CHAPTER IV

“You are one smokin’ broad,” the young, restless, man coyly called out to the opposite end of the swanky, black bar top. “Just call me Brake Ricky Brake!”

The woman finished ordering her drink, turning to him with disgust. “Excuse me?”

“What? Excuse you? Why?”

The woman turned back to the tender who mixed her drink, wondering why a man with such little couth would be allowed into a place such as this.

“Hey! I wasn’t finished.”

The woman ignored him. The man didn’t care. He swiveled from side to side on his bar stool and stared her down, continuing on. “Why is it? The name, you know. Why Brake? Well, it’s simple!” His grin slowly spread from ear to ear. “‘Cause I just don’t know when to stop!” After a pause, his laugher burst, though he quickly smothered it with the rim of his pint. The overdone recipient of his nonsense received her drink and promptly left.

“Hey! I fly spaceships, bitch! Show some respect!” he called after her before swiveling back, facing the tender, and slamming his worn combat boots onto the gold plated foot rests that ran along the lower trim. Steeped with boredom, he incessantly tapped an obnoxiously fast drum roll on the pristine, reflective counter, hoping for more entertainment. “Pchoom!”

The elongated island bar where the young man was seated was situated in the middle of the large, polished, brightly lit room. The rows of comfortable, ornate booths that lined the curved, crystal clear walls began to fill with hungry patrons, treating them to all their eyes could behold with an unmatched gaze into the illumination of the universe. They drank colorful alcohol while they beamed with boastful chatter in between sips, lamenting the tribulations of attempting to squander the girth of their wallets. Most of them were here to witness the greatest achievement in the history of mankind as ESURTA was only hours from embarking upon its maiden voyage. And as more guests arrived, a trio of masterful jazz musicians livened up the atmosphere, effortlessly displaying low-pitched, walking bass lines, sharpened piano hooks, and extravagantly textured rhythms.

The upper crust isolated the underdressed man, assuming his worth was a reflection of his appearance. Though, Rick didn’t care. His demeanor never faltered, still as giddy as can be, as the only entertainment he found he needed emptied down his throat, leaving behind a satisfied smile from underneath the shade of a black I.S.O. cap; his eyes went typically unseen, covered up by silver-rimmed aviator sunglasses. And though the young man’s jovial, sometimes, childish attitude was intolerable to some; there still lay a very welcoming sense about him. A certain slosh of drunken charm. And his loyalty unrivaled. Ironically, the only thing Rick enjoyed more than throwing back drinks was performing his duties as a military pilot of classified, lethal contraptions.

And of course, space worthy ships.

Two tall, clean-cut, well-dressed men approached the bar. They briefly made eye contact with the shabby outcast and ordered matching tumblers of whiskey. A few whispers were traded between the two before they again turned to the young man. “Sorry to bother you,” one of the men said, “but are you Richard Warrick?” Rick smiled and nodded. The men then introduced themselves, took turns shaking the pilot’s hand and upon receiving their drinks raised them in his honor. Rick excitedly returned their gestures as the men kindly spoke words of encouragement and best wishes on the upcoming launch. The three of them then drank to successful discovery before the two men walked away, clasped hands, and made their way through the forming crowd to get a closer look at the musicians as they played. The encounter left Rick with a warming sense of pride and a cockeyed grin as he downed the final remnants of the pint, displaying his affection for the crisp taste of icy beer with a loud click of his tongue and a breathy ‘Ah…’ Then immediately he waived down a tender to replace his now empty pint.

“You do realize the launch is happening in about sixteen hours, right? Granted, I may be responsible for this gathering, and yes, I should have taken into consideration the end result of handing an addict a vice, but can you at least attempt to show some restraint?” Kovac said, resting his wide hand on Rick’s shoulder.

“You’re right, you’re right,” Rick said, trying to sip the dark-tan liquid underneath the layer of froth while his lips uncontrollably stretched into a smile, “this is your fault. Cheers, Commander.”

“Uncharted territories in outer space? Exploration...? Historical relevance? You being trusted to control a priceless, interstellar ship through the heart of the vast unknown? Any of that dropping into focus?”

“In fact, yes. Some of it is. Or, no, all of it. It’s all in focus…I think. But no worries, Kovac. Sit! Drink! And smile!” Rick laughed and slid out a stool with a stiff brush of his boot. “Relax!”

The Commander rolled his eyes and accepted the offering, joining his intoxicated friend. “Also, Brake, look around. You’re aware we aren’t at the Remedy, yes? This place has…more…well, class, for one thing. And as a representative of the military, you should really be in uniform.” A tender approached the two men and instantly recognized Kovac, offered greetings, and swiftly served him a tall pint filled with a robustly hoppy ale. The Commander nodded respectfully as he accepted his usual drink, breathing in its bitter aroma with an air of calmness, and turned again to Rick. “Do you have your pills?”

“Yes, mother. Sure do.” The two men sipped in unison, each clacking their drinks down on the bar. “But enough about me; seems like Vaughn still isn’t adjusting too well.” “Understatement of the year,” Kovac mumbled, discreetly surveying the crowds of people in the room.

