Silence
By Robert M. Durden
Silence.
That’s all that could be heard in the void of space. He always wondered why. The planets and stars all give off their own celestial music only heard through technology but in space no one can hear their song. The hum of the space station was the only thing he could hear now. All of it’s mechanisms working in perfect harmony to create a dull hum. It was this constant noise that drove him mad. It had no feeling, no heart and was always there.
He sipped his tea from it’s clear container as he continued to stare out his office window.
“ So many stars so little time.” he said to himself gazing into the starry void. Never was there a time like this. There had been recently confirmed reports that a new alien life form had been spotted coming from one of the mysterious planets outside the asteroid belt. No one knew what affiliation they held but he felt a storm brewing on the horizon.
“ Sir,” a page said standing on the opposite side of his desk. He didn’t know how long the page stood there. Seconds. Minutes. Hours. He didn’t care.
“Yes,” he replied taking another sip of his tea as he continued his star gazing.
“ The Federation members are here awaiting your arrival.” the page said nervously from his tone.
“ Thank you,” he said no chalantly and watched the page leave through the reflection.
He dreaded this. Another pointless meeting. How many was it this month? Week? He pulled out his pocket watch seeing the second hand in constant motion. Just like the sound of the station time kept a constant pace. Never slowing. Always moving forward. Second after second. Minute after minute. He could hear the ticking ringing in his ears like a timebomb ready to go off. But he’s not that lucky.
He replaced the watch as he stood to the window taking one last glance. He then turned to his office. It looked cold and sterilized much like the rooms at a doctors office. The desk was cold steel and was perfectly organized. It had no feeling, no heart. The rest of the room had bare walls. The only thing of value to him was his bookcase which sat many a volume of forgotten lore. He slowly exited the office and as he did it was instantly plunged into darkness.
Outside his office were a few people talking to themselves. He could hear all of their S’s swirl silently through the sultry station. He continued on his way through a tubular glass hallway open to the stars. It almost seemed like a snowstorm at midnight yet the snow stood still. The stars were constantly there only changing when the station did.
He came upon the meeting room. He looked at the door for a second before entering. The room was filled with noise like the chattering of chipmunks as they gathered food. He stood at the head of the table and looked at the occupants while the talking simmered down.
To the right sat General Halfback for Rao. He sat there in his military uniform with all of his medals as if to show how conniving he could be. All of his medals were won by some underground information, underhanded trick or secret plot. He was one not to be trusted not even by his family or friends. He looked to the generals slowly graying hair and thought him like a sly old fox. Many years of experience for being deceptive.
Beside him sat the Zealot with his lightly tinted skin and muscles bulging from his tight clothing. This one was a card. A character always taking risks. Always with his sheepish grin that could charm anyone. He had pilfered many deserving things for Zeal with that smile. He sat there stretched out in his chair as he played with a pen. With such charm come an ego which he has surprisingly yet to see but know it’s there.
Across from him sat Secretary Mendoza at the other end of the table. Very Professional. Almost too professional. He never once her smile or heard laughter from her elegant voice. She seemed another constant to the station as a whole.
Beside her to the left side was the Kumoan. Helpful Cheerful. Which was surprising from a giant insect. He was the most trustworthy on the Federation but also the most spineless. He much like all Kumoa was controlled by Rao and they almost didn’t seem to mind.
And last beside him on the left was Samantha Drake. The “head” of Talamh. She was a human yet all of the original inhabitants weren’t. Yet another example of Raoian rule. She played the part well though. She had all the aspects of a great leader yet she was naive. She would let almost anyone walk all over her. Not that she wasn’t strongwilled or didn’t have good decision making ability but she wouldn’t know what’s happening until it’s too late.
The room got quiet and he stood there enjoying it for a second before beginning. He start to speak. A speech he had worked out weeks before. One that he had already memorized. He didn’t know what he was saying though. His mind was elsewhere. It reminded him of one of his favorite quotes.
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts a frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
He finished his speech. Samantha Drake and the Kumoan left the room. Samantha looking like she had something on her mind and the bug just trying to skitter away. The Zealot stayed trying to pick up the secretary as always she looked unamused. The General came up and muttered something about the alien threat. He didn’t care. He walked out of the room followed by the General when it seemed time for once slowed.
There was some very foreign alien, almost like a Kumoan but slightly different, coming forward as if to talk to him. He paused waiting for words but instead saw a twisted dagger appear. He didn’t know what to do. Should he do anything? The blade slowly came down upon him. He could have moved, leapt away but he stayed put. The blade was lodged into his chest and he saw his blood on his hands.
“ This I do in honor of the royalty.” was the last thing he heard before hitting the marble floor with a thud. Everything was all a commotion above him but slowly went away. Finally what he’s always longed for.
Silence.