“The Engineer”. Part 5 of Book I.
Book I: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Interlude.
Book II: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Away from the scientists and madmen, away from their New Eden; most of the crew goes back to their chambers and away into The Sleep…

But Not Me.

I opt for Rests, signing the waiver, gladly, for the year of my life that it will cost me.

I love hearing the engines whine down; going from a roar to a humming lullaby; offering a soft hello to its guests and the stars around us.

I like the flight crews I will see; both are mixtures of wisecrackers and veridico philosophers. They understand my love of the empty velvet, my longing for strange contemplations and the song of the black.

We move along this spiral arm, propelled by gravity and inertia, both wonderfully alone and in love with my companions; I realize…

We are never alone.

And I cry, full of joy; and they, they understand. I almost reach out, touch the Heart of the Stars. But I am distracted, my eyes caught on a flashing light.

We hang in that moment before panic;
We Are Not Alone.