“It’s been a year since we got back. Figured, ya know, he’d—”

“Snap out of it?”

“Yeah. Basically. ‘Cause – Look. We were there on Brouva, too. I mean – I get it – his mind is probably still over there…somewhere. Trying to remember— to forget… I don’t know. But, it’s been a year. Well nearly. War’s over, man. We won. Ya know? Let’s now live the lives we earned.”

“No complaints from me. For once, ‘Drunken Ricky’ is making a lot of sense. Wonders never cease,” The Commander said with a budding smirk.

“Funny.” Rick gulped down a mouthful. “I mean… We seem fine, right? We’ve got our heads on. At least I do. You’re okay, too, right?” Rick sipped his beer.

“I am.” Kovac quickly sipped his drink. “Unfortunately, that’s irrelevant. You and I both know Vaughn was in deeper – had to endure more. His experience was ten-fold.” Kovac again sipped his beer, savoring its complex flavors. “He lost a lot, and in his eyes, didn’t gain much.” A shade of silence washed over the two of them as they both reflected on the circumstances mentioned. “Although,” Kovac said, licking his lips, “you see, when it comes to Vaughn, he’s always been—”

“Always been what, Kovac?” Vaughn asked, overhearing the conversation as he approached the duo, taking a seat next to the Commander. “I’m what exactly?”

“A stubborn asshole,” Kovac stated, sipping his drink.

Vaughn grinned and turned to the tender quickly making his way to the Captain.

“What’ll it be, Sir.”

“Something German.”

“Yes, Sir. We have many—”

“Doesn’t matter. Just make sure it’s on tap. Anything will do.”

“Sir.” The tender nodded respectfully, departing to prepare the drink.

Vaughn took a moment to survey the crowd, enjoying the lively pace of the jazz trio. “And, you know, Commander, I am the superior officer here. Yes? Let’s try to keep this relationship on a professional level. Keep the insults to a minimum.”

“Since when are you concerned with—”

“Just show some respect.” Vaughn said, diverting his attention to the drink that was placed in front of him.

“This is the finest—”

“Honestly, I don’t care. Did you spit in it?”

The tender cocked his head, appearing more shocked at the horrid notion than confused that it was even asked. “(Enter name of bar) maintains the highest of standards. Acts like those would never be permitted, Sir.”

Vaughn simply stared at the man who nervous met his gaze, unsure of what to say or do next.

“Anytime now,” Vaughn said, gulping down a mouthful.

“Sir?”

“Leave. Go. Fucking, do something.”

The man left with a forced smile. Rick began laughing. Kovac drained another gulp of beer.

“You know what they say, Vaughn: Big title, little dick,” the Commander said, grinning. “Small Dong Vaughn. Just flows right off the tongue.”

Rick continued to laugh, trying to speak through the giggling fits, “Come to think of it, Cap, I use that same line on these bitches all the time.” He paused to gather himself. “‘I’m the superior officer, show some respect!’” The noticeably intoxicated man then tilted back his head and filled his mouth, roughly swallowing the bitter pools that collected in his throat. “…And they never will,” Kovac muttered.

Having downed the remains of his pint, Rick slammed the empty glass down on the bar, belching loudly, and giggling afterwards. “I know, right?” Rick said, slapping Kovac on the back. “See, you get it, Kovac. Kovac fuckin’ gets it. They’re all just prissy bitches who just can’t take a hint.”

“Clearly, that’s what I meant. aren’t exactly…well...”

Vaughn leaned on the bar, ducking into Rick’s line of sight, making sure the pilot noticed him before briefly raising his pint. “I think what Kovac’s trying to say is, you’re a fucking child.”

“Ha, ha.” Rick slowly grinned, waving down a tender, wanting another round. “Yeah… okay. Maybe I am.”

“Maybe?” Both Vaughn and Kovac answered in unison.

“Alright! Fine! It’s true. Fuck it! I’ll remember you two assholes next time I’m in control of that bird. ‘Cause once we get underway – first black hole we find – I’m going to bang the shit out of it with ESURTA’s tip. Loosen up that lovely bit, ya know?” Rick roared with laughter, “Till it’s ready to burst! Pachoom!” The tender replaced Rick’s empty pint with frothy, fresh one.

Vaughn and Kovac meekly smirked, unable to make sense of what he just heard.

“Gentlemen!” Rick quickly clasped his hand around the fresh, sweaty pint and raised it to cheers, joined shortly by two others. “A toast. Here’s to it to do it, and do it again. Because if you never get to it, to do it, then you’ll never get to it to do it again.” The other two smiled at the familiar drunken slur and raised their glasses as well before clanging their drinks together, draining a few mouthfuls of beer and reflecting in a stint of silence.

“Hey Vaughn, so you meet the new Chief Engineer D’Easia? Pretty cute, right?” Kovac asked, ordering another drink.

“Wait, who?”

