"Did you find him yet?"

"No."

"Marlin. . . I don't want to lose Roger like we lost Marek."

"We won't. Everyone's looking for him."

"And what if he's dead? What if I failed as a captain?"

Marlin paused. "You have never failed as a captain, and you will never be a failure. What happened to Marek wasn't anyone's fault, especially not yours. No one knew the P'Shari would attack, just as no one knew that the deck would collapse. This time we still have a chance to save him."

Zarra said nothing, her mind still drenched in grief and sorrow.

"I'll let you know if we find him. I gotta get back now. My shift starts soon."

"Wait."

"What is it?"

"I'm coming with you."

"And who will watch over the ship?"

"Hokins."

"All right. Let's go."

* * *

April 2, 2196

The ship shook violently, and then all went still. Zarra stood up, the scarlet lights illuminating her pastel face briefly.

"Everyone, get your weapons! We've been boarded." She pressed her wrist comm. "Ensign Holloway, find out where they'll enter!"

The ship groaned as they were pulled closer to the alien behemoth. Zarra grabbed a rifle from the weapons cache, entering the elevator shortly.

"Deck 5, section 22."

Zarra's eyes widened with horror.

"Give orders to evacuate the daycare and school. Get every child out of there now!"

"I'm on it."

Zarra exited the elevator, brandishing a heavy rifle, pushing past the crowds of civilians.

"Marek! Marek, are you here?"

She heard no sound, the wave of people eventually thinning. As the halls emptied, her heart raced. She barreled down the halls, meeting with the security forces rushing towards the predicted point of entry.

"Mom!"

She turned, spotting her child down the hall ahead of them. The ship jerked once more. She watched in horror as the school wall behind him erupted in a frenzy of sparks.

"Marek, run!"

The twelve-year-old raced towards her as a large metal chunk collapsed behind him. Chartreuse plasma bolts whizzed by the fleeing child, dark armored figures rushing in behind him. Zarra opened fire, shooting vermilion bolts in retaliation, covering for her child.