No. 9 The very noisy night (tossing and turning)
~
The bed was warm and comfortable, but he still couldn't sleep. It was his first night on a spaceship. And Keenser had to admit that all the training down on Earth had really reduced his sickness.
He remembered the man who had told him that it would be a horrible experience at first, but that it would get better.
George Kirk.
He had been there for him... until he wasn't anymore.
The Kelvin. Destroyed.
George. Killed.
Keenser had dedicated his service to his lost friends. But especially to the first officer. No... captain. George had been a captain in his final moments.
So on that first night on a ship, Keenser couldn't help but think about him and the others.
At the academy he had been taught that it was safe. The ships were built for long journeys. Nothing could happen if the engineers did their job properly.
He was an engineer. He did a good job.
But what if others didn't? Or what if there was an attack?
He was scared that something might happen.
Keenser thought about his new crewmates. They were nice. But... some of them seemed careless. What if one of them made a mistake and accidently killed them all?
He flipped to the left side and tried to close his eyes. He needed to sleep. His next shift would start in nine hours. And the Roylan had to be rested for it.
However, as soon as he closed his eyes, he heard all the noises around him ten times louder.
The ship's engines. Air coming from the life support systems. The heating system.
His heart was beating faster. What if something would break? He rolled onto his right side and tried to fade out all the sounds.
It didn't work. So he eventually grabbed his pillow and used it to cover his free ear. Eyes squeezed shut, he tried to breath calmly.
'That's right buddy. Breathe in and out. Nice and slow.'
He heard George's voice in his head. When Keenser had felt nauseous on his first trip by shuttle, the human had done his best to help him feel better.
It had worked back then.
But would it work this time? Now that George was gone?
Keenser focused on his breathing.
Inhale, exhale.
Inhale, exhale.
He felt his facial features relaxing. Tears streamed down his face, soaking through the bedsheets.
But it worked.
After tossing and turning for what seemed like forever he finally found peace.
'Thank you George.'