Before the Commander could respond, Rick once again chimed in, this time singing, “Who’s the bravest one of all? Gifted with strength, he’s tall, tall, TALL!” his alcohol stained vibrato lingering in the air. The two officers briefly glanced to their drunken friend, lost in his own existence, and simply decided to ignore him, hoping he’d stop being obnoxious, knowing he probably wouldn’t.

“Anyway.” Kovac paused, turning his attention back to Vaughn. “So?”

“So, what?” Vaughn said, swigging down the final swill of beer.

“The new Trilobian—”

“Oh, right, right. Cute? I don’t know…maybe, Kovac. Not really into aliens. Not my…my interest lies more with her abilities and making sure she doesn’t, you know, vaporize us into oblivion. Vandris—” Vaughn cut himself off, staring blankly at the frothy residue in the bottom of his glass. Kovac grew quiet as well. Rick’s attention was instantly corralled. They watched Vaughn with some concern, making sure to grant him their full undivided attention incase he wanted to elaborate further on the name he spoke. Though, with only a momentary lapse completed, the tough-as-nails Captain disregarded the sullen trance with nothing more than a lazy exhale, shifting his gaze to the attentive men next to him. “What—”

“Vandris was one hell of a Chief Engineer. One hell of a leader. A friend,” Kovac interrupted, trying to fish out some of the Captain’s deeper thoughts.

Thoughts Vaughn kept bound to himself tighter than any vacuumed seal.

“I’m aware,” Vaughn quietly said as the tender placed another beer in front of him.

“He really was amazing,” Rick chimed in. He paused and slowly lifted his pint, rolling back a couple gulps. “…Reliable. Count on him for anything, really. …Vandris…” Rick paused again. Emotions beginning to surface and build. His eyes lacquered with a wet gloss while his lips formed a knowing smile across his melancholy demeanor. “Fucking, Vandris… Everything ESURTA needed. Oh, but uh, no disrespect, Vaughn.”

Silence.

The three men were stilled in sadness and regret. The stillness, juxtaposed by the pace of melody and rhythm and by the dozens of party guests that lively buzzed around them as they reclaimed the past.

“Well…I gotta take a piss.” Rick pushed out away from the bar and wobbly stood from the stool, gingerly making his way to the restroom.

Kovac finished his drink and gently set it down on the bar, covering the beaded water ring that had collected.

Vaughn trained his sight on the flurry of carbonated bubbles that furiously shimmied to the coating of fluffy froth at the surface. “I was already prepared to die – already engaged the core reactor for departure. Literally in the act of booting it…; just had to open the hatch. But for some reason – and I’ll never understand it – he ordered me to stop.” His fingers clasped around the sweaty glass. “He left the bridge. Came down to the reactor bay. ‘Go to the bridge. They’ll need you to lead them home.’” He sipped from underneath the froth. “Then he forced me from the room. Sealed the door. And that was that. Last time I saw him.” Vaughn dipped his finger in the foam, watching it slowly disintegrate.

“It was his order to give, and yours to follow. There’s nothing more to it. You didn’t have a choice, only a solution. His death was honorable, the way any soldier would have wanted to go.” Kovac placed a hand on Vaughn’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “He believed in you more than any I’ve known. It wasn’t in vain, Vaughn. You were the one who didn’t back down. Took charge. You summoned something inside few of us have ever touched on.”

Vaughn sat without a rebuttal – without movement – distracted by an unpleasant bombardment of jaded events. His heavy mind reeled with pending pressure. Nausea crept in. Emptiness swirled his belly. He felt alone, barely hearing Kovac’s words as they seemed to stem at a great distance from a world of specters.

“You led ESURTA into the teeth of the furnace. And did so admirably. You proved Vandris’ actions weren’t foolish – proving that he was doing a lot more than keeping his best friend alive.” Kovac noticed Vaughn’s detached attitude. Again, he squeezed his shoulder, trying to get him to lift his attention and fulfill any sort of emotional stake in his words. But the Captain was too preoccupied. Too buried in his thoughts. Something inside him continued to reach for the surface. It wanted destruction.

It wanted chaos.

Vaughn’s heart began to race. Chilled beads of sweat formed. He crushed his eyelids together trying to force away the anguish.

“Vandris already knew what everyone else would soon realize, that you’d be the catalyst to a victorious end. Vaughn—”

“Enough,” Vaughn murmured, losing control, feeling as if his insides were to separate.

“You saved an entire planet of people from destruction—”

“I said enough,” he said, unsure of whether or not he actually spoke the words aloud or reserved them for the entity within, as it continued to smother against the barricade. Inches from release.

“Stop!” Vaughn’s eyes popped open. His muscles corded.

And there was silence once again.

Kovac eased his grip, doing as his Captain wanted, turning from him without another word. The Commander propped his elbows up on the bar and hovered over his drink, plucking it from the top, letting it dangle, sipping periodically. He nonchalantly gathered a quick glance around before lowering his gaze in favor of another refreshing taste. The sips turned into gulps, until the pint was nearly drained.

The outburst was enough to thrust Vaughn back in control of his emotions; for now it had passed. “At any rate,” The Captain said, keeping his eyes trained forward. “I’m sure Xuvectrin will be a very serviceable engineer.”

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