Space Rescue One (48 page)

***

Sheila and Ashika re-entered the airlock with empty suits clutched in their arms. They waited patiently for the airlock to cycle itself before they finally went past the inner hatch to suit up the survivors they found earlier.

      "If this was under some other circumstances, I could enjoy undressing them to put them in suits. Instead, I'm just having trouble enough keeping from crying so I can see what I'm doing," Sheila said.

      "That's how it is sometimes. You just have to fight back the tears as best you can since we can't open our helmets. I'll hold the suit while you stuff them in. Remember, take it slow and easy so they don't snag the suits," Ashika said.

      "Right, I'll start on this man since he's nearest," Sheila said.

***

Outside on the hull, suited figures from other ships waited patiently with suits donated from the freighters for use inside the doomed passenger ship.

"There's not much I can say that everyone doesn't already feel in their hearts. We've lost a dear friend who died in action while saving others. I don't think he would have wanted it any other way. I'm only glad that he knew he saved so many people before he lost his life. At least he went out with a gladness in his heart and soul and the sounds of success on his lips. I'm sorry for a lot of reasons just like all of you are. He so much liked being a part of everything that was happening around him. He so much wanted to see other stars up close. It's a pity that he died now without knowing that we'll soon have FTL space craft. I can only hope that God permits him to visit all the stars he wanted to see. After all, Jimmy was a good man and he deserves the opportunity. . ." Richard sobbed for a moment as a lump gathered in his throat. He finally said,        "I'm sorry, I can't talk anymore without getting too emotional. Goodbye, Jimmy."

      Chief Laumer stepped up to the intercom and read softly:

   In blackness of space, sailed the human race

   On its way to unnatural disaster

   One thousand souls unaware of the shoals

   When the comet pressed God's hand upon her.

   The deaths were many, the carnage took any

   Whose luck ran out on that fateful day

   Most of the crew were lost, in the initial cost

   Leaving the passengers to learn how to pray

   From the void far beyond, the limits of song

   Sailed the
SRO
to answer their need

   Only a few stalwart men and just as few women

   Risked all they possessed, even to bleed

   Through darkness they struggled, reaching victims who huddled

   Saving them no matter the cost

   Their gallantry stands, against eternal sands

   And the bell tolls for those who were lost.

      Chief Dickson spoke into the intercom, "Toll the bell once for Jimmy."

      A moment later, the somber sound of a bell tolled over the intercom and out into space over the ship's radio to be repeated over and over again on other ships out of respect.

END