Apollo 1101
Written by: Aniket
“Houston, we have a problem…”
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening, what?”
“I said we have a problem!”
“You have a problem? You are away, roaming around in space, adventures and stuff. Thrilling life. I have a nagging wife to go to every day after work, who works my credit cards out faster than Jack Bauer takes care of all those terrorist threats. And I have a teenage daughter who has taken an interest in rock music and rockers. So tell you what Jones, I have problems! Too many of them!”
“Umm… I am concerned about you General Bartwidth, I really am. But we have an emergency situation here, that requires your immediate attention.”
“Wandering into the vast space of nothingness and still can’t find time to chat for five minutes, eh? So what is it?”
“Our systems are failing, sir. We are straying away from our orbit trajectory. We need technical assistance!”
“O0h. That sounds serious. Hey Roy, come over here, our folks far far away are facing some technical difficulties and need the tech support of earthlings.”
Roy gulped the last bit of the hot dog he had in his mouth and managed, “What seems to be the problem?”
“The screens are just showing some random binary code. We have lost all control over the primary system”
“Did you try turning off and on again?”
“We are in space, not sitting in some basement playing solitaire during a coffee break, so no Roy, I didn’t try turning it off and on again. These are the primary control systems I’m talking about. Would you please get us some real help, General? And one more thing. I don’t know for how long the communication lines would stay open… things are not looking good here General. If I don’t make it, tell Susan, I love her. And that I missed her everyday here.”
“I will, Jones”, Bartwidth replied, “You’re a good lad, son.”
“It was an honor working with you sir. This is one of the better ways to die.”
Roy shouted over his shoulders, “May be some other day, you cheesy space-cowboy. You’re systems should be working fine now.”
“What?”, Jones checked the systems and hugged his crew in joy, “Yes. YES! They are! Roy you’re a genius.”
The General enquired, “What was the issue Roy?”
“I don’t know. Will have to check the logs. It’ll take time. For now, I logged in remotely to their systems and turned it off and on again. Seems to work fine for now.”
“Very well then. Good work Roy. As for you. I’m glad you’ll be ok Jones. I should probably call your wife and tell you’re not dead.”
“What?”, Jones quizzed.
“Well, I’d texted her that you passed away and that you loved her. You said to do so yourself. It seemed pretty done deal back then.”
“So you texted her that I’m dead? What kind of a sick freak are you? Don’t you close the comm channels on me Bartwidth. Don’t